Things to Do in Hertfordshire: A Local's Guide
Children helping out with Lock 68 in Apsley on the Grand Union Canal
Hertfordshire doesn't always get the recognition it deserves as a day out destination — often overshadowed by London just a short train ride away — but the county is genuinely packed with things to do, from historic houses and wildlife parks to quiet countryside walks and, of course, a certain stretch of the Grand Union Canal. Whether you're a long-time local or new to the area, there's usually more on the doorstep than people realise. As a Hertfordshire based business ourselves, based at Apsley Marina in Hemel Hempstead, we've put together this guide to some of the best days out across the county, including a few options many visitors don't think to try.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Easily one of Hertfordshire's biggest draws, the Studio Tour in Leavesden takes you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films, with original sets, costumes, and a genuinely impressive miniature scale model of Hogwarts castle. It's a full day out in its own right and pulls visitors in from across the country, not just locally.
Hertfordshire Zoo, Broxbourne
Formerly Paradise Wildlife Park, Hertfordshire Zoo is home to over 400 exotic animals, including big cats and one of the UK's largest anacondas. With more than 30 pre-bookable animal experiences on offer, it's a strong choice for families wanting something a bit more hands-on than a typical zoo visit, and it's regularly rated among the best outdoor attractions in the county.
Cassiobury Park, Watford
One of the top-rated parks in the UK, Cassiobury Park combines expansive green space and woodland with paddling pools, a miniature railway, cafés, and a Heritage Trail for those who fancy a proper walk. It's free to visit and easy to spend half a day exploring.
The Magic Roundabout, Hemel Hempstead
A genuinely unusual local landmark rather than a day out in itself, the Magic Roundabout — a large gyratory made up of six smaller roundabouts — is a well-known Hemel Hempstead curiosity, often confused with its more famous namesake in Swindon. Worth a mention if you're exploring the town itself alongside any of the days out on this list.
Hatfield House
For a grander day out, Hatfield House offers Grade I-listed architecture, sweeping gardens, and a genuine sense of stepping back into history — well worth a visit whether you're interested in the house itself or simply fancy a wander through the grounds.
St Albans Cathedral and the Roman Museum
St Albans combines two very different but equally worthwhile visits: the Cathedral, with architecture dating back to Norman times, and the Verulamium Museum of Roman Britain nearby, home to some genuinely impressive mosaics from Hertfordshire's Roman history.
Howard Park Gardens, Letchworth
For families with younger children, the splash park at Howard Park Gardens in Letchworth is a local favourite in the warmer months, surrounded by plenty of grass for picnicking and with a café on hand for snacks and ice cream.
A day on the Grand Union Canal
If you're looking for something a little different from the usual attraction-and-car-park format, it's worth knowing that Canal Boat Day Hire operates a self-drive narrowboat hire right here in Hertfordshire, from Apsley Marina in Hemel Hempstead — genuinely one of the more unusual days out the county has to offer.
Rather than walking around an attraction, you're in charge of the day itself: steering the boat, working through a lock together, and cruising a quiet, tree-lined stretch of the Grand Union Canal at a walking pace. It's a genuinely different rhythm compared to most of the attractions on this list, and tends to be the part of the day people end up talking about afterwards. No licence or previous boating experience is needed — every hire includes a full safety briefing and boat handling demonstration, with support through the first lock so everyone feels confident before setting off properly. Check out the Routes from Apsley Marina.
It's a particularly good fit for:
Families looking for something genuinely different — see our guide to family canal boat days out
First-timers who've never set foot on a narrowboat before — covered in full in our first time canal boat hire guide
Couples after a relaxed, private day out — see our romantic boat trips page
Local businesses looking for a proper alternative to the usual away day — see our team building days page
Free parking is available at the marina, and Apsley train station is roughly a two-minute walk away — genuinely easy to reach whether you're coming from elsewhere in Hertfordshire or further afield. Fuel, a flushing toilet, gas hob and everything you need for the day is included in the hire price, and a professional skipper can be added if you'd rather the whole group simply relaxed.
Planning your Hertfordshire day out
A few practical tips whichever of these you choose:
Book ahead for the big draws. The Studio Tour and Hertfordshire Zoo can sell out, especially during school holidays, and canal boat hire on weekends and over summer books up weeks in advance.
Weigh up the weather. Cassiobury Park, Howard Park Gardens and a canal boat day are best enjoyed in good weather, while Hatfield House and the Verulamium Museum offer solid indoor alternatives if it turns wet.
Consider a weekday visit. Several of these — Cassiobury Park, a canal boat day, St Albans Cathedral — are just as enjoyable outside of weekends and school holidays, and tend to be far quieter.
Pair a canal boat day with lunch on the towpath. There are several lovely waterside pubs and cafés along the Grand Union Canal, making it easy to turn a few hours into a fuller day out.
Combine two shorter visits into one day. St Albans Cathedral and the Verulamium Museum sit close together, as do Cassiobury Park and a wander into central Watford, making it easy to build a fuller day without much extra planning.
Frequently asked questions
What's a good Hertfordshire day out that isn't the usual attraction? A canal boat day from Apsley Marina is a genuinely different option — no queues, no crowds, just a relaxed self-drive narrowboat trip along the Grand Union Canal.
Do we need any experience to hire a canal boat in Hertfordshire? No licence or previous boating experience is required. A full safety briefing and boat handling demonstration is given before you set off.
Is canal boat hire suitable for families with young children? Yes. Life jackets are available for children, and the relaxed pace of the day makes it easy to manage with younger family members on board.
Conclusion
From the Harry Potter Studio Tour to Cassiobury Park and Hatfield House, Hertfordshire has an enormous amount to offer for a day out — and a quiet cruise along the Grand Union Canal is well worth adding to that list. Whether you're local or visiting from further afield like Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire or beyond, Canal Boat Day Hire at Apsley Marina offers a relaxed, beginner-friendly way to see a different side of the county. Check availability and book your day today.