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.
Houghton House is a ruined Jacobean mansion in Bedfordshire, owned by English Heritage and open for free public access during daylight hours. Visitors can explore the outdoor remains of this historic Grade I listed building situated on elevated land with scenic countryside views.
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.
Berkhamsted Castle is a historic Norman motte-and-bailey castle ruin in Hertfordshire, England, originally built in 1066. It features extensive earthworks and medieval deer park grounds, and offers outdoor exploration of its significant historical remains and scenic location. Managed by English Heritage, it is open daily for free public visitation.
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.
Ascott House is a Grade II* listed English country house with a rich Rothschild family history, featuring extensive gardens, notable art collections, and a historic cricket ground on its estate. Visitors can explore both indoor historic rooms and art, as well as extensive outdoor gardens and grounds.
Ashridge is a National Trust country estate in Hertfordshire featuring a notable early Gothic Revival stately home, extensive woodlands, gardens designed by Humphrey Repton, and the Bridgewater Monument. The estate also hosts the Hult Ashridge executive education program within the house.
Smithcombe, Sharpenhoe and Sundon Hills is a National Trust Site of Special Scientific Interest featuring chalk grassland with rare plants, an Iron Age hill fort, and medieval rabbit warrens, offering a rich outdoor natural and historical experience.
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.
Old Gorhambury House is a ruined Elizabethan mansion near St Albans, Hertfordshire, dating from the 16th century, with adjoining 18th-century Palladian house. The site includes historic gardens and water features and is free to visit as maintained by English Heritage.
Harpenden is a historic commuter town in Hertfordshire, England, featuring a walkable town centre with parks, shopping, cultural events, and convenient rail links to London and airports.
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.
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.
Verulamium was an ancient Roman town near modern St Albans, featuring extensive Roman ruins including city walls, a theatre, forum, and hypocaust. The nearby Verulamium Museum displays mosaics and artefacts from the settlement. The site offers both indoor museum experiences and outdoor archaeological remains.