Hendon Library

A library might seem an odd stop on a caravan holiday, but Hendon Library near Elstree is genuinely worth a visit if you're after a proper afternoon indoors - especially when the British weather turns. The building itself is attractive, and it's the sort of place that gives you a real flavour of local community life rather than the usual tourist trail.

You can browse the general collection, use the computers if you've forgotten something at the van, or just soak up the quiet atmosphere. Some libraries have surprisingly good local history sections, and this one's no exception if you're curious about Hertfordshire and the Elstree area. There's usually no charge to pop in and have a look around, though membership comes into play if you want to borrow books.

It works brilliantly as a filler activity between the nearby parks. Elstree Park itself is only a few miles away, and if you're staying at Home Farm Glamping or Aldenham Country Park - both crackling spots for a break - you're within easy striking distance. Save it for a drizzly afternoon rather than burning daylight on it, and bring the kids if they need a screen break and a bit of calm. Realistically, you'll spend an hour here maximum, but that hour beats sitting in the caravan watching rain streak the windows.