Hertfordshire’s Hollywood connections are legendary. Think Star Wars. Indiana Jones. Spiderman. Wonder Woman. The Crown and Bridgerton to name but a few.
Providing locations for some of the most recognisable scenes from cinematic history and up to date chart-topping TV shows, the county is now also stepping into the spotlight as a must-see destination and experience in its own right…
With a huge range of fun film and TV-themed experiences being premiered all over the county, now is the time to try something new whilst also taking in some of the amazing film studio facilities (such as Elstree, Leavesden or the Harry Potter Studios!), period location houses and discover the stories of the big and small screen.
We’ve taken a minute to gather a top five of super-fun themed experiences that will immerse you straight into the county’s film and TV world, giving visitors the chance to truly get involved in the magic of the movies!
Racing to the very top of the blockbuster charts for film-themed fun, we have…
Play pretend at Pendley
It's always good to be prepared in case royalty invites you round for a cuppa right?! Pendley Manor have got all the answers when it comes to the Dos and Don'ts of a regal High Tea with their brand new 'Etiquette Dining' experience. Always wondered whether one eats the sandwiches first, or the scones? Does one hold the saucer or just the teacup? Pinkies in or pinkies out?! So much to learn if you want to give the Bridgertons a run for their money and pull off the perfect period tea!
Enjoy a delicious traditional afternoon tea with all the tasty trimmings, alongside an etiquette lesson on how to behave at a quintessential afternoon tea - all against the backdrop of the picture-perfect Pendley Manor. Replicate all those incredible high tea scenes you've seen on the big screen in period dramas spanning the decades such as Bridgerton or The Crown, in one of Hertfordshire's premiere filming locations - and you'll be dining in classic period character style. We can absolutely guarantee that one will leave the experience feeling full of fascinating and fun facts - and deliciously decadent treats of course! For a truly regal experience, we recommend checking into one of their luxurious rooms for a stay fit for a queen.
Inspirational animation
Why watch it when you can MAKE IT yourself?!
King Bee's brand-new animation workshop is an incredible opportunity to learn the ropes of an animation company and get your creative juices flowing.
Starting with a mini tour towards the world-renowned Elstree Studios, you will enter the studio gates and step behind the scenes of the incredible facility that brought Star Wars, The Voice, The Crown and so many more epic productions to life. Next, you will get to check out King Bee's studio where the animators will show off their skills and treat you to insider stories as you discover the art of animated filmmaking. Finally, after all that inspiration, you will have the opportunity to bring your own characters to life by making a hilarious animation to take home!
An authentic taste of animation, this three-hour workshop is taught by industry professionals and delivers a truly inspiring (and super cool) filmmaking experience for teens and adults keen to try something new!
On your marks. Get set. Bake!
Nestled in the idyllic Hertfordshire countryside sits the Cookery School at Tewinbury, run by star baker (and baker to the stars!) Lee Maycock. The estate is famous for its incredible farm-to-plate foodie experiences - and also just so happens to be located close-by to the Down Hall estate, where the Great British Bake Off is filmed. Celebrating this quirky (and cake-y!) connection the Tewinbury Cookery School is now offering a brand-new farm-to-BAKE experience set to immerse you into the world of baking, GBBO-style.
Cake-Off guests will begin their day sourcing fresh ingredients from the farm before whisking, decorating and drizzling their way to a winning bake. At the end of the challenge, there'll of course be time for a cuppa and a well-deserved tasting session before the winner is announced! Perfect for a celebration, an activity with friends, or just as a fun, personal challenge, the Tewinbury Cake Off is the ultimate experience for amateur and passionate bakers alike so...
Stepping behind the lens
Calling all photography creatives! Tired of landscapes and portraits? Are you looking to try something a little different and unique to make your photography portfolio really pop? Offering a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at some of Hertfordshire's premiere locations for an extra special photoshoot session that will truly add a touch of glamour to your portfolio. Step behind the lens and capture some vintage magic on the 1940s inspired 'Pinups With Planes' photoshoot day at De Havilland Aircraft Museum or curate your own fashion editorial during the Ballroom Regency photoshoot day at a range of luxurious Hertfordshire period properties.
With location, models and styling all sorted for you, the only things you need to bring are your camera and your creativity. From beginners to pros, everyone is welcome on these fun, friendly and themed courses that will surely deliver some spectacular results!
Make a day of it
A film-themed trip to Herts just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one (or more!) of the country’s world-famous period properties. From Pendley Manor to the Ashridge Estate, to Hatfield Park Farm, to Brocket Hall to Knebworth House, Hertfordshire’s historic and architectural gems have been made world-famous by their starring roles in UK period dramas for many years now. Open to the public for tours and self-guided exploration, visitors will step back in time into some of the most recognisable scenes from screen history. (By the way, don’t miss the brand-new film memorabilia exhibition at Knebworth House whilst you’re there!)
For a bit more freedom and space, head to Leavesden Country Park in Abbots Langley for a huge network of walking trails and a beautiful wildlife area. Or perhaps pop to Hitchin Lavender for a picnic and a gentle stroll around the blooming family-run flower farm, with its rows of lavender or acres of sunflowers. And if you need to refuel, check out Mead’s Farm Shop & Tearoom in the rolling countryside of the Chiltern Hills – perfect for shopping market-style local produce, and the perfect cuppa with some homemade tasty treats.
For dinner, we recommend heading to the historic Bricklayer's Arms, a cosy wood-beamed country pub that's been attracting Hollywood's finest with its incredible food and drink for years...seriously, we're talking Mark Wahlberg himself.
For a truly special day out, immerse your family in the magic and mystery of Harry Potter™ with a spectacular behind-the-scenes experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - the Making of Harry Potter or head to Watersmeet Theatre for an extensive range of film, theatre and event cinema showings to suit everyone.
Don’t miss Hertfordshire’s tourist hotspots either - from the iconic St Alban’s Cathedral to the sweeping panoramas of Tring Park– they too are made for the screen and long to be seen!
Stay a while
With so much to see and do you’re going to need to make a whole weekend of it! Luckily, there are some incredible accommodation options across the county to turn that once-in-a-lifetime experience into a wonderful weekend break…
For something a little bit luxurious, head to Grade II-Listed Pendley Manor– a stunning and sophisticated hideaway housed in a fascinating Tudor building that has been brought seamlessly into the 21st century with sumptuous accommodation, state of the art facilities and acres of breath-taking grounds. For the ultimate spa stay to rest and recoup after a busy day, look no further than Champneys Tring for some well-deserved pampering in acres of idyllic Hertfordshire countryside.
For a modern, family-friendly hotel, try the Double Tree in Elstree (perfectly located for visiting the world-famous Elstree studios of course) and for glamping and camping, check out North Hill Farm, located in the heart of the stunning Chess Valley countryside (and very close by to the popular Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios).
