10 Best Things to Do in Hertfordshire

St Albans Cathedral is often locally referred to as The Abbey, and features breathtaking architecture that dates back to Norman times. Construction on the cathedral was started in the year 1077 and the original building was completed in 1089, but it's been restored and reconstructed many times. For the next 8 centuries, portions were expanded, add-ons erected and renovations performed through 1893 when it reached its current configuration. Thousands of visitors come to view the architecture and designs, whether for spiritual or historic reasons.

Knebworth House is an enormous and stately Tudor mansion and gardens that is famed as a venue for a major rock concert festival. The house itself is an attraction and exemplar of a Tudor mansion where you can explore authentic architectural features and stone gargoyles guarding turrets and domes. The interior is decorated in lavish Victorian design. Other attractions include immaculate and colorful gardens, an adventure playground for the kids, a watchman's tower, a tea room and a gift shop.

Rye Meads Nature Reserve is a designated biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Hertfordshire with wetland hiking and cycling trails along the River Lea. The reserve features an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails to explore unspoiled lands and see native wildlife in its natural habitat. A carpark and toilets are available onsite, and a visitors center provides education and information about the history, purpose and features of the park. A snack bar offers a selection of snacks, cold beverages and ice cream for refreshments on your visit.

Cassiobury Park is a family recreation area that encompasses expansive open green space and woodland neighborhoods with sports facilities and family attractions. Voted among the top 10 parks in the entire United Kingdom, this park has a great deal of history behind it and was awarded the Green Flag for its beauty. The park features paddling pools, splash pools, water features, a bandstand, 2 different cafes and programed activities throughout the year. Hikers will enjoy walking the Heritage Trail, while kids will enjoy the playgrounds near the Hub and Ca Café and the miniature railroad.

The Magic Traffic circle, properly named the Plow Traffic circle, consists of 6 smaller traffic circles and is named for the classic children's television program. This complex maxi-roundabout is marked by a river that cuts right through its center. Ducks and other local wildlife also frequent the green space center, but what it's really famed for is the sight of drivers white-knuckle-gripping their steering wheels with a look of confused panic as they try to navigate the misadventure it represents.

Amaravati Buddhist Monastery is a stunning monastery with tranquil surrounds for a quiet and contemplative afternoon. Established in 1984 in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, the monastery has its roots in the Thai Forest Tradition and features male and female monastic communities and lay residents. Here, you can enjoy morning and evening meditation, serene meals, question-and-answer sessions and learning workshops in the tradition. Visitors come from the world over to experience its spiritual wonders and escape the stresses of everyday life.

Heartwood Forest is a planned forest that's home to spectacular trees, beautiful wildflowers and open grasslands to explore. One of the largest continuous newly planted native forests in the UK, Heartwood Forest is owned and managed by the UK Woodland Trust and features over 600,000 trees that were hand-planted and cultivated. Tucked within the trees are pockets of ancient bluebell woods, wildflower meadows, hedgerows and open grassland for varied scenery. As you walk the tended paths, you can see native wildlife playing among the greenery and just enjoy a serene escape from the world.

Minsden Chapel is a ruined medieval chapel with a turbulent history and fascinating lore about ghosts and curses. Falling into disuse during the Reformation, the chapel became so unstable that the roof caved in centuries later. The collapse occurred during a wedding ceremony and nearly struck the curate, who just managed to get out of the way. The chapel is rumored to be haunted, and in 1907 a photographer was reputed to have snapped a picture of a ghostly monk just outside. The ruins are reached via a short hike from a nearby carpark over a public footpath to experience its evocative atmosphere for yourself.

Willows Activity Farm is a family adventure park with plenty of children's attractions, including amusement-style rides, inflatables, adventure play and live farmyard animals. The farm is also the fictional home of Peter Rabbit in Hertfordshire where you can explore and meet Peter and all his brothers, sisters and friends in Cottontail Village. In this fun live play area, you can enjoy daily interactive activities and live shows featuring the Lily Bobtail Nature Discovery Neighborhood, Mrs. Tiggy-winkle, Mr. Bouncer, Mr. McGregor, Old Brown and many other beloved characters.

The Henry Moore Studios and Gardens are a registered charity designed to educate about and promote the fine arts and preserve the works of Henry Moore. As you walk the elegant green spaces of the gardens, you'll visit the former home of the iconic artist and walk among his sculpture gardens and personal studio. The gardens help to support the Henry Moore Institute in Leeds, which is a world-recognised center for the study of sculpture. A cafe is onsite, so you can enjoy light food and beverages during your visit. You'll also find an onsite gift shop to purchase souvenirs and mementos for friends and family.