The Best Things to Do in Hertfordshire, UK

At 58 hectares (143 acres), Rye Meads is one of the largest wetland nature reserves in England, sitting on the banks of the River Lea. It is managed in part by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), and the whole area is open to the public, with ten birdwatching hides offering the chance to see kingfishers, kestrels and various colourful water-birds. Other larger animals like ponies and even water buffalo can be seen around the reserve as well.

Hemel Hempstead isn’t exactly the kind of place you would normally associate with the Buddhist faith, but it is home to one of the most prominent monasteries in the west. Founded by Ajahn Sumedho in 1985, it teaches the Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism, and visitors are always welcome. Meditation workshops are run weekly, and you can even stay there overnight if you’re after a stronger dose of inner peace.

Better known in some circles for being the site of the Sonisphere music festival, Knebworth House has plenty more to offer when it isn’t being overrun with music fans. As well as exploring the stately home’s vast interior, you can head out on the dinosaur trail, which includes 72 life-size dinosaur models and educational information about them all. Also on site are a play fort for kids, a tea room and a 17th-century garden.

Long before St Albans existed, the Roman city of Verulamium stood there, and whilst the Romans might be long gone, evidence of their occupancy can still be seen. The Verulamium Park & Museum displays this in both outdoor and indoor settings. At the museum, you can see a range of artefacts found in the area, as well as re-creations of Roman rooms. In the park, you can see the last remaining city walls, as well as an 1800-year-old hypocaust – a Roman system of central heating.

Many pubs around the UK have lofty claims attached to them, but Ye Olde Fighting Cocks has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest pub in England. Some doubt still remains, but the owners have adhered to the pub’s rich history by maintaining a 16th-century feel, with little nods to the pub’s past dotted around the interior, including the fact that Oliver Cromwell is said to have been a frequent visitor.

One of the prevailing features of Hertfordshire is that it’s mostly flat, making it great for agriculture. You can see fields anywhere in the UK, but there are only a handful of lavender fields, and, at 35 miles (56km), Hitchin Lavender is one of the biggest. The flowers bloom all summer, and visitors are treated to incredible views across both Herefordshire and neighbouring Bedfordshire as they explore the long stretches of colourful, aromatic plants. Lavender products can be purchased at the visitor’s centre, and there are plenty of seasonal events to enjoy.

You could be forgiven for thinking that all the Harry Potter memorabilia would be housed in London, but, in truth, the WB studio resides in Hertfordshire, on the outskirts of the capital. A full tour will see you through Hogwarts, Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest and show you various props and artefacts from the film series. Potterites have no excuse to skip this one.

White-water rafting might be something you’d normally associate with wilder parts of the world, but there are plenty of places where you can try it in a more controlled environment. Lee Valley White Water Centre is one of these. Located in Waltham Cross, it offers rafting, kayaking, hydrospeeding and a number of other activities in a wave pool. If you are after something more relaxed, there is also a lake area, as well as disc golf – if you’d rather stay on land entirely.

St Albans Cathedral is named for Alban himself, thought to be England’s first martyr, as he faced up to the Romans in the 3rd or 4th century and was beheaded (it is said that a well sprung up next to where his head landed). The cathedral was built on the supposed site of his martyrdom, first as a monastery, then an abbey and, finally, a cathedral. It has actively operated for centuries and contains bricks from the Roman city of Verulamium. Visitors are permitted all year round.