For a weekend of pure Hollywood glamour with stunning period settings, luxury accommodation and incredible bespoke experiences, Hertfordshire and its thriving film scene has everything you’ll need.
From classic period properties to scenic filming locations, to curated cinematic collections and film-themed experiences, Hollywood is well within your grasp! Combined with the county’s sweeping countryside, panoramic views, fine dining restaurants, and luxury hotels, you have all the elements for the perfect weekend break at your fingertips.
So, dust off that red carpet gown, step into the spotlight and head to Hertfordshire to enjoy the ultimate weekend of Hollywood glamour...
A lesson in elite etiquette
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 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 sumptuous experience, we recommend staying the night for a truly royal sleepover.
Curate and create
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 our 1940s inspired Pinups With Planes photoshoot day at De Havilland Aircraft Museum or curate your own fashion editorial during our 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!
Step onto the sets of cinematic history
As if walking around the gorgeous grounds, gothic facades and grand interiors of Knebworth House isn't already like stepping onto a film set, now you can actually relive iconic moments from cinematic, television and pop history at the brand new 'On Location' exhibition. From The Kings Speech, to Batman The Movie, The Crown and Paddington 2, Knebworth has been gracing the big and small screen for decades and this curated collection of treasures from the venue's long filming history is a true celebration of its filming pedigree.
From original film posters, to set photography, to props and costumes, to memorabilia, the collection dates back over fifty years and is a fascinating journey through Knebworth's illustrious location house history and Hollywood connections. Check out the exhibition, gen up on your film facts, and then step onto the sets yourselves! Take a stroll around Knebworth and its stunning grounds, immersing yourselves in film history as you spot iconic locations at every turn.
Make a day of it
If you’re keen to get involved and try something unique, then the beautiful Sopwell House in St. Albans offers a range of courses and experiences from Cooking to Cocktail Making – you can even try your hand at Chocolate Making or Sabrage for the ultimate in luxury experiences! If wellness and fitness is more your style, try the Birch Retreat in Cheshunt for a huge range of Yoga, Pilates and wellbeing classes to relax the body and mind.
A visit to Hertfordshire 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 whilst also enjoying glorious grounds and stunning and historic architecture.
For a bit more freedom and space, visit Tring Park, a tranquil site that was once part of a sweeping aristocratic estate that was home to the Rothschild family. There are wonderful wildflowers and butterflies to see in spring and summer, historic features, and open vistas with stunning views. Alternatively, you could head 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 afternoon tea with all the trimmings.
Rest and refuel
With so much to see on your Hollywood in Hertfordshire experience, you’re going to need to stay a while and there are some incredible accommodation options across the county that’ll truly add a touch of luxury and class to your wonderful weekend break…
If you’re looking to be treated like a Hollywood superstar for the night then look no further than The Grove for the ultimate in five-star Hertfordshire luxury, With its acres of stunning grounds, championship golf course and award-winning restaurants it’s been home to many a Hollywood star guest over the years. Guests can sink into the gorgeous and grand interiors or escape outside into the extensive gardens (designed by the Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist Michael Balston) or spend time in the original Victorian Walled Garden with its open-air heated pool, urban beach, croquet lawn and tennis courts.
Also offering that touch of luxury and class is the 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 a touch of vintage glamour, try The Cromwell in Stevenage, a stylish and characterful property steeped in history and charm. Both Sopwell House and Birch Retreat offer a huge range of experiences and workshops alongside beautiful accommodation oozing contemporary luxury whilst the four-star Tewinbury Farm Hotel offers the ultimate luxury farm stay with exquisite farm-to-plate dining and a large rang of accommodation options.
