Hertfordshire is a historic English county rich in heritage, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty, blending Roman sites, Tudor architecture, modern film studios, and scenic countryside within easy reach of London.
7 Oct 2026–28 Feb 2027 (another 142 days)
Families can enjoy outdoor play at Dunstable Downs, including a welly wander, building woodland dens, making muddy creations, and playing outdoor hopscotch while exploring seasonal changes and wildlife.
30 Nov–3 Dec, 7–10 Dec…
Christmas lunch at the View Café offers a choice of two- or three-course festive meals, with traditional, vegetarian and vegan main-course options.
27 Nov
Participants are guided by professional florists from Maples Flowers in making a festive wreath using seasonal foliage, dried fruits, ribbons and other decorative details. Materials are provided, and attendees can personalise their wreath.
1–23 Dec
Visitors can write, decorate and personalise a letter to Santa using provided colouring materials, then post it in a special post box for delivery to the North Pole. Pre-written letters can also be brought along to post.
Dunstable Downs, the highest point in Bedfordshire, is a chalk escarpment in the Chiltern Hills offering outdoor activities like gliding and kite flying, with rich natural history and ancient archaeological sites. It is managed by the National Trust and accessible via walking trails.
7 Nov–9 Dec
Families can follow a winter sculpture trail through the grounds at Wrest Park, discovering twelve Snowmen inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas. Each sculpture hides a letter, and collecting all twelve reveals a Christmas word.
Wrest Park is a Grade I listed country estate in Bedfordshire featuring a historic English country house with early Rococo Revival interiors and extensive formal gardens with notable landscaping by Capability Brown. Visitors can explore both indoor historic interiors and outdoor formal gardens, with the estate also serving as a filming location for various productions.
5 Dec
Participants make a festive wreath using seasonal foliage, dried fruit, ribbons and other decorations, with guidance from florists. Materials are provided, and attendees can personalise their wreath.
5 Nov
Participants will learn watercolour techniques with an art tutor and create their own sunset painting. The workshop is suitable for beginners and those looking to develop their skills.
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Families can take part in indoor craft workshops at Dunstable Downs, making Christmas decorations and gifts inspired by nature.
20 Oct
An art class led by an art tutor, focusing on drawing or painting elephants. Participants can learn techniques and explore their creativity, with materials and equipment provided.
Whipsnade Tree Cathedral is a 9.5-acre garden in Bedfordshire laid out in the form of a cathedral using various tree species. It serves as a living tribute and a place of reflection with chapels for each season and is managed by the National Trust.
5–6 Dec
Children can join a group session of seasonal stories told by Father Christmas, then meet him, take photographs and receive a traditional present. One accompanying adult is permitted per child.
The De Grey Mausoleum in Flitton, Bedfordshire, is a significant historic mausoleum housing many monuments to the De Grey family, featuring architecture from the early 17th to 18th century. It is open to the public under English Heritage and is a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument.
15 Nov
A Diwali celebration featuring performances by the tabla and flute duo Soulful Sangeet, alongside traditional crafts and games. Attendees can experience the festival’s colours and lights and learn more about its story.
14–15 Nov
A pop-up winter market in the State Rooms at Wrest Park, featuring more than 20 local community traders selling seasonal goods, gifts and festive treats.
5–6 Dec
A festive family day out at Wrest Park, with seasonal activities to explore. Visitors can also book an additional ticket to meet Father Christmas.
7–13 Nov
A relaxed Diya-making workshop for Diwali, where participants can create a clay lamp to take home or contribute it to a community display. The activity is suitable for all ages and abilities and takes place outdoors in suitable weather, or indoors if the weather is poor.
12–23 Dec
Families can follow a spotter trail around the visitor centre and along the path to Chute Wood, finding 12 hidden reindeer and collecting words to complete a Christmas crossword. Participants can return to the Visitor Hub for a festive treat.
7–15 Nov
Visitors can contribute to a large Rangoli artwork using colourful materials, celebrating community and Diwali. The completed piece will be displayed in the visitor centre for an evening celebration on 15 November.
2 Dec
A festive art workshop led by tutor Libby, with Father Christmas as its theme. It is the final session in Something Less Boring’s Autumn-Winter art courses.
2–3 Dec
Participants make a Christmas wreath using seasonal foliage and natural materials, with guidance from Wrest Park’s Head Gardener. The day also includes a festive afternoon tea in the Mansion Dining Room.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
Apple Day at Shaw’s Corner celebrates the garden’s historic orchard with tastings of heritage apple varieties, a gardener’s advice stall and guided tours of the orchard and garden. Children can join in apple-themed games.
21 Oct
A guided garden tour at Shaw’s Corner explores the history of its orchard and how it is cared for today, led by Senior Gardener Matt.
Shaw's Corner is the preserved home of George Bernard Shaw in Hertfordshire, showcasing his Edwardian Arts and Crafts house, original interiors, garden, and unique writing hut.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Families can follow a Halloween trail through the Downs and Chute Wood, meeting spooky characters and taking part in challenges, clue-finding and potion mixing to help break the Curse of Chute Wood.
28 Oct, 30–31 Oct
A Halloween-themed silent disco for children aged 3–12 and their families, with attendees wearing headphones and dancing to music in the View Café.
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Wrest Park with family activities and entertainment, including interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a fancy-dress competition.