We had a really lovely day out yesterday at Ashridge (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-ashridgeestate.htm). We picnicked in the forest, went up to Dockey Wood to see the bluebells (early this year), walked up to Ivinghoe beacon for the views, then drove up to Dunstable Downs to sit in the sun with a 99 (two flakes, natch) and watch the gliders take off and land.
If anyone's ever looking for a day out from N London/Herts, this is such a lovely area - acres and acres of woods, rolling chalk downs, deer, skylarks, pretty villages, pubs, walks, views, ice creams. Perfect. :)
Brilliant pics