Table of Contents
- Getting to Hemel from London: Travel Options and Journey Times
- Things to Do in Hemel Hempstead During Your Weekend
- Ice Skating at Planet Ice Hemel Hempstead
- Sample Weekend Itineraries for Your Trip
- Where to Stay: Accommodation for Your Weekend Break
- Budget Travel Tips and Cost Comparisons
- Planning Your Perfect Weekend Getaway
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 3, 2026
Getting to Hemel from London: Travel Options and Journey Times
The journey from London to Hemel Hempstead is straightforward, with multiple transport options suited to different budgets and preferences. The town sits roughly 20 miles northwest of central London, making it ideal for weekend trips or quick escapes from the capital.
Train Travel via London Northwestern Railway
The fastest route is by train. West Midlands Railway operates direct services from London Euston to Hemel Hempstead, with journey times as short as 23 minutes on express services and 30-35 minutes on regular services (nationalrail.co.uk). Trains depart approximately every 20 minutes during peak times, so spontaneous travel is realistic. Off-peak fares start from £10 when booked in advance.
The station sits within walking distance of the town centre, roughly a 10-minute walk to the main shopping and dining areas. One limitation: service frequency drops late in the evening and early on Sunday mornings, so check the timetable before booking your return journey.
Book your return ticket when you arrive rather than before you leave London. Train operators often release cheaper fares closer to departure, potentially saving £3-5 per ticket.
Coach Services and Budget Options
National Express operates coach services from London to Hemel Hempstead, with fares starting from as low as £5 when booked well in advance, though typical advance fares sit around £8-12 (nationalexpress.com). The trade-off is journey time: coaches typically take 50 minutes to an hour, depending on London traffic, and run less frequently than trains.
Many services provide free Wi-Fi onboard, comfortable seating, and generous luggage allowances. The coach station is roughly a 15-minute walk from the town centre. For groups or families watching costs, coach travel often wins on pure price grounds.
Driving and Car Rental
Driving offers flexibility that public transport can’t match. The M25 and M1 motorways connect London directly to Hemel Hempstead, with journey times typically 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. However, factor in fuel costs, parking charges, and potentially London’s daily congestion charge (£15 per day if driving through the central zone) (tfl.gov.uk).
Car rental makes sense if you’re part of a larger group, split four ways, costs become competitive, or if you’re planning to explore the wider Hertfordshire countryside. Parking in Hemel Hempstead itself is generally affordable and readily available.
Things to Do in Hemel Hempstead During Your Weekend
The town has evolved significantly, offering attractions spanning active pursuits to relaxation-focused experiences.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Riverside Shopping Centre is the main anchor, hosting regular events, seasonal activities, and diverse dining options. Planet Ice Hemel Hempstead is the standout attraction for active families, an indoor ice rink with public skating sessions throughout the day, it appeals across age groups and offers learn-to-skate programmes for beginners.
Gadebridge Park is the largest green space, offering walking paths, open areas, and play facilities. Soft play centres and activity venues operate throughout the town for younger children.
Sports and Leisure Facilities
Sportspace Hemel Hempstead offers swimming pools, sports halls, fitness studios, and facilities for badminton, basketball, and court sports. The swimming pool is particularly useful for families, providing functional, well-maintained facilities for actual swimming. Local sports clubs throughout the town often welcome casual visitors, with memberships sometimes extending from national organisations.
Ice Skating at Planet Ice Hemel Hempstead
Ice skating is the single most distinctive activity Hemel Hempstead offers. Planet Ice operates year-round, with general admission and skate hire starting from £7.80, or £5.60 without hire if you bring your own skates.
The facility caters to all ability levels, from complete beginners taking lessons to experienced skaters working on technique. Sessions fill up during peak times, particularly Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings, so booking in advance is sensible during school holidays or public holidays.
One practical note: the facility isn’t wheelchair or pushchair friendly, and baby changing facilities are limited. For families with children aged 5 and up, it’s generally straightforward. The on-site café serves basic refreshments adequate for a break between sessions.
Ice skating is the activity that makes a Hemel Hempstead weekend distinct. It’s accessible, affordable, and genuinely fun across age groups. Book ahead during peak times to avoid disappointment.
Sample Weekend Itineraries for Your Trip
The town is compact enough that you’re never more than 15 minutes from your next activity.
Active Weekend Itinerary
Saturday morning: Arrive by train (9:30 departure from London Euston gets you there by 10:00). Spend 90 minutes swimming or in a fitness class at Sportspace. Grab lunch nearby.
Saturday afternoon: Head to Planet Ice for a 2-hour skating session. Dinner at a restaurant in the town centre.
Sunday morning: Explore Gadebridge Park for a walk and grab coffee at a local café.
Sunday afternoon: Final shopping at Riverside Shopping Centre before heading back to London on a 3:00 PM train.
