Skip to content
back to Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Large family of adults and children standing on top of hill watching while elderly man flies a kite
Enjoy a day out with the family this spring | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Family-friendly places in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Discover a variety of enjoyable things to do around Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire with the family this autumn, from building dens in Hatfield Forest to flying a kite at Dunstable Downs.

October half-term in Essex and Bedfordshire

Halloween trail 

Step into a world of Halloween magic at Dunstable Downs and help break The Curse of Chute Wood. Follow the trail and meet a cast of Halloween characters along with pumpkin tossing, broomstick races and potion mixing at the ancient cauldron along the way.

Child exploring the Halloween trail at Ightham Mote, Kent

Spooky Silent Disco 

Get ready for a spooktacular Silent Disco at Dunstable Downs this Halloween. Come dressed in your favourite spooky costume, bring your Trick or Treat bucket, pop on your headphones, and monster mash your way through an evening packed with tunes, dancing, and feel-good energy. Booking essential.

Children dressed in neon clothes and sunglasses at a silent disco

Escape into Autumn at Paycocke's House and Gardens 

Enjoy free, family-friendly activities inspired by nature set within the beautiful garden and writers' shelter at Paycocke's House and Garden Get creative with mindful colouring, help craft a vibrant string of leaf bunting, or, if you're feeling adventurous, have a go at the classic countryside challenge, welly wanging!

A woman and child sit outdoors on a grassy field with trees behind them, painting a colourful picture

Family days out at Dunstable Downs

Family activities at Dunstable Downs 

There are loads of different family activities designed to help you explore and discover Dunstable Downs. However you choose to spend your day with us, your adventure starts here.

Picture frame at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire

Family days out in Essex and Hertfordshire

Hatfield Forest 

Discover what there is to do for families at Hatfield Forest, including spaces to explore and activities to keep kids entertained.

Family follow the walking trail at Hatfield Forest, Essex

Shaw's Corner 

The enclosed garden at Shaw's Corner provides the perfect location for a family visit. From family trails to garden games, there's plenty on offer.

Woman and baby on the lawn in front of a red brick house, with summer flowers in the garden

Visiting Paycocke's 

Uncover the story behind Paycocke’s House, a glorious example of Tudor craftmanship with quaint beamed rooms. There’s so much to discover here in this unique merchant’s home.

A couple with a young child walking outside at Paycocke's House and Garden, Colchester, Essex

Come out and play at these places too

Ashridge Estate 

Ashridge has over 80 miles of pathways 5,000 acres of woodland, from the windmill to Bridgewater Monument and panoramic views of the estate, there’s lots to explore at Ashridge Estate.

Children playing at Foxbury in the summer, Bramshaw Commons and Foxbury, Hampshire

Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood 

With resident nightingales and adders, Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood offer a diverse wildlife environment.

A child looks through yellow binoculars directly at the camera with a big smile on his face.

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust

By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.