Caitlin Minter
6th January 2025
Just 20 minutes on the train from central London, Hertfordshire (or Herts as we like to call it) is bursting with fun, family days out! From lions and tigers, to wizards and high wires, take a look below at our top picks: 

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: 

Wands at the ready! Step behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films to experience the magic first hand. See 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.

"You're a wizard Harry..."

Hertfordshire Zoo

Go where the wild things are - Hertfordshire Zoo is one of the leading zoos in Europe, home to over 400 exotic wild animals. See if you can spot the small monkeys, and beware of the largest anaconda in the UK. With more than 30 different pre-booked exotic animal experiences on offer too you can even tickle a tapir!

Go bananas...

The Snow Centre: 

Skate over to the newest Snow sports destination in the UK with the closest ‘real snow’ to London. Home to a 160m main slope & the largest indoor lesson slope, the centre boasts perfect snow conditions all year round. Hosting a range of Skiing and Snowboarding lessons for adults and children from 3 years old, Lift Passes, freestyle sessions and the ultimate sledging experience.

It's all 'downhill' from here.

Willows Activity Farm: 

For a wholesome day out with the family take a trip to wonderful Willows Activity Farm. Meet the farm animals, 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 in Cotton-Tail Village.

Feeling good 'natured'.

Hatfield Park: 

A quintessential English manor fit for a Queen - Hatfield House was once the childhood home of Elizabeth I and is now a treasure trove of historic mementos, period detail, and sumptuous scenery, offering visitors a rich and varied day out.

Roam around like royalty...

Vertigo Adventures:

Fun, thrills and nerve-jangling challenges – find it at Vertigo Adventures. The high- and low-ropes course is one of the toughest in the UK, with zip-wire action, breath-taking plunges and daring challenges to test even the hardiest of adventure seekers! 

Feeling brave?

Rye House Kart Raceway:

For the thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, venture to one of the country's top Go-Karting centres where you can discover the world of motor sport racing. Let out your competitive streak on either the Main Track or Junior Circuit. Drivers are fully kitted out with race suits, helmets and gloves and then briefed on all aspects of safety and the race ahead. Then you're all set to race to the finish line!

Ready, set, race!

The Galleria: 

With over 80 stores, The Galleria Outlet Centre in Hatfield has a great selection of brands at outlet store prices.With the centre’s on-site jungle themed adventure area Get Wild, children will be entertained for hours… giving you more time to shop until you drop!

Shop until you drop...

The XC: 

The XC is the only extreme sports facility of its kind in the UK. A truly world class centre, under the XC roof find the only indoor concrete and wooden Skatepark in the UK, a 60x14 metre climbing wall, and the longest indoor caving facility in Europe.

If thinking about it makes you excited, imagine actually doing it!

 

Lee Valley White Water Centre:

If you’re looking for heart-pounding excitement for the whole family, look no further. This Broxbourne-based attraction offers white water activities for all ages - from rafting on the 2012 Olympic course, to pummelling down the rapids on a hydrospeed.

Get wild in white water…

 

 

Watford parks

Sometimes you just need to blow off some steam so Watford’s many, many parks are the perfect place to do just that. Whether you choose the beautiful green space of Cassiobury, which is made for a spot of frisbee throwing, or the adventure playgrounds at Harebreaks Wood and King George V Playing Fields, you’re guaranteed a fun and budget-friendly day out. For kids hoping to venture further afield, the Green Loop from Watford to tranquil Cassiobury Park offers 6.5 miles of walking and cycling paths so the whole family can take to two wheels.

Natural History Museum Tring

Our very own Natural History Museum in Hertfordshire? You’d better believe this is on our family friendly days out list. Packed with artifacts from the collections of Walter Rothschild, you’ll find everything to fascinate little wonderers, from woolly mammoths to an intriguing collection of fleas in fancy dress! What’s more, this fab museum has a rolling roster of fun events, including SENDsational mornings for neurodiverse visitors, behind the scenes peeks at the collections and so much more!

The Old Town Hall

There’s nothing like a trip to the theatre to bring the whole family together, and with its child-friendly productions, The Old Town Hall in Dacorum is one of our favourites. With a rolling schedule of shows for little theatre goers, like Creation – The Bubble Show, Town Mouse & Country Mouse, and so many more, it’s time to discover the magic of the theatre.

Tewinbury Farm Hotel

When it comes to a family getaway, finding the right destination that caters to both adults and children is key. Tewinbury Farm Hotel in Hertfordshire is just that—offering a welcoming atmosphere, plenty of space for children to explore and a woodland play park that the whole family will enjoy. The hotel’s expansive grounds provide plenty of space for children to run, play, and explore safely. Whether it's discovering the farm animals, enjoying a riverside walk, or simply enjoying the fresh air, the setting is ideal for quality family time.