Summer is the perfect time to embrace the wonders of your local area, whether that be grabbing a bite to eat, exploring the surrounding parks or hitting the shops. Just a mile away from Welwyn Garden City’s town centre is our stunning Shared Ownership apartments at Willow Place where buyers can enjoy having everything this buzzing Hertfordshire has to offer.

Bursting with shops, restaurants and sports venues, Welwyn Garden City is the UK’s second Garden City designed to bring together a clever balance of urban living with a tranquil injection of countryside. With regular rail services transporting residents into the hub of Kings Cross in under 30 minutes, this metropolitan haven is within easy commuting distance of the capital.

For passionate shoppers, the charming Neo-Georgian town centre hosts The Howard Centre. Here you will find all your high-street favourites, including H&M, New Look and Clarks. Just down the street, a John Lewis department store provides three floors of fashion, beauty and home-interior inspiration. A wide selection of supermarkets are great for topping up the weekly food shop, however, when you want a break from the washing up, there are plenty of restaurants nearby. Treat yourself to a meal at one of your favourites like Bill’s, Pizza Express and Cote Brasserie. Or, if you are looking for something a little more adventurous, grab a table at Misya Meze & Grill for delightful Turkish and Anatolian cuisine, or at Raj Garden Indian restaurant for bold colours and spicy flavours.

If you are hoping to immerse yourself in culture and history, look no further! Travel back to the year 250AD with a trip to nearby Welwyn Roman Baths, or visit the working watermill at Mill Green Museum and Mill to learn more about the historic craft of flour production.

Fitness fiends will be delighted with the variety of leisure facilities on offer in Welwyn Garden City. Take inspiration from the Tokyo Olympics and head to Gospling Sports Park, where there is a 100 station gym, cycling velodrome, six-lane athletics track, gymnastics hall and even a dry ski slope! Alternatively, budding golfers can take their pick of three local courses: Welwyn Garden City Golf Club, Panshanger Golf Complex and The Club at Mill Green.

Given its namesake, it is hardly surprising that you will never be far from green space in Welwyn Garden City. Panshanger Park, for example, covers a spectacular 1,000 acres filled with wildflowers, butterflies and birds. With 24 kilometres of paths to explore, Panshanger Park is ideal keen walkers. The equally impressive Stanborough Park hosts two stunning lakes, children’s play facilities and designated picnic spots, perfect for a day out with the whole family. Stanborough Park is also home to the Vertigo Adventure high and low ropes course, as well as The Stanborough Park Watersports Centre, where you can try your hand at paddleboarding, open-water swimming and sailing.

The fun doesn’t have to stop in the evening, as the town enjoys a wonderful array of pubs. The appropriately named The Doctors Tonic, is located in a building that is well connected to the area’s history, previously housing Cottage Hospital during the second world war. Those hoping to meet the locals should visit The Sheldan Inn, as this family-friendly pub prides itself in its abundant community spirit. Alternatively, those seeking a charming pub steeped in traditional values need look no further than The Chieftain, where you can enjoy exquisite alfresco dining in the summer and the warmth of several roaring fires in the winter.

However you enjoy spending your time, Welwyn Garden City has something for everyone! Homebuyers interested in finding out more about new Shared Ownership homes available in this thriving and picturesque setting should click here.