From your hard-to-please teens to your teeniest toddlers, films and television are guaranteed to hold their interest and spark joy and creativity, whatever their age.
Banish the boredom cries and silence the snack requests this year by immersing the kids into the Hertfordshire film scene and its range of brand-new experiences designed to get them involved and get their creative juices flowing.
From cinematic journeys and movie-making, to dedicated animation workshops, to immersive theatre experiences full of magic and wonder, we’ve made a few selections that are all about getting involved and getting creative.
Let’s get stuck in!
Map to the stars
Forget Hollywood’s map of the stars, Hertfordshire has its own movie map and this one will lead the family on a journey of cinematic discovery! The team behind the super popular Treasure Map Trails’ maps have put together a map of Hertfordshire’s filming locations (including everything from Batman to Bond to Harry Potter to Paddington!) to guide visitors on their magic movie adventures. But how is this going to keep them interested we hear you cry! Well. Not only does it offer a fabulous route with fun facts and interesting info, it also sets them a filmmaking challenge that’ll test their creativity and movie skills as they become a director for the day! With storyboard ideas, links to tips from industry experts, recommended locations and tonnes of top tips, they’ll love creating mini mobile movies (and you might just get a magical moment’s peace!)
King of the screen
King Bee's brand-new animation workshops is an incredible opportunity for teens to learn the ropes of an animation company, get their creative juices flowing and meet some new people. All in an awesome film studio setting of course!
Starting with a mini tour towards the world-renowned Elstree Studios, they 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, they will get to check out King Bee's studio where the animators will show off their skills and treat them to insider stories as they discover the art of animated filmmaking. Finally, after all that inspiration, they will have the opportunity to bring their own characters to life and create their own hilarious animation to take home (and share on their socials and with their mates of course!)
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 keen to try something new!
Flying off the screen and into real life
Dragons and Unicorns and Beasts, Oh My!
Bring your little ones to meet our loveable gang Cog the Scientist, Bumble the Animal Tamer and Axel the Flying Expert in our magical, enchanted tent. The whacky crew are ready and waiting to delight and surprise the whole family with magical tales of mythical creatures usually only seen on our screens or the pages of books…
Here, in their magical setting in the forest, the Tremendous Tails immersive theatre crew will treat you to sensory storytelling show, telling tales, sharing secrets and invite you into their wonderous mythical world. Can your little ones help to train the cheeky dragons Terence and Gerald? Can they find the hidden magical White Stag? Will they pet the Unicorn and hear the dragons roar? Perhaps they’ll design their own mythical beasts?
After a truly delightful immersive experience, they’ll head back out into the human world, full of magic and inspiration!
Make a day of it
With so many wonderful things to do in Hertfordshire, why not stay a little longer and head to one of these family-friendly attractions and really make a day of it…
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. Explore the spellbinding film sets, witness the Gothic grandeur of the Ministry of Magic, walk Diagon Alley, snap selfies at iconic locations such as Platform 9 ¾ and the Hogwarts Express, and admire the intricate costumes and props used in the movies. Pure magic and a fun-packed day out for the entire family.
For a bit more freedom and space, head to Leavesden Country Park in Abbots Langley for a huge network of walking and biking paths along with two play areas, tennis courts, football pitches, an outdoor gym, BMX track and delightful wildlife area. And the kids, will love checking out the largest Monkey Puzzle tree in Hertfordshire! And if it’s parks they’re into, then there’s a wonderful park at Knebworth House (and a fascinating film memorabilia exhibition!) or the woodlands and wetlands of Panshanger Park to visit the Great Oak or try out the Dragon Fly trail. For something a little different, check out Henry Moore’s iconic work in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside with a visit to the artist’s former home studios and popular sculpture garden. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime animal encounter experience, head to Paradise Wildlife Park.
Finally, if you need a bit of a sit down after all this activity then head to the state-of-the-art cinema at Campus West in Welwyn Garden City or grab a coffee whilst they tackle the soft play or roller disco. For something a little more cultural, then Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth offers a huge range of event cinema, theatre and film.
Stay a while
With all these amazing experiences on offer, let’s be honest, you’re going to need to make a whole weekend of it! Luckily, there are some amazing family accommodations on offer to rest and refuel at the end of a busy day…
For glamping and camping, check out North Hill Farm, located in the heart of the stunning Chess Valley countryside (and handily just a short broomstick ride from Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios!)
For a modern, family-friendly hotel, try the Double Tree in Elstree (perfectly located for visiting the world-famous studios) or the Chestnut Marriott, both offering fab facilities and fitness centres. Hanbury Manor is another Marriott Hotel, this one complete with Country Club, Golf, Spa and Fine Dining – all set in 200 acres of stunning Hertfordshire countryside
For a unique stay experience, head to Banyer's House in Royston - a characterful property with antique beams, and bespoke bedrooms uniquely designed by British interior designers.
