Make the most of the warmer weather and lighter days with our pick of spring days out in Hertfordshire. From attractions, walks, zoos and more, there’s plenty to see and do.
Hatfield House
Hatfield Park, Hatfield, AL9 5NQ
Explore the Jacobean craftsmanship throughout the house, visit the gardens, shop independent retailers at the Stable Yard or opt for a tour. Check opening times.
Henry Moore Foundation
Dane Tree House, Perry Green, SG10 6EE
Experience Henry Moore’s iconic work against the backdrop of the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside with a visit to the artist’s former home, studios and sculpture gardens. There are regular exhibitions and art events throughout the open season.
Knebworth House
Knebworth Park, Knebworth SG1 2AX
Famous worldwide for its concerts and as the home of Victorian novelist Edward Bulwer Lytton, spend the day exploring the lovely Gardens with a maze and walled kitchen garden. Visit the House, where knowledgeable guides will tell you the stories of Knebworth’s long history.
St Albans Museum + Gallery
Town Hall, St Peter’s St, St Albans AL1 3DH
A must visit for art lovers, The St Albans Museum + Gallery is a world-class centre for arts and culture. Set over three floors, the state-of-the-art gallery spaces showcases over 2,000 years of priceless heritage and displays contemporary artworks – sharing local, national and world treasures with visitors.
Promising fresh experiences every time you visit, enjoy regularly changing historical and cutting edge art exhibitions, and a vibrant programme of events. Visitors can also explore the fascinating histories of the Georgian Grade II listed Town Hall, its Assembly Room, Courtroom and Cells. Free general admission.
Willows Activity Farm
Coursers Road, London Colney, AL4 0PF
A great family day out, the farm is open all year round with a calendar of seasonal events. Watch daily Peter Rabbit and Friends Shows, take a tour with Tristan the Runaway Tractor, enjoy indoor and outdoor adventure play and lots of farmyard favourites. During spring time you can watch live sheep shearing.
Cassiobury Park
Gade Avenue, Watford, WD18 7LG
This Green Flag Award-winning beauty spot has stunning displays of vibrant daffodils in the spring. With wide open spaces, ancient woodland, a tranquil canal, children’s playground, miniature railway and café, it offers everything for a great day out. At the edge of the park you’ll find Cassiobury Farm, a rare breeds centre housing micro pigs, miniature horses, alpacas and more.
Bluebells at Ashridge
Ashridge Estate, Moneybury Hill, Ringshall, near Berkhamsted
Ashridge House with its surrounding estate of woodlands, commons and chalk downlands is nestled in the Chiltern Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty. In spring the woodland floor is transformed by a sea of beautiful bluebells protected by the the National Trust. The panoramic views from the Bridgewater Monument, towering over the estate, are well worth the the climb of 172 steps.
Lee Valley Boat Centre
Old Nazeing Road, Broxbourne, EN10 6LX
Explore the River Lee on a Day Boat at a leisurely pace of four miles per hour. From Easter to the end of October electric boats, rowing boats, pedalos and a Canadian canoes can also be hired at an hourly rate or book a cruise on a larger vessel where you can relax and enjoy a meal on board.
Lee Valley White Water Centre
Station Road, Waltham Cross, Broxbourne EN9 1AB
If it’s heart-pounding excitement you’re looking for, this attraction in the River Lee Country Park offers water activities for all ages including white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, an inflatable obstacle course and hydrospeed rapids. If you prefer to stay dry you can watch all the action while enjoying refreshments in The Terrace Bar & Café.
Warner Bros Studio Tours
Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford, WD25 7LR
Located at the studios where the Harry Potter films were made, this tour showcases the iconic sets, animatronic creatures and breathtaking special effects. Enter the magical, wizarding world by wandering down Diagon Alley, visiting The Great Hall, exploring the Forbidden Forest and boarding the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾. Book your tickets.
Vertigo Adventures
Stanborough Park North, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6DF
There are fun and thrills to be had at Vertigo Adventures with the added bonus of wonderful views across Stanborough Park. Try the 30ft high ropes course, said to be one of the toughest in the UK, or test your nerves first with the 10ft Monkey trail. With zip-wire action, breathtaking plunges and a climbing tower, the daring challenges will leave you breathless.
Langleybury Children’s Farm
Langleybury Lane, Sarratt, Kings Langley, WD4 8RN
A farm run by volunteers where you can get close to all of the animals including sheep, pigs, goats, ducks, geese, chickens, rabbits, owls, aviary birds and ferrets. Bring a picnic or buy a light lunch at the farm shop and let your kids let off steam in the play area with bouncy castle and mini football pitch.
Natural History Museum at Tring
Akeman Street, Tring, HP23 6AP
Initially the private zoological collection of Lionel Walter Rothschild, the 2nd Baron Rothschild, this fascinating exhibition was opened to the public in 1892. Today it is under the control of the Natural History Museum. Visit the galleries packed with over 4,000 specimens and then treat yourself and your little explorers to a slice of cake in the Ugly Bug Café.
Hertford Castle
The Castle, Hertford, SG14 1HR
Hertford Castle was a royal palace for over 300 years where Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood. The Castle Gatehouse, and surrounding 12th century flint and stone wall, is all that remains today. Numerous events and festivals are held here throughout the year and it’s also the perfect place for a picnic where visitors can explore the gardens, park and play area free of charge.
Paradise Wildlife Park
White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA
One of the leading zoos in Europe, Paradise Wildlife Park is home to over 400 exotic wild animals from anacondas to zebras and lots in between. Spot the small monkeys, brave the reptile and insect temple and and have fun in the adventure playgrounds. You can even enjoy an afternoon tea with the tigers in the Tiger Tree Tops Café.
The Snow Centre
St Albans Hill, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9NH
Here you’ll find a huge 160m main slope as well as the UK’s largest indoor lesson slope with perfect real snow conditions all year round. Catering for both beginners and pros, the centre also has a bar, coffee shop and alpine themed restaurant where you can relax and enjoy panoramic views of the action.
Rickmansworth Aquadrome
Frogmoor Lane, Rickmansworth, WD3 1NB
As well as waterskiing, canoeing and sailing, this popular area has a number of attractive walks around the lakes or along the River Colne and Grand Union Canal. With trails to explore, a picnic area, playground and café, this Green Flag nature reserve is a great place to escape to and enjoy the great outdoors.
