11 amazing places to visit in Hertfordshire

If you’re heading to Hertfordshire, you won’t be lacking when it comes to places to visit. Dive into history, marvel at majestic houses, observe animals or explore underground with these 11 amazing places to visit in Hertfordshire.

1. Hatfield House

The magnificent Hatfield House (pictured above) was built in the 17th century and remains an impressive attraction today. Princess Elizabeth first became aware of her ascension to the throne of England in the park surrounding the house. Visitors can explore the park through the pretty woodland trails or alternatively enjoy the gorgeous formal garden of this lovely house located in Hatfield. Full tickets are £15.50 for adults and £8.50 for children.

2. Scott’s Grotto

Built in the 18th century for the poet John Scott, this underground attraction in Ware consists of chambers linked by tunnels. On the surface above the tunnels is a summer house. The chambers and tunnels are decorated with coloured glass and shells. Scott's Grotto is a free attraction that is sure to intrigue both young and old visitors.

3. Verulamium Museum

Ever wondered what life was like as an ancient Roman? Then you need to visit Verulamium Museum in St. Albans. This museum is situated on what used to be the Roman city of Verulamium and offers hands-on discovery areas, a selection of beautiful Roman mosaics, video presentations, as well as recreated Roman rooms, all of which will keep adults and children thoroughly engrossed. If you plan your visit for the second weekend of any month, you will also get to see military demonstrations of tactics and equipment used by the Roman Imperial Army. A family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children costs £10.20.

4. Celtic Harmony Camp

If you’d rather join the side of the Celts, Celtic Harmony Camp in Brickendon near Hertford offers bushcraft courses and archery lessons that will hit the bull’s-eye for a fun family day out. There are seasonal events such as the Beltane Summer Festival and Samhain Winter Celebrations which feature owl displays, face painting, storytelling and pony rides and will provide a marvellously mystical adventure for all who attend.

5. Knebworth House

Another stately home that is well worth visiting is Knebworth House, located in Knebworth in Stevenage. The house is very grand indeed but the formal gardens and park are equally fantastic. Children will love the Dinosaur Trail which has 72 life-sized prehistoric creatures to discover within the Wilderness Garden. A family ticket for four with full access to the gardens and house costs £42.

6. Paradise Wildlife Park

With daily shows, a variety of outdoor play areas and incredible animals, the whole family will have a whale of a time at Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne. In addition, you can enjoy a refreshing drink and a bite to eat while viewing tigers from the Tiger Treetops café. But don’t worry, they won’t take a bite out of you as they are securely within their enclosure! Entry costs vary depending on when you visit and where you buy your tickets, but expect to pay around £16 for adults and £13 for children.

7. St. Albans Organ Theatre

If an assortment of superb organs and other instruments is music to your ears, head over to St. Albans Organ Theatre. There is a collection of organs as well as self-playing instruments. The theatre holds monthly concerts and events in addition to being open to the public on the second Sunday of each month where performances on the instruments are given. Admission for a family currently costs £12.

8. British Schools Museum

You’re never too old to learn. Head back to the classroom at the British Schools Museum in Hitchin for a terrific learning experience for children as well as adults. The museum provides insight into what schools were like before the Victorian age all the way to the 1960s. Read the vast collections of educational materials or spend some time in the reconstructed classrooms. You can also plan your visit to coincide with the museum’s range of seasonal events. Entry is £12 for a family ticket.

9. Berkhamsted Castle

Go back in time to the 11th century and imagine defending from invaders when you visit Berkhamsted Castle, the remains of a motte-and-bailey castle. While exploring this free attraction, you will be able to see earthworks, walls and ditches that served as important defences for this castle, the remains of which are located close to the Berkhamsted railway station.

10. Letchworth Garden City

A wide choice of attractions is available within Letchworth Garden City, including two museums with exhibits on human and natural history as well as information on Letchworth’s past. Other attractions include the Arts Centre as well as an outdoor swimming pool, so there is no shortage of interesting activities and sights to see in the world’s first garden city.

11. Tring Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in Tring is home to incredible collections of animals. The specimens can be viewed in a number of gallery rooms and there are a hands-on discovery room full of fun activities for children such as puzzles, colouring crafts and books. The museum also hosts a number of events that will attract children and adults alike, ranging from making clay gargoyles to science evenings with the opportunity to talk with researchers and curators. The museum is free to enter and is open every day except Christmas.

Other attractions

Hertfordshire has an abundance of other attractions to draw holidaymakers. If you have time, try to visit St. Albans Cathedral, the remains of Old Gorhambury House and the Forge Museum. Fans of flying should check out the de Havilland Aircraft Heritage Centre.

Diverse attractions for diverse tastes

Hertfordshire has something to offer everyone, both young and old whether travelling individually, with friends or with family. You can make use of the range of camping and caravanning sites within Hertfordshire to maximise your visit by enjoying the outdoors as well as the amazing attractions in this beautiful county.