Things to Do in Hertfordshire
Built on the ideals of English charm, the home county of Hertfordshire is chock full of entertaining days out, rife with options for children and adults. From iconic film studios to marvellous cathedrals, this vibrant county's short distance from the capital makes it the ideal place to relax outside the city. Read on for some of our tips for the best places to visit during your time in Hertfordshire.
Knebworth House
This beautiful Gothic style mansion is one of Hertfordshire's best. Dating back to the Tudor times, Knebworth House's immaculate interiors and elegant design capture a snapshot of English history and are well worth your time. It's not just the history which attracts visitors to this stately home - extensive and rolling gardens stretch out before the building, which are notable for the iconic rock and pop concerts which take place here. Iconic events include Led Zeppelin in 1979, the Beach Boys in 1980, Queen in 1986, and Oasis whose 1996 performance at Knebworth House saw 2.5 million fans apply for tickets.
Warner Bros. Studios
Found in the town of Leavesden, Warner Bros. legendary studios can be found in the old Leavesden Aerodrome and is a major attraction for the legions of fans of the Harry Potter franchise. Two soundstages are set apart for an exhibition dedicated to the behind-the-scenes sets, props and history of the Harry Potter films. Diagon Alley, Dumbledore's Office, Hogwarts' Great Hall and other instantly-identifiable, in-film locations are available to explore, complete with brooms, wands, capes and more. Young fans, old fans and everyone in between regularly come away from a day at Warner Bros. Studios Harry Potter with magic in their eyes.
Hitchen Lavender Fields
For a colourful, outdoorsy day, sure to leave a lasting visual impression on the memory, a visit to the Hitchen Lavender Fields is an excellent option. 25 miles of pure purple majesty greet those who arrive at the Hitchin Lavender farm, and visitors are invited to wander through the flowers and pick their own selection. A calendar of events takes place throughout the year in these unforgettable surroundings, including open air cinemas, music gigs and Christmas parties, with marquees set up to accommodate audiences, bands and comedians. A gift shop, museum and restaurant, housed in a 17th century barn are the perfect places to unwind after a day of lavender picking.
Hatfield House
Another of Hertfordshire's elegant stately homes, Hatfield House gained its fame as a popular film set for all manner of pictures including several Hollywood blockbusters such as Shakespeare in Love, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and Tim Burton's Batman. Aside from its cinematic reputation, Hatfield House is also a prime example of Jacobean architecture, built on the remains of an early Royal Palace belonging to Queen Elizabeth. A rolling 42-acre garden includes fountains, a foot maze and herb gardens - the house's art collection is also not to be missed.
Hertfordshire's attractive countryside, its proximity to London and its historic towns make it an ideal place to live for professionals, couples and families from all walks of life. If you're looking to buy property in Hertfordshire, be sure to take a look at range of properties available.