Kite flying at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire — Enjoy a day out with the family | © 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 summer, from building dens in Hatfield Forest to flying a kite at Dunstable Downs.

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Summer of Play at Dunstable Downs

Once again Dunstable Downs will be transformed in a sports village with a whole host of free activities including football, crickets, hockey, tennis, athletics, volleyball, soft archery and frisbee golf. Bring a kite or pick one up from the shop and make the most of wind swept ridge. Little ones can practice their skills with a balance bike from the visitor centre. Build a den in Chute Wood or go on a hunt for Geocaches.

Two children flying a kite in spring, Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire.

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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.

A small child walking through woodland at Hatfield Forest wearing a summer dress and carrying a large stick.

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Hatfield Forest

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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?

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Grange Barn

Explore the unexpected at Grange Barn and discover the story within its walls. Discover 800 years of history, with activities for the whole family to enjoy during your visit.

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Bourne Mill

With its fulling stocks and 72-bucket waterwheel, Bourne Mill offers a fascinating peek into the history of Colchester's textile industry. Explore its highlights on a tour of the mill.

Silhouetted figure holding up a diamond kite against a bright orange sunset at Dunstable Downs.

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Kites Connect Festival: a celebration of culture and kites at Dunstable Downs

Don't miss this two-day celebration of the sky on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August at Dunstable Downs.

Bring a picnic and be entertained by these family classics performed in the great outdoors.

Audience members enjoying an open-air theatre performance in the garden at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire

Treasure Island, Shaw's Corner: Sun 18 Aug

With Shaw's Corner as the backdrop, DOT Productions present their swashbuckling family show 'Treasure Island'. With songs, pirates and laughter, follow Jim Hawkins on his adventures.

Standing up behind the audience seated on folding chairs, a couple watch an open-air theatre performance in the garden at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire

The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck, Hatfield Forest: Wed 7 Aug

Quantum Theatre presents a delightful new adaptation of Beatrix Potter's much-loved tale. Prevented from hatching her eggs at the farm, foolish Jemima goes in search of a nesting places in the forest and soon she meets a charming 'gentleman' who offers her the perfect nesting place in his wood-shed.

Visitors watching a live outdoor theatre performance at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

Treasure Island, Grange Barn: Wed 31 Jul

Join Jim Hawkins on his adventures following a treasure map. Jim and his friends join the band of Pirates and embark across the seas to find Treasure Island. It's a race against time as both Jim and Long John Silver eagerly search for the treasure.

An outdoor theatre performance taking place in the gardens

The Hound of the Baskervilles, Hatfield Forest: Fri 6 Sep

Sherlock Holmes tackles the most baffling case of his career in this cheeky but chilling adaptation. Performed in the great outdoors by Illyria, prepare for an evening of mystery and things that go 'grrrr' in the night!