Hertfordshire offers beautiful countryside and historic market towns. There are many attractions throughout Hertfordshire as well as great days out with the family.
1. St Albans Cathedral
St Albans Cathedral is formally known as the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban and referred to locally as ‘The Abbey’. It is a Church of England cathedral in St Albans. With its stunning architecture, it is popular with the locals and tourists from afar.
There are many unique sights and events at the Cathedral, so make sure to check the events, tours and concerts before visiting. Why not visit with friends or family and learn all about the Cathedral’s history? There are great guided tours and talks, including a tower tour which also makes it a great place to visit for school trips.
Why not stay for lunch at Abbot’s Kitchen, where you will find a lovely selection of local foods and refreshments - There is something for everyone!
If you fancy taking something home for a friend, there is a great gift shop which offers a good selection of souvenirs and gifts for all ages.
Opening times
Monday to Sunday: 8.30am to 5.45pm
www.stalbanscathedral.org
2. Lee Valley Regional Park
Lee Valley is a beautiful 10,000 acre linear park which offers countryside running through the northeast of Greater London, Essex and Hertfordshire. It is from the River Thames to Ware, through to areas such as Stratford, Tottenham, Walthamstow, Cheshunt and more and it known as the Lea Valley. It is London’s largest park and is more than four times the size of Richmond Park, extending beyond Greater London’s borders into the near counties of Hertfordshire and Essex.
If you are looking for a weekend walk or bike ride, the Lee Valley Park is the place to visit, where you can explore within 10,000 acres! There is something to do for everyone, whether you are looking for a place to go for a dog walk, or to relax with a picnic.
Why not visit the Rye House Gatehouse, which is a stunning medieval moated site in Hertfordshire, with a vibrant history for visitors. It is great for children and adults alike, where they can learn all about the medieval times.
If it’s a nice day, why not explore the River Lee on electric boats, rowing boats or pedals? It’s a great family day out, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
Opening hours
All sites in the park work on independent timetables - check website link for more details.
Pricing
Many features are free but please check the park website for details.
Address
Different addresses depending on activity
Broxbourne
Hertfordshire
EN2 9HG
England
Contact details
03000 030 610
www.visitleevalley.org.uk
3. Watford Palace Theatre
Watford Palace Theatre first opened in 1908 and is an Edwardian Grade II listed building on Clarendon Road, Watford. It was refurbished in 2004 with 600 seats and has its own rehearsal room, wardrobe, café and bar.
There are many things to see at the theatre, from pantomimes to opera which makes it fun for all ages. Before you visit, make sure to see what’s on – There’s something for everyone!It offers various art forms of theatre, dance, outdoor, arts and digital and is open to artists and communities through exciting opportunities.
Watford Palace Theatre is also available for hire, so if you are looking to place an exhibition or show, you can hire for a day or more! It’s a great place to visit, where you can experience all of its history.
Address
20 Clarendon Road
Watford
WD17 1JZ
England
Contact details
01923 235455
www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk
4. Hatfield Forest
Hatfield Forest is a relaxing place to go for an evening dog walk, or a walk on the weekend with the family. The forest has a medieval atmosphere, full of ancient trees over 1,200 years old!
Whether you want to go for a run in the countryside or to go somewhere for children to explore, Hatfield Forest offers everything for the family! There is also an onsite café by the lake and also various picnic spots, so why not take a walk around the lake and relax with some lunch? Children will love feeding the ducks, so make sure to bring some duck food!
Opening hours
Forest open all year, dawn to dusk.
Car Parks: 13 Mar - 31 Oct.
Pricing
Car park charges.
Horse riding permits available via Hatfield Forest Riding Association, telephone for details.
Address
Bishops Stortford
Hertfordshire
CM22 6NE
England
Contact details
01279 874040
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatfield-forest
5. The Natural History Museum at Tring
The Natural History Museum was built in 1889 and was the private museum of Lionel Walter. It is now managed by the Natural History Museum.
Why not go on the weekend to visit all the galleries and see all of the 4,000 animals on display? It’s a great place to take the family, where you can explore and find out about the history the museum has to offer!
There are also outdoor picnic areas if you plan to stay for lunch, as well as one a short walk away from the museum. It’s a place to learn and relax in the fresh outdoors and enjoy the surrounding views. The museum is open every day, which makes it great for locals and people who travel from further afield.
Opening hours
Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday 14:00 - 17:00
Closed 24 to 26 December.
Pricing
Free admission
A small fee may be charged for some temporary and specialty exhibitions so check ahead through the link to be sure!
Address
Akeman Street
Tring
Hertfordshire
HP23 6AP
England
Contact details
020 7942 6171
www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring
Top 5 kid’s activities
From wildlife parks to countryside walks, there are plenty of wonderful family activities in Hertfordshire!
1. Paradise Wildlife Park
Paradise Wildlife Park is home to many exotic and endangered species. Children will love seeing all the animals and learning all about their habitats. They can get to know all of the 400 animals, in daily feed and talks. If your children are feeling brave, why not take them to the reptile encounter, where they can get close to something scaly! For younger children, there is a farmyard for a less scary experience.
