A flock of Brent geese silhouetted in flight | © ©National Trust Images/Justin Minns

Countryside in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Step into the great outdoors and explore an ancient forest, acres of parkland or hidden countryside spaces around Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Trees in autumn mist at Hatfield Forest, Essex

Article

Hatfield Forest

Visit a royal medieval hunting ground with mighty ancient oaks, fallow deer and wildlife aplenty. Enjoy a walk followed by a treat from the Forest Café in the beautiful surroundings of the Georgian lake and Shell House.

Article

Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood

With resident nightingales and adders, Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood offer a diverse wildlife environment. Why not try a geocache GPS trail with the family to discover it all?

A view up the path towards the hill at Rayleigh Mount, Essex

Place

Rayleigh Mount

The site of a medieval castle, now a green oasis for wildlife

Sheep grazing on Dunstable Downs, with grassy fields below

Article

Dunstable Downs

Discover slow-worms and mini beasties on the chalk grasslands, look out for red kites or fly your own kite from the wind-swept ridge.

Two people in winter coats and hats walk their black dog through winter woodland, with bare trees and brown undergrowth

Article

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.