Exploring Hertfordshire
Going for walks, splashing through a stream, climbing a tree, we are always doing something outdoorsy. Nothing beats a day out in the great outdoors with your kids, so put down your phone, turn off your TV and join us by getting outdoors.
Like most parents, we are always keen to avoid spending a fortune on days out with the kids. So we have listed below lots of free or cheap outdoorsy places to visit in Hertfordshire which we hope will inspire you to get out, explore and make memories. We would love to know how you are getting on by sharing any photographs taken outdoors using the hashtag #exploreherts
Woodland walks, Country Parks and Nature Reserves
As you can probably tell one of our favourite ways to entertain the kids is to take them for a walk or bike ride in the local woods. Living in Bushey, Hertfordshire we are within easy reach of woodlands to explore and there are some beautiful stretches of woodland in the county.
Aldenham Country Park Visit 100 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, only 12 miles from central London. Enjoy the scenery, lakeside walks, playground, 100 Aker wood home of Pooh Bear and friends.
Merry Hill 76 hectare wooded habitat in Bushey, a mix of old trees, newly planted woodland, orchard, a stream and vast open meadows.
Stanborough Lakes Enjoy a visit to Stanborough Park, a beautiful countryside park, with 2 lakes covering an area of 126 acres, on the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.
Fairland valley park This activity center offer a huge variety of wet and non-water based activities. There are 120 acres, a splash park, lakes, walks and lots more.
Wendover woods Explore Wendover woods situated in the beautiful surroundings of the Chilterns, perfect for a family outdoor adventure so much to do.
Rye Meads Nature Reserve Great place for bird watching, check out the bird hide and nature reserve.
Ashridge Estate An outstanding natural beauty with ancient trees, rolling chalk downlands and lush meadows. Adventure playground and beautiful bluebells to admire in the spring.
Heartwood forest Fancy a trail, head down to Heartwood Forest and follow the sculpture trail. Heartland Forest is also home to many rare butterflies and protected bluebells.
Oxhey woods Oxhey Woods is the largest Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in the Three Rivers District. Along the route, you will find a series of sculptures, the work of several artists, made with natural materials and local wood.
Parks and Garden
Rose Garden Beautiful garden to spend some time sitting in, having a picnic or walk around.
King George Park Wonderful park with a splash park, playground, meadows and cafe.
Cassiobury Park Hidden gem, tranquil, relaxing park, playground, miniature train trail and watch boat’s go by on the canal.
Harwoods adventure playground The playground contains a double zip wire, play tower with mid-air tunnel, slide and climbing wall as well as an iconic tower, accessed via a wibbly-wobbly bridge, which has special panels to reflect light in different colours.
Harebreaks adventure playground A newer adventure playground with a climbing wall, slide and lots of other outdoor equipment.
Verulamium Park This park is set in 100 acres of beautiful parkland, with a play area and lake, which is close to the center of town.
Shenley Park Home of the fairy garden, have a magical walk around or play in the outdoor play area for both older and younger children.
Farms
Visiting a farm is a lovely experience for all the family, particularly young children as it may be their first time in contact with animals. This can be an expensive day out however there are a number of great farms which we have listed below that won’t break the bank.
Hatfield Park Farm This farm is located in a great open space, walk amongst the paddocks, play in the sand and take a ride on a tractor. Explore the bloody hollow play area.
Church Farm Feed the animals as you explore the free range farm in Stevenage. There is plenty of woodlands to explore, a trailer to ride, as well as chances to see how the farm is run. The farm also holds regular events for families.
Standalone farm All the usual farmyard animals to see, plus regular feeding sessions, cow milking sessions and tractor-trailer rides.
Aldenham Country Park Stroll around the farm to a variety of animals, indoor Play Barn with soft play area, bouncy castle and kiddie rides.
Of course, there are so many more walks, country parks and attractions in Hertfordshire we couldn’t possibly list them all. If you have any other suggestions for things to do in Hertfordshire please let us know, we are always on the look for a new place to visit.
