Things to Do in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is one of the most underrated counties for a genuinely good day out — close enough to London to be an easy trip, but full of its own history, countryside and things to do that have nothing to do with the capital at all. As a Hertfordshire-based business ourselves, here's our guide to making the most of the county, organised by the kind of day you're after.
Family Days Out in Hertfordshire
From wildlife parks to open green spaces, Hertfordshire has plenty to keep a family entertained for a full day without a long drive. If you're planning a family day out, it's worth reading our guide to family canal boat days out alongside the wider attractions covered in our local's guide to things to do in Hertfordshire.
Outdoor and Countryside Days Out
Hertfordshire's parks, woodland and waterways make it an easy county to enjoy without needing to travel far. Cassiobury Park, Wendover-adjacent countryside just over the Buckinghamshire border, and the towpaths of the Grand Union Canal all offer a genuinely relaxed pace — ideal if you'd rather spend a day outdoors than queuing at an attraction.
Historic and Cultural Hertfordshire
Between St Albans' Roman history, Hatfield House's grand architecture, and the county's long connection to the canal network, there's a real depth of history here for anyone who enjoys combining a day out with a bit of context. Our local's guide covers several of these in more detail.
A Different Kind of Day Out: Canal Boating
If you've already covered the usual Hertfordshire attractions, a canal boat day is genuinely one of the more unusual ways to spend a day in the county. Canal Boat Day Hire operates self-drive narrowboat hire from Apsley Marina in Hemel Hempstead, right on the Grand Union Canal — no licence or previous experience needed, with a full safety briefing and support through the first lock included in every booking.
It's a particularly good fit for:
Families looking for something different from the usual day out
First-timers who've never set foot on a narrowboat before
Couples after a relaxed, private day together
Businesses looking for a genuine alternative to the usual away day
Hen parties wanting something different from the usual bar crawl
Dog owners who'd like to bring their dog along for the day
Day hire runs year-round, with evening hire available in the warmer months. Full details are on our hire prices page.
Explore Hertfordshire and Beyond
For a deeper dive into Hertfordshire specifically, read our local's guide to things to do in Hertfordshire.
If you're travelling in from further afield, we've also put together guides for nearby counties:
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a good Hertfordshire day out that isn't a typical attraction? A canal boat day from Apsley Marina is a genuinely different option — a relaxed, self-drive narrowboat trip along the Grand Union Canal, with no experience needed.
Is Hertfordshire a good base for a day trip from London? Yes — much of the county, including Apsley Marina, is easily reached by train from London, making it a straightforward day-trip destination without needing to travel far.
Do I need any experience to try canal boating in Hertfordshire? No. A full safety briefing and boat handling demonstration is given before you set off, and no licence is required.
Check availability and book your canal boat day with Canal Boat Day Hire.