19 Feb Top 10 Days Out in Hertfordshire
Need some inspiration for your next day out in Hertfordshire? We’ve gathered our top 10 best days out in Herts to help take away the stress of deciding what to do. From witches and wizards to bird watching, we’re sure there’s something for everyone!
One of the country’s best collections of stuffed animals, the museum is free to enter and has over 4,000 creatures on display. Originally built in 1889 to house the private collection of Lionel Walter Rothschild, it’s now under the ownership of the Natural History Museum in London. Check their website for seasonal exhibitions; they currently have the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Highlights on display until 10th March 2019.
Explore this former gravel pit that has been restored into a diverse wetland nature reserve. The reserve hosts large numbers of wintering wildfowl, and is also home to 21 species of dragonfly and damselfly. Open all year round, visit during different seasons to see the full range of species the reserve has to offer.
One of the main days out in Hertfordshire receiving millions of visitors a year, the studio tour hosts actual sets from the Harry Potter films, as well as hundreds of props, costumes and art. Step into the great hall, forbidden forest and diagon alley, try some butterbeer at the café, and don’t forget to buy some chocolate frogs for your journey home!
The only place in the country that’s home to all five big cats, Paradise Wildlife Park is also home to over 800 other exotic wild animals. The park offers a whole host of animal experiences including a wolf encounter, feeding the big cats and meeting the red pandas. You definitely won’t be disappointed by the variety on offer!
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He’s not always so serious faced, sometimes he gives us a cheeky smile ?
Whether you’re a beginner or a slope expert, the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead will have a ski lesson suitable for you. The centre is home to a 160m main slope and has areas for both ski and snowboarding. If you’re looking for something a bit less intense, try out one of their Ringo slide sessions available at weekends and during school holidays – they’ll see you spinning and slipping down the slope in a rubber ring!
A wholesome day out for all the family, meet the animals and take a tractor ride at Willow’s Activity Farm. There’ll never be a dull moment as the all-inclusive ticket price includes shows, fun fair rides, tractor ride, soft play and entry to the Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground. Keep an eye out for their seasonal events around Spring, Halloween and Christmas.
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My little pumpkin ? Having such a lovely day @willowsactivityfarm with my darling ?
Set in the River Lee Country Park, this unique destination has a whole range of water activities including white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking. It’s also a great chill out spot, with a café on site if you don’t want to get in on the action. The centre was host to the London 2012 Olympic canoe slalom events, and is now a great location for a family day out, corporate day or birthday party!
Open during the summer months, Hitchin Lavender is a 12 acre farm at which you can pick your own fresh lavender and sunflowers. Great for pretty photo opportunities, visit for spectacular views of Hertfordshire and their unique café which serves a range of lavender infused products – the ice cream is delicious!
The largest zoo in the UK, with over 3,800 unique creatures and 600 acres of scenery, Whipsnade will be a day out to remember. From farmyard creatures to Asian elephants, butterflies to lions, whatever your favourite animal is you’ll be sure to find it here! They also offer unique experiences to meet the animals close up, or be a zoo keeper for a day.
Based in Hemel Hempstead, the XC is the only extreme sports facility of its kind in the UK. It features the only indoor concrete and wooden skate park in the country, as well as a 60×14 metre climbing wall, and the longest indoor caving facility in Europe. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, this is the place for you!