The Top 5 Things To Do in Hertfordshire

Discover History, Nature, Culture, and Charm in One of England's Most Underrated Counties

Nestled just north of London, Hertfordshire may not always make the top of every travel list, but it should. The county is a true gem: lush countryside, centuries-old estates, cutting-edge film studios, and some of the most walkable, liveable market towns in England. Hertfordshire manages to feel cosmopolitan and deeply rural at the same time, offering a gentle collision of heritage and innovation that’s rare to find.

Whether you’re escaping the city for a weekend or exploring the Home Counties with fresh eyes, Hertfordshire offers something special: not just things to see, but experiences to remember. These five picks aren’t just popular—they’re essential.

Let’s jump into the top five things to do in Hertfordshire.

1. Wander the Grounds of Hatfield House

History doesn’t just linger at Hatfield House—it breathes. Built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, the first Earl of Salisbury and chief minister to King James I, Hatfield is one of England’s most magnificent Jacobean estates. But what truly sets it apart isn’t just its architecture—it’s its role in British history. This is where Elizabeth I spent her formative years and where she first learned she would become queen.

When you arrive, the symmetry of the red-brick facade and elaborate chimneys hits you instantly. Step inside, and you’re greeted with oak staircases, regal portraits, and armour displays that transport you into Tudor times. The Long Gallery, in particular, is breathtaking—fifty metres of ornate ceiling and oil paintings, with sunlight filtering through latticed windows.

But don’t just stay indoors. The grounds are equally astonishing: formal gardens, woodland trails, and even a knot garden designed in classic Renaissance style. In summer, the parkland hums with birdsong and the occasional deer. You can also explore the Stable Yard, where artisan food shops, a florist, and one of the best farm cafés in Hertfordshire sit beneath 17th-century timber beams.

Hatfield House isn’t just a place to tour. It’s a place to feel.

2. Explore the Enchanted Trails of Ashridge Estate

Ashridge is where the phrase "walk in the woods" takes on a whole new meaning. Managed by the National Trust, the Ashridge Estate sprawls across 5,000 acres of ancient woodland and open meadow. It’s nestled within the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s easy to see why it earns that designation.

Paths meander through carpets of bluebells in spring and under golden canopies in autumn. Giant beech and oak trees stand like sentinels, and the silence is almost cinematic. At Ivinghoe Beacon, you get sweeping views of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire—on a clear day, the panorama stretches for miles.

You can spot fallow deer, rare birds, and foxes if you’re quiet enough. There are marked trails for all abilities—from flat, buggy-friendly paths to steeper climbs that reward you with breathtaking scenery. Families can pick up wildlife trails, while solo walkers and runners often find spiritual stillness here.

It’s also a filming hotspot. Everything from Harry Potter to The Crown has used Ashridge’s haunting natural beauty as a backdrop. Once you visit, you’ll understand why.

3. Dive into Movie Magic at Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

Let’s be honest. Even if you’re not a Potterhead, this place is phenomenal. Located in Leavesden, just outside Watford, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is one of the UK’s most successful attractions—and for good reason. It’s not a theme park. It’s a cathedral of cinema.

You walk through the actual sets used in the films. The Great Hall. Diagon Alley. The Forbidden Forest. Dumbledore’s office. It’s all there, and it’s all real. The craftsmanship on display is astonishing: every wand, every book spine, every feather quill was handmade. You see how green screen magic works, how the creatures were built, and how the scale of the films came together.

One of the most moving parts of the tour is the model of Hogwarts—a 1:24 scale masterpiece that took dozens of artists months to complete. Lit in twilight, surrounded by soft music, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of awe.

There are butterbeers to be sipped, wands to be waved, and memories to be made. It’s also remarkably well-organised. Timed tickets keep crowds manageable, and there’s genuine care in how the experience unfolds.

This isn’t just for superfans. It’s for anyone curious about how storytelling meets art.

4. Meander Through the Market Town of St Albans

St Albans is like a history textbook come to life—but with excellent food and independent boutiques. A former Roman settlement known as Verulamium, the town still holds onto layers of its ancient past. The cathedral alone is a marvel, blending Norman and Gothic architecture with the longest nave in England. Don’t skip the Roman mosaic floor or the medieval wall paintings.

But St Albans isn’t stuck in the past. It’s a vibrant, modern town that balances its history with a buzzy high street scene. The twice-weekly market is one of the oldest in the country (dating back over 1,000 years) and still pulses with energy. From artisan cheeses and sourdough to handmade soaps and street food, it’s a sensory feast.

Pubs here are second to none. Ye Olde Fighting Cocks claims to be one of the oldest pubs in Britain and sits right near the lush Verulamium Park, where swans drift by a reconstructed Roman wall. On sunny days, locals spill out onto pub benches with pints in hand and dogs at their feet.

St Albans is a place you could spend a weekend just walking, eating, and discovering. It’s a blend of urban comfort and historic gravitas that few towns get right.

5. Enjoy a Day Out at Knebworth House and Gardens

Knebworth isn’t just a stately home—it’s a cultural icon. You may know it as the place where Oasis played to 250,000 people in 1996, or where Led Zeppelin, Queen, and The Rolling Stones once roared to life. But beyond the rock-star legacy is a gothic treasure trove and family-friendly playground all in one.

The house itself, still lived in by the Lytton family, is a visual drama. Its turreted, castellated facade makes it feel like a Disney castle by way of Bram Stoker. Inside, it’s a mash-up of Tudor opulence and Victorian storytelling. The library, the tapestries, the portraits—they all whisper of generations past.

The gardens are expansive, varied, and peaceful. There’s a maze, a dinosaur trail for kids (with 70 life-sized prehistoric models), and open green space for picnics. Adventure playgrounds, formal rose gardens, and even sculpture exhibits keep things varied.

There’s also a steady stream of events: classic car shows, outdoor theatre, seasonal fairs. It’s one of the most multi-dimensional estates in Hertfordshire. Whether you're there for history, horticulture, or a slice of nostalgia-laced rock ‘n’ roll, Knebworth delivers.

Wrapping Up: Hertfordshire's Enduring Appeal

Hertfordshire doesn’t scream for attention—and maybe that’s the best part. It rewards the curious, the walkers, the storytellers, and those who take the time to look a little closer. It’s a county full of contrast and character: old but not sleepy, green but not remote, elegant but never inaccessible.

From bluebell woods and Jacobean houses to Roman ruins and movie sets, it holds a surprising amount of adventure in its modest boundaries. Every visit feels a bit like discovering a secret—and who doesn’t want that?

Whether you're based in London or visiting the UK from further afield, don't overlook Hertfordshire. It’s closer, deeper, and more unforgettable than you think.