Fresh air, films and fries: My 10 favourite things to do in Bishop’s Stortford
Elizabeth Boylan, a Herts and Essex High School Year 10 student who spent a week on work experience at the Indie, on her 10 favourite places to go in the Bishop’s Stortford area...
ALDI – After a hard six-hour day at school, a trip to Aldi is all anyone needs. Its prime location between Herts and Essex, Birchwood, The Bishop’s Stortford High School and the train station allows it to be any student’s favourite place. Its famous ‘middle aisle’ is as unpredictable as the British weather, with products ranging from Gummy Bears to paddle boards. It has filled me with many memories over my years at school and is somewhere that is very special to me.
RIVERSIDE WALK – There is a peaceful silence that surrounds the River Stort. The ability to hear the chirps of the morning birds and the rustling of the trees, and to see the stillness of the water itself while spending time with your family is a feeling you cannot buy. The fresh air is essential on a warm summer’s day.
EMPIRE CINEMA – Even though the Empire has been shut for a few years now, it holds a lot of fond memories for me from when I was younger. From birthday parties to family outings, the cinema will always be a way to enter into your imagination. (Stortford is not entirely a movie desert as South Mill Arts screens films – Ed.)
HATFIELD FOREST – I have been visiting the forest for the entire time I’ve lived in Stortford. When I was younger, I enjoyed jumping in muddy puddles; now, I prefer walking the boardwalk with a luxury hot chocolate. It’s worth a visit whether it’s summer or winter, morning or afternoon. The array of wildlife is different each time, which allows for a unique experience.
SOUTHERN COUNTRY PARK – Although it’s not the closest park to me, it is well worth a visit every time. This space offers so much for everyone’s needs. The park for young children, the dog area and the lake walk all make this place unique and one of the best things Stortford has to offer. You can spend all day captivated by the landscape here, never wanting to leave.
NANDO’S – Nando’s is one of the most iconic British high street restaurants. Everyone can sit down together for a Portuguese-inspired meal whether you like it extra hot or plain-ish. It has become the staple place to go on a half-day or a weekend lunch with friends because of the flavourful foods it has to offer. Everyone loves a cheeky Nando’s!
SWORDER’S FIELD – Sworder’s Field is the heart of Bishop’s Stortford. Everyone spent their childhood in the children’s park, playing on the swings until they felt dizzy and riding the helter skelter more times than they could count. Once you got older, you might have gone to the skate park or preferred a walk around the fields. But no matter your age, Sworder’s Field has something that entices you.
GRANGE PADDOCKS – Could you think of anywhere better than endless fields, outdoor equipment and a place for children to play? Well, Grange Paddocks has all of these and more. I associate Grange Paddocks with swimming lessons and fun swims – things that I looked forward to all the time when I was younger. Grange Paddocks is another great day out for anyone as it has activities for all age groups.
SATURDAY MARKET – Seeing the market stalls selling on a Saturday really resonates with me. It shows me that Stortford still has a thriving sense of community and supports growing businesses. The market has a wide range of stalls to cater to everyone’s needs. It is a welcoming and friendly environment that many enjoy and look forward to each week.
ACE OF LANES – If you have a spare few hours on a Saturday, Ace of Lanes is worth a visit. They offer not only tenpin bowling but also arcade games, virtual reality and food and drink. When I think of Ace of Lanes I think about the countless birthday parties I’ve been to there with hours of endless fun. It’s perfect for families, birthday parties and friend groups.
