Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Enjoy a day out amongst an ancient forest or discover age-old traditions in a number of quaint, quiet villages in the counties of Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Places to visit

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Top places to visit in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Dunstable Downs is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The highest point in Bedfordshire, from here you can enjoy views of a landscape that has been sculpted over time.

Sheep grazing at Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral

This incredible tree cathedral, made from trees, shrubs and plants, was created after the First World War in the spirit of 'faith, hope and reconciliation'.

Sharpenhoe

An ancient woodland and chalk escarpment, crowned with traces of an Iron Age hillfort.

Hatfield Forest National Nature Reserve

Shaped by people over centuries and home to the rarest species of wildlife and oldest ancient trees, no other forest on earth evokes the atmosphere of a medieval hunting Forest so completely.

The sun coming through the trees in Hatfield Forest, Essex

Bourne Mill

A picturesque watermill with working waterwheel a short stroll from the centre of Colchester.

Paycocke's House and Garden

Book a guided experience around this perfectly formed Tudor merchant's house whose walls have more than a few stories to tell.

White house with red rooftiles, summer lawns and flowerbeds in front

Grange Barn

One of Europe's oldest timber-framed buildings, Grange Barn stands as a lasting reminder of the once powerful Coggeshall Abbey.

Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood

Explore Essex's second largest area of common land.

Ashridge Estate

Ashridge Estate is a 5,000 acre area of the Chiltern Hills, with ancient trees, rolling chalk downlands and lush meadows in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Shaw's Corner

Join a guided tour of Shaw's Corner and learn more about its owner, playwright George Bernard Shaw, who lived here for 44 years.

Northey Island

The closest you'll get to true wilderness in Essex

Things to see and do

The garden at Shaw's Corner leads to the back of the Edwardian house. Stems of flowering plum blossom frames the shot

Summer days in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Make the most of the school holidays with the National Trust’s Summer of Play. While away the hours with endless possibilities of play and opportunities to slow down, reconnect and enjoy time outside together. With ideal set-ups for families of all shapes and sizes, Summer of Play offers games, activities and trails to keep everyone entertained.

A cartoon of two children playing outside. One is juggling balls and the other is holding a pencil.

Family-friendly places in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Explore a variety of enjoyable days out with the family in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, from building dens in Hatfield Forest to flying a kite at Dunstable Downs.

Large family of adults and children standing on top of hill watching while elderly man flies a kite

The coast

Refresh the mind and blow away the cobwebs as you explore the Essex coast.

Plan your visit to Northey Island

Plan your visit to Northey Island, and discover what you can see and do while you're there.

A view along the coastline of Northey Island, Essex

Explore Copt Hall Marshes

Explore Copt Hall Marshes, a wildlife-rich working farm on the Blackwater Estuary, part of the extensive Essex coastline.

Woman with a dog at Copt Hall Marshes, Essex

Walks in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Here are some of our top walks to enjoy this summer.

Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs walk

Suitable for more energetic families, the Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs walk offers wonderful views across the Downs.

Summer view of Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire

Northey Island circular walk

Discover the remote Northey Island in the Blackwater Estuary, a walk that's the closest you'll get to true wilderness in Essex.

A view over the Blackwater Estuary at Northey Island, Essex

Capability Brown walk at Hatfield Forest

Discover how the Houblon family turned Hatfield Forest into a Georgian pleasure ground with the help of the famous 18th-century landscaper Capability Brown on this circular trail around the lake.

The view across the lake at Hatfield Forest, Essex with some grass in the foreground and Shell House in the distance

Get involved

Volunteering in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Making new friends, working in amazing places, and knowing that you're helping a cause you care about – just three great reasons to volunteer with the National Trust in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Volunteer ranger hedgelaying at Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Supporter groups in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

There are a number of supporter groups in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Find out more about what they do and how you can join one near you.

Visitors on a guided nature walk at Sharpenhoe Clappers, Sharpenhoe, Bedfordshire

Travelling to National Trust places without a car

Sustainable travel in Essex, Beds and Herts

There are a number of sustainable options for travelling to and from the places in our care in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, whether you’re looking to travel by train, bus, bike or foot. Here’s a little more information that can help you plan your visit.