Stevenage | A Fantastic Journey to a Hidden Gem in the UK
In the UK, there is a place like a hidden gem - Stevenage. It doesn't have the hustle and bustle of London, but it has its own unique British charm, waiting for you to unveil its mystery and start a wonderful journey.
1. Best Travel Time and Climate
Stevenage has a temperate maritime climate🌊, with small temperature differences throughout the year, making it suitable for travel all year round.
• Spring (March - May): The average temperature is 8 - 15°C. At this time, the earth is reviving, and Fairlands Valley Park is in full bloom, colorful, making it a good time to stroll and enjoy the flowers and feel the vitality.
• Summer (June - August): The temperature is 15 - 22°C, cool and comfortable, with plenty of sunshine. Go to Standalone Farm, where you can interact with cute animals, or have a picnic on the park's lawn and enjoy a leisurely time.
• Autumn (September - November): The average temperature is 10 - 18°C. The leaves gradually turn golden and fiery red, adding a touch of poetry to the town. It is very suitable for visiting historical buildings and feeling the sediment of time.
• Winter (December - February): The temperature is 3 - 8°C. Although it is cold, during Christmas and New Year, the town is decorated with colorful lights and is very lively. You can also taste mulled wine, gingerbread, and other special delicacies and feel the festive atmosphere.
2. Must-visit Attractions
1. St. Nicholas Church ⛪
This ancient parish church from the 12th century has a solemn Gothic architectural style and exquisite stained glass windows. When the sunlight shines through, the interplay of light and shadow immerses you in tranquility and sanctity.
2. Fairlands Valley Park 🌳
The park has clear lakes, surrounded by green trees, and vast lawns. You can take a leisurely walk along the lake🚶 and enjoy the natural scenery, or rent a boat to drift on the lake and enjoy a leisurely time. On weekends, many locals have picnics and fly kites, full of life.
3. Stevenage Museum 📚
If you want to learn about the history of Stevenage, this is a great choice. The museum displays artifacts and materials from the Roman era to the present, taking you through time and deeply feeling the development of the town.
4. Knebworth House 🏰
Not far from Stevenage, it is a historic country house. The spectacular architecture, exquisite interior, and vast gardens and parks are very attractive. Large concerts and other events are often held here, and you might catch a wonderful performance.
3. Special Cuisine
1. English Afternoon Tea 🍵
In Stevenage's cafes, taste authentic English afternoon tea. A delicate three-tiered cake stand, with sandwiches🥪 on the bottom, scones in the middle, and small cakes on top, paired with fragrant black tea, enjoy a leisurely time with a sip of tea and a bite of dessert.
2. Fish and Chips 🐟🍟
A British national dish, with crispy and tender fried fish and golden crispy chips, squeezed with lemon juice or dipped in ketchup, simple yet delicious, can be tasted at street shops.
3. Shepherd's Pie 🥧
A traditional English dish, with minced meat (mostly lamb) and vegetables as the base, covered with a thick layer of mashed potatoes, baked until golden brown on the surface, with a rich taste, and the soft mashed potatoes perfectly blend with the meat aroma.
4. Precautions
1. Transportation: Stevenage is easily accessible by train🚄. It takes about 20 - 30 minutes from London King's Cross Station. Buses are the main public transportation in the town, and you can also rent a car for self-driving, which is convenient for visiting nearby attractions. However, in the UK, driving is on the left, so be extra careful when driving.
2. Language Communication: Locals mainly speak English. If you have difficulty communicating in English, you can prepare translation software or write down common phrases in advance for daily communication, such as asking for directions or ordering food.
3. Currency and Payment: Use British pounds💷. Some stores accept credit card payments, but it is still recommended to carry some cash for emergencies, such as shopping at small vendors.
4. Shopping and Consumption: When buying souvenirs, pay attention to comparing prices and quality. When shopping at traditional markets, you can bargain appropriately, but be polite and moderate.
5. Changeable Weather: The weather in the UK is changeable, so remember to bring rain gear when traveling. The temperature difference between morning and evening is sometimes large, so you can prepare a jacket.
Come to Stevenage, feel its unique charm, and start an unforgettable fantastic journey!🌈...