Why not take the kids on a tractor ride, or play a round of safari golf? There is plenty to keep the kids entertained at the park. There are also outdoor and inside play areas for younger children and wheelchair users.
After getting to know the animals, why not cool off in Paradise Lagoon, where you can sit down and relax with your favourite ice cream!
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 18:00
Pricing
Online
Adults: £15.30
Child (2-15)/Seniors/Disabled: £12.60
At the door prices are higher
Address
White Stubbs Lane
Broxbourne
Hertfordshire
EN10 7QA
England
Contact details
01992 470490
www.pwpark.com
2. East Herts Miniature Railway
East Herts Miniature Railway is located on the grounds of The Van Hage Garden Company in Great Amwell. It offers a 7 and quarter inch gauge miniature railway, with excellent hydraulic and locomotive cabs that the kids will love!
Experience the fleet of diesel, steam and electric locomotives which have a fascinating history for children to discover. The miniature railway has circuits through 2 beautifully landscaped gardens, where children can travel through tunnels and over ponds – Children will love it!
East Herts Miniature Railway is perfect for any family, plus there is a small zoo which is free to visit! Why not take the kids in the school holidays or out one weekend?
Opening hours
Saturday 11:00 - 17:00
Sunday 11:00 - 16:30
Pricing
Individual: £1.00
Under 2s: Free
Address
The Van Hage Garden
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9RP
England
Contact details
07956 310138
www.ehmr.org.uk
3. The Snow Centre
The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead is a great place to take the kids if they want to experience skiing or snowboarding. The centre offers skiing and snowboarding lessons, which is perfect if you are planning on going on a skiing holiday or trip.
It is home to a 160m main slope with the largest indoor lesson slope in the UK, where you can experience perfect real snow conditions all year round.
If your children fancy going with their friends, the centre hosts group sessions as well as party sessions – perfect for unique birthday parties! They can even visit during the school holidays, where they offer 2 day courses of teaching your children skiing or snowboarding while having fun with their friends!
Opening hours
Monday 10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 - 22:00
Friday 10:00 - 22:30
Saturday and Sunday 08:00 - 21:30
Address
St Albans Hill
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP3 9NH
England
0845 258 9000
www.thesnowcentre.com
4. Pots of Art Ceramics Studio
Pots of Art Ceramics Studio is a great place to visit to express your creativity! The kids will love painting their hands and feet and their chosen ceramics. There is so much to do at the studio, with friendly staff with technical advice and creative ideas.
There are many ceramics to paint and colour, including the official BBC Doctor Who range! – Perfect for anyone wanting to paint their own Dalek or Tardis. Plus there are other fun activities such as play dough and finger paints, which is perfect for young children.
Why not take the children during the school holidays? It will definitely keep them busy and entertained with their friends.
Opening hours
Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 18:00
Sunday 11:00 - 17:00
Pricing
Free admission
Prices: from £2 up to £34
Messy session: £3 per child
Address
55 Bancroft
Hitchin
Hertfordshire
SG5 1LL
England
Contact details
01462 420265
www.potsofart.co.uk
5. Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour
If your children are Harry Potter fans, they’ll love a trip to the Harry Potter Studios! It’s an amazing opportunity to explore the Harry Potter films and you’ll be able to see all costumes, props and more. Why not go on a guided tour and find out all the magical secrets of Harry Potter?
It’s a great place to take the children and even adults will love it! Find all about the special effects and demonstrations of the tricks of the trade – Who wouldn’t want to take a sneaky peak in Dumbledore’s office, where you will discover all of his treasures? There is so much to see and explore at the studios, including the Great Hall and the famous cobbles of Diagon Alley! It’s a fantastic place to go with friends or family and especially for Harry Potter fans.
Don’t forget to try a butterbeer and visit Privet Drive! There is also a gift shop inside, full of Harry Potter merchandise. Why not pick up one of Harry’s wands, or try some Bertie Bot’s every flavour Beans? It’s magical fun for all ages – Perfect for photo opportunities!
Opening hours
Generally
Monday to Sunday 08:30/09:30 - 20:00/22:00
Hours are subject to change. Please call the attraction directly to avoid disappointment.
Pricing
Adult (16+): £39.00
Child (5-15): £31.00
Under 4: Free
Family of 4: £126.00
Complete Studio Tour
Adult: £48.95
Child: £40.95
Address
Studio Tour Drive
Leavesden
Greater London
WD25 7LR
England
www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
Top 5 restaurants in Hertfordshire
If you're in the area, why not stop by one of these delicious restaurants for dinner?
1. Prime Steak and Grill St. Albans
www.primesteakandgrill.com/st-albans
01727 840309
83-85 London Road
St Albans
AL1 1LN
2. Crocker's Chef Table
01442 676877
21a Water End Road
Berkhamsted
HP4 2SH
3. The Boot
www.thebootsarratt.com
01923 262247
The Boot The Green
Sarratt
WD3 6BL
England
4. Giambrone's Italian Deli and Coffee Bar
www.giambrones.co.uk
01992 503777
18 Fore Street
Hertford
SG14 1BZ
England
5. Vanchinos
www.vanchinos.com
01923 804800
320 St. Albans Road
Watford
WD24 6PQ
England