Perfectly positioned just north of London, the county of Hertfordshire combines rural charm with modern living, making it an increasingly popular choice for both weekend explorers and those considering a more permanent move.
This guide on things to see and do in Hertfordshire by Bruckland Developments showcases the very best the county has to offer, from historic museums, outdoor experiences, shopping destinations, and more, highlighting why so many people choose to call Hertfordshire home.
Key Takeaways
- Hertfordshire is easy to get to and around, with options by car, train, bus, air, cycling, and on foot, making it simple to travel from within the county and beyond.
- There are many things to see and do in Hertfordshire, including the Natural History Museum at Tring, The Snow Centre, Hertfordshire Zoo, Harlequin Watford shopping centre, and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
- Bruckland Developments is a luxury property developer delivering high-end homes throughout Surrey and South East England, including Ivy Grove in Radlett, Hertfordshire.
Transport: Getting to Hertfordshire and Getting Around
Getting around Hertfordshire is simple, whether you’re travelling by car, train, bus, or even on foot. Here’s a guide to the main transport options across the county.
By Car
Hertfordshire is well-connected by major roads, making it easy to reach and explore. The M1 runs through the west of the county, linking London to the Midlands, while the M25 provides access from the south. The A1(M) runs north through Hertfordshire, and key A-roads such as the A414, A41, and A10 connect towns across the county.
By Train
Hertfordshire is well-served by rail, with Thameslink and Great Northern providing regular services to and from London. Key stations include St Albans City, Watford Junction, Stevenage, Hertford North, and Radlett, all offering direct journeys into Central London in under an hour from many locations.
Local connections, such as the Abbey Line between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey, make it easy to travel between towns within the county. The West Anglia Main Line, operated by Greater Anglia, also serves stations like Hertford East, providing additional regional links.
Also read: Area Guide to Living in Radlett, Hertfordshire
By Bus & Coach
Local bus services, operated by companies such as Arriva and Uno, link towns and villages throughout Hertfordshire. For longer journeys, National Express coaches offer easy travel to London, Heathrow, and further afield.
By Air
Conveniently, Hertfordshire is close to several airports. London Luton Airport, located in Bedfordshire just north of the border, is a major hub for domestic and European flights and is easy to reach via the M1 and rail services, while Stansted and Heathrow are reachable by car or public transport. These options make both domestic and international travel convenient.
By Cycling & Walking
For shorter journeys or a slower pace, Hertfordshire has plenty of cycling and walking routes. Trails along the Grand Union Canal and countryside paths connecting towns such as St Albans, Berkhamsted, and Hatfield make it easy to explore the county’s natural beauty.
Top Things to See & Do in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is full of attractions and experiences for every interest, making it a destination well worth exploring. To make the county easier to explore, we’ve grouped the top things to do into several key categories.
History & Culture
Two of Hertfordshire’s most engaging cultural attractions offer insight into both the natural world and local life through fascinating collections and stories.
At the Natural History Museum at Tring, housed in the former private collection of Lionel Walter Rothschild, is one of the UK’s finest collections of mounted animals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
The galleries feature thousands of specimens collected from around the globe, from extinct creatures like the dodo and quagga to striking displays such as a polar bear and emperor penguin, making it a fascinating experience for families and nature lovers alike. The museum also runs regular events, tours, and hands‑on activities that bring its Victorian galleries and scientific legacy to life.
In the county town of Hertford, Hertford Museum celebrates local heritage with an eclectic range of artefacts spanning archaeology, natural history, social history, art, and geology.
Its collection also includes world‑famous highlights such as the Addis Company archive, home to the largest toothbrush collection in the world, alongside objects that tell the story of Hertfordshire’s people, places, and industries over centuries. The museum’s exhibitions and events programme regularly changes, offering fresh perspectives on both local and global themes and making it rewarding for return visits.
Sport & Recreation
For year‑round snow fun without having to leave the UK, The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead offers one of the country’s premier indoor snow experiences. The centre features a 160 metre real‑snow main slope and the UK’s largest lesson slope, catering to all abilities.
Whether you’re taking your first steps on skis or looking to sharpen your technique, expert instructors lead ski and snowboard lessons tailored to beginners, families, or more experienced riders.