Family-Focused Itinerary
Saturday morning: Arrive by coach. Spend the morning at Riverside Shopping Centre with lunch included.
Saturday afternoon: Planet Ice skating session. Book a quieter session if possible for younger children.
Sunday morning: Gadebridge Park with a picnic or takeaway coffee.
Sunday afternoon: Final hour at Riverside or soft play centre if weather is poor. Coach departure back to London.
Relaxation and Dining Itinerary
Saturday afternoon: Arrive by train and explore the town at a leisurely pace.
Saturday evening: Dinner at a proper restaurant.
Sunday morning: Leisurely breakfast and a walk in Gadebridge Park if weather permits.
Sunday afternoon: Final browse of local shops or cafés before heading back to London.
Where to Stay: Accommodation for Your Weekend Break
Premier Inn Hemel Hempstead Central is centrally located within the Riverside Shopping Centre, placing you literally on top of main attractions. Rooms average around £79 per night, though rates fluctuate based on demand. The hotel includes free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant and bar, and discounted parking.
Booking.com lists numerous options across different price points and styles. Smaller independent hotels and guesthouses throughout the town offer more character than chain hotels. Weekend accommodation in Hemel Hempstead is significantly cheaper than London, keeping your overall weekend budget reasonable.
Budget Travel Tips and Cost Comparisons
Weekend trips from London to Hemel don’t need to be expensive. Here’s what a realistic weekend costs:
| Cost Category | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option |
|---|---|---|
| Train (return) | £20-24 | £20-24 |
| Coach (return) | £10-16 | £10-16 |
| Accommodation (1 night) | £50-70 | £80-120 |
| Meals (2 days) | £40-60 | £80-120 |
| Activities (ice skating, leisure) | £15-25 | £15-25 |
| Total per person | £135-195 | £205-305 |
The biggest variable is accommodation. Sharing a room as a couple significantly reduces per-person costs. Larger groups splitting accommodation make the entire trip substantially cheaper.
Train travel is consistently cheaper than driving once you factor in fuel, parking, and congestion charges. Coach travel is the absolute cheapest option, though the longer journey time means losing an hour of your weekend at each end.
Avoid booking accommodation on the day you arrive. Weekend availability drops significantly on Saturday, and last-minute rates spike. Book at least a week ahead to access decent pricing and selection.
Planning Your Perfect Weekend Getaway
Start with transport. Decide whether you’re taking the train (fastest, moderate cost), coach (cheapest, slower), or driving (most flexible, potentially expensive). Book your outbound journey at least a week ahead for better fares.
Next, book accommodation within two weeks of your planned dates. Prices are more predictable than closer to the date, with better selection available.
Then decide on activities. If ice skating is essential, check Planet Ice’s session times and book ahead if visiting during peak times. If prioritising shopping and dining, the Riverside Shopping Centre is your anchor point. If you want outdoor time, Gadebridge Park requires no planning.
The final step is simply showing up. Hemel Hempstead is compact enough that you can’t get badly lost, and the town is laid out logically. Train station to town centre is a 10-minute walk, with everything else branching from there.
Weekend trips from London to Hemel Hempstead work because the distance is manageable and the town offers genuine variety. You get ice skating, leisure facilities, shopping, parks, and decent dining, all within easy reach and at costs significantly lower than London. Whether you’re seeking active pursuits, family-friendly time, or genuine relaxation, the town accommodates it. Book your transport a week ahead and you’ll have a weekend that actually feels like a proper break.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to travel from London to Hemel Hempstead by train?
Train travel from London Euston to Hemel Hempstead typically takes 23 minutes on the fastest services. Trains depart approximately every 20 minutes, making it one of the quickest and most convenient weekend trip options. This short journey time means you can maximise your time enjoying activities and attractions once you arrive.
What are the best budget travel options for a weekend trip from London?
Coach services offer a budget-friendly option, with fares starting from £5 when booked well in advance, compared to train fares from £10. While coach journeys take longer, they often provide free Wi-Fi and generous luggage allowances. Booking early for either transport mode can help reduce costs and make your weekend trip more affordable.
What are the top things to do in Hemel Hempstead for a weekend visit?
Popular activities include ice skating at Planet Ice, exploring local dining and shopping at Riverside Shopping Centre, and visiting Sportspace for swimming and fitness classes. Your weekend itinerary can blend active pursuits with relaxation depending on your preferences and interests.
Is Hemel Hempstead suitable for a family weekend getaway?
Yes, Hemel Hempstead offers excellent family-friendly options including ice skating, swimming pools, sports facilities, and shopping centres. Budget accommodation like Premier Inn provides comfortable, affordable stays with convenient locations. The short train journey from London makes it an accessible destination for families seeking a quick weekend break without lengthy travel times.
This article was written using GrandRanker