By Tracey Waples
There are so many fantastic things to do in Hertfordshire, but here are the top 10.
Hatfield House
Hatfield House is a must see. Home to the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury and their family, the estate has been in the Cecil family for 400 years. Take a tour and learn all about its connections with Elizabeth I.
Brocket Hall
When it comes to palatial homes, Herts is hard to beat. Take a trip to the enchanting Brocket Hall near Hatfield and soak up the atmosphere. It was once a retreat for royalty and nobility as well as where Lord Byron wooed Lady Caroline Lamb. It has two championship golf courses and an award-winning restaurant, the Auberge du Lac.
Standon Calling
Why not try Standon Calling? Hertfordshire’s ever-popular annual festival attracts some of the biggest names in music over its three-day summer party featuring an on-site nightclub, swimming pool and bars.
The Making of Harry Potter
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a unique attraction offering visitors the ultimate opportunity to journey behind the scenes of Harry Potter and experience the magic that has gone into creating the most successful film series of all time. Visitors are invited to step on to authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the secrets of the Harry Potter film series. Step inside Hogwarts’ Great Hall and feel the films magically come to life.
Henry Moore Foundation
Hertfordshire is proud of its association with sculptor Henry Moore and rightly so. At Perry Green you can wander Henry Moore’s own gardens peppered with his works of art and look around the artist’s restored home Hoglands, his studios and more than 70 acres of informal gardens and fields containing many of his monumental sculptures.
Open Air Cinema
Grab your popcorn and enjoy open-air cinema at one of several venues across the county during the warmer months. Wimpole Estate, Hitchin Lavender, Hertford Castle and Knebworth House are just a few of the locations available.
Paradise Wildlife Park
Head to Broxbourne’s Paradise Wildlife Park for an exciting day out with all the family at this award-winning zoo and enjoy a whole host of experiences.
Elstree Film Studios
Would you like to see your favourite TV show being made? Free tickets are often available to hit TV shows at the famous Elstree Studios, the home of Star Wars and many other blockbusters. Get behind the scenes to where it all begins and see the film sets and studios that make up some of your favourite TV shows such as Dancing on Ice, Big Brother or The Voice to name just a few.
White water rafting
If your taste is for something more action packed then how about trying out Hertfordshire’s very own white water? The Lee Valley White Water Centre played host to the canoe slalom events during London 2012. Ride the rapids around the same course Team GB did as you enjoy an action-packed, champion day out.
Alban Weekend
Join thousands of people gathering in the streets of St Albans for Alban Weekend, a festival in June that re-enacts the life and grisly death of Britain’s first saint.
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