There’s plenty to enjoy off the slopes as well. The Alpine‑inspired Lodge Bar & Kitchen overlooks the snow, providing a relaxed space to refuel, watch others in action, or enjoy après‑ski with friends and family.
Outdoors & Nature
Hertfordshire Zoo offers a standout nature experience that’s enjoyed by animal lovers and explorers of all ages. Set in the scenic surroundings of Broxbourne Woods, it is home to more than 800 animals, ranging from majestic big cats and primates to reptiles, birds, and farmyard species. But the zoo isn’t just home to animals; it also brings the prehistoric world to life with its World of Dinosaurs, featuring life‑size animatronic dinosaurs that thrill visitors of all ages.
For those who want something beyond walking the paths, Hertfordshire Zoo is also known for its up‑close animal experiences, including opportunities to feed big cats or meet meerkats and other species in safe, educational settings.
A visit to Hertfordshire Zoo supports wider conservation efforts too. As a registered charity that contributes to projects locally and internationally, it helps protect endangered species while inspiring people about the natural world.
Shopping & Retail
One of Hertfordshire’s premier retail destinations is Harlequin Watford, a large shopping and leisure centre with over 150 stores under one roof, offering a mix of high‑street favourites and premium brands that appeal to all tastes and budgets. Inside, you’ll find everything from fashion and accessories to beauty, tech, and homeware. Popular names include Marks & Spencer, Zara, Next, Primark, H&M, and many more.
Harlequin also features a diverse dining scene with cafés and eateries, so you can take a break between shopping sprees and enjoy a bite to eat without leaving the centre. A cinema, indoor rock climbing, mini golf, and other fun activities add another dimension to the experience, making the centre a hub not just for shopping but for leisure and entertainment too.
With late‑night opening on selected days and frequent promotions, Harlequin Watford is well worth a visit whether you’re updating your wardrobe, grabbing dinner with friends, or soaking in the lively retail atmosphere.
Entertainment
Hertfordshire is home to one of the UK’s most magical experiences: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. This award‑winning walk‑through exhibition lets you step behind the scenes of the films where they were actually made, exploring authentic sets, original costumes, and props from all eight Harry Potter movies.
You can wander through iconic locations such as the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest, and Diagon Alley, and even step onto Platform 9 ¾ beside the original Hogwarts Express. Throughout the tour, visitors can also see how special effects, creature effects, and artistry contributed to the films’ unforgettable world.
The experience is continually refreshed with seasonal features, such as Hogwarts in the Snow during winter, so no two visits ever feel quite the same.
Lodging & Accommodation
For a truly memorable stay, The Grove offers a five‑star luxury retreat set within a 300‑acre Hertfordshire estate. Guests can unwind at the award‑winning spa, complete with a 22‑metre pool, sauna, steam room, and a full range of treatments.
Dining options range from relaxed all‑day menus to fine dining experiences across the hotel’s numerous restaurants and bars. Golfers will enjoy the championship 18‑hole course, which continues to attract players from across the UK.
The county has plenty of more affordable accommodation options too, including well-known chains like Travelodge, Premier Inn, and Holiday Inn, a great choice for more budget-conscious stays, while still offering convenient access to key routes and attractions.
Homes for Sale in Hertfordshire: Bruckland Developments
If you’re thinking about making Hertfordshire more than just a day out, Bruckland Developments has brand new homes for sale in Hertfordshire. Ivy Grove in Radlett is an exclusive collection of 4 and 5-bedroom semi-detached homes designed for modern family life in one of the county’s most sought-after locations.
“Hertfordshire is a wonderful place to live, offering the perfect balance of countryside charm, vibrant communities, and excellent connections. At Bruckland Developments, we take pride in creating homes that allow families to enjoy everything this county has to offer,” says Joe Bruckland, Company Director.
Highlights of Ivy Grove include:
- Spacious, well-planned layouts with flexible living space
- High-quality finishes throughout
- Private gardens ideal for relaxing or entertaining
- Excellent connections for commuting and getting around Hertfordshire
- 10-year structural warranty for added peace of mind
Bruckland Developments is a luxury property developer specialising in high-end residential homes across Surrey and the South East of England. To find out more about our homes for sale in Radlett, get in touch with our friendly team today.
