What to See in Hertfordshire

Packed with enchanting landscapes, friendly towns and tumbling British natural beauty, Hertfordshire is a delight to visit and to live in.

Just to the north of London, and bordered by Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire and Essex, there's a lot to love in this historic county, whose connection to the rest of England make it easy to discover for yourself.

In this blog, we're going to pick out some of our favourite sights, both man-made and natural that are well worth discovering during your time in Hertfordshire.

If you're inspired by any of the following entries on our list, be sure to visit our Hertfordshire developments page to discover the exceptional Hertfordshire properties we have in our catalogue

St Albans

St Albans is a historic city, whose roots stretch all the way back through the centuries to its origins as a Celtic settlement that was taken over by the Romans during the invasion. That history seeps through every street and square, giving rise to striking architecture from every decade that has passed through the city.

As a result, St Albans is an excellent day out for anyone who fancies mixing historical sights with modern shopping and dining opportunities. The jewel in the crown of this city is the impeccable cathedral that harks all the way back to the Norman occupation of the 11th century. With two spires and dramatic stained glass windows, this is a must-visit for history buffs and enthusiasts.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter

A real treat for the Potterheads out there, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour dives deep into the behind-the-scenes of the Harry Potter films to unveil the sets, special effects, props and costumes that have made the epic Potter saga such a big part of the lives of fans everywhere. Having earned a wealth of awards, this is a day-out that your family will never forget.

From full set recreations of the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest to resplendent exhibitions of props straight from the movies, the tour takes place in the fully functioning Warner Brother's studio for a complete cinematic experience. Better yet, there's a busy schedule of events celebrating the Harry Potter series to whisk you away to the magical world of wizards and witchcraft.

The Natural History Museum at Tring

Once the private museum of famed banker and zoologist Lionel Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild, the Natural History Museum in Tring today is full of Animalia from all annals of history. Here you can find examples of long-extinct creatures, including reconstructions of dodos and moas, as well as real stuffed animals like the quagga and the great auk.

There is a little something for the animal lover in all of us here, and a wealth of different sections are a delight for both those of more academic learning and those who are just out for a day of fun. For an educative day out that opens the eyes to the majesty of the animal kingdom, the Natural History Museum at Tring is an excellent choice - and the best part? Entry is free, all year round.

Knebworth House

One of Britain's iconic stately homes, Knebworth House is a gorgeous mansion set in over 250 acres of spectacular greenery. Its instantly recognisable castle-style entrance opens up to a spacious courtyard in which sits the house itself, with its sharp spires and grand windows. A classic example of Tudor Gothic architecture, the manor was first built far back in 1490 with a number of revisions over the centuries to become what it is today.

For rock fans, many will know Knebworth for a very different reason. This home and the grounds around it have been the home to the Knebworth Festival for decades, hosting some of the biggest acts around including the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Oasis, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and many more.

The Lee Valley Boat Centre

For the river goers and boating fans out there, the Lee Valley Boat Centre is possibly the best place in  Hertfordshire to get out on the water for some water activities. From pedalos to houseboat hire, this friendly family-run business offers a traditional day out that combines the fun of being out on the river with the idyllic countryside that Hertfordshire is so famous for.

Located out near Broxbourne, on the River Lea, the Lee Valley Boat Centre offers a fun water-based day out under the watchful eyes of trained lifeguards. Once you're done at the centre, you can head into the town of Broxbourne to get a taste of a quaint old Hertfordshire town, with plenty of opportunities for a cup of tea and a quick bite to eat.

Whatever you love to do in your spare time, Hertfordshire has enough to keep everyone happy. From what we've included in our list above, to cosmopolitan towns that exude charm and hustle and bustle, living in this excellent county opens up a wealth of things to see and do with your family.

If you're thinking of moving out of London, or from another county into Hertfordshire, we can help with a fine choice of elegant and well-appointed apartments and homes, set in thriving developments around the area. Discover our full collection of Hertfordshire homes on our Hertfordshire property listings.