Hertfordshire offers visitors a surprising array of attractions. From marvellous manor houses and mystical magic, to spectacular sculptures and stand-out sports, there’s plenty to keep campers busy in the county.
Neatly pitched between city and countryside, Hertford Club Site offers a great base from which to explore the area. The historic town of Hertford itself is a one-mile walk away and offers plenty of shops, restaurants and galleries, while London’s bright lights are just 20 miles away when travelling by train.
The Club Site itself boasts 250 pitches though there are many secluded areas bordered by trees. If you want to venture further afield, here’s a selection of top picks to do across the county.
Action-packed adventures
If you’re in the mood for trying something new, head to Lee Valley White Water Centre, which played host to the canoe slalom events of the London 2012 Olympics. Ride the rapids around the same course Team GB did five years ago as you enjoy an action-packed day out. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an adventure that’s a little ‘cooler’, skate on over to The Snow Centre, the newest snow sports destination in the UK with the closest ‘real snow’ to London. It’s home to a 160m main slope and the largest indoor lesson slope.
Mystical magic for mere muggles
Wands at the ready! Lose yourself in the magical wizarding world of Harry Potter with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Visitors can see the original sets from the films, discover spellbinding special effects, experience green screen technology and marvel at the breath-taking miniature scale model of Hogwarts castle. Whether you are a film buff or just have a lot of love for HP, you’ll be talking about your visit long after Hogwarts’ doors close.
Go wild in the county
Enjoy a day out with the family at Paradise Wildlife Park. Watch the animal feeds, book an up-close animal experience or take part in one of their many events throughout the year. Prefer animals that are cute and cuddlier? On a trip to wonderful Willows Activity Farm children and parents can meet a host of farm friends, take a tractor ride, enjoy live shows and run wild in the adventure play areas. You might even get a chance to say hello to Peter Rabbit and Lily Bobtail.
Historical heroes
From renowned rock ’n’ roll venues to cultural cathedrals Hertfordshire has rich history waiting to be discovered. Head to Knebworth House and see where England’s long-standing festival fever first began. Take a trip to Hatfield House and tour the manor that was once home to Elizabeth I. And don’t forget to fit in a visit to St Albans Cathedral, located on the site where Britain’s first saint, Alban, was buried more than 1,700 years ago. The cathedral was also home to England’s only Pope.
Start a love affair with Hertfordshire
Make a date with Brocket Hall, a former retreat for royalty and nobility (not to mention Lord Byron when wooing Lady Caroline Lamb). The Hall sits within 543 acres of parkland and offers visitors a warm welcome. Spend a day on one of two championship golf courses, or indulge in the award-winning restaurant, Auberge du Lac.
The great outdoors
From the city buzz of St Albans to the picturesque market town of Tring, there’s plenty of sights to explore if you’re out and about in Hertfordshire. For a great day outdoors make a beeline to the Henry Moore Studios and Gardens in Much Hadham. Embrace your inner artist as you discover more than 70 acres of grounds housing some of the artist’s most striking sculptures against the lush landscape Moore called home. Alternatively, just a short stroll from Hertford Club Site, enjoy 500 acres of plush parkland at Panshanger Park – keep your eyes peeled for the many wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies and birds that bring this park to life.
Marvellous museums
Did you know you can visit the Natural History Museum in Hertfordshire? The museum at Tring was grown from the private collection of the somewhat eccentric Lionel Walter Rothschild and is one of the largest private natural history collections ever assembled, with more than 4,000 specimens on public display. Now part of the Natural History Museum itself, the museum retains its unique Victorian character and is a wonderful, free attraction in the heart of the picturesque town of Tring. A little closer to home, divulge into Hertford Museum’s diverse collection, reflecting every aspect of local life, from fine art and photography to scientific instruments and archaeological finds. The museum even has the UK’s largest collection of toothbrushes – there’s more than 3,000 of them.
For more information and ideas of things to do in Hertfordshire, visit www.visitherts.co.uk.
Images courtesy of Visit Hertfordshire