Skip to content

back to Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Family enjoying a picnic — Enjoy a day out with the family | © Chris Lacey

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.

Summer of Play at Dunstable Downs

Visit the Sports Village at Dunstable Downs with free outdoor sports and activities to keep the whole family entertained all summer long. Try football, cricket, hockey, tennis, table tennis, athletics, frisbee golf and more. You can also join in some of the coach-led sessions on selected days throughout the school holidays.

A girl in a grey top smiling while pulling back an archery bow and arrow

Summer of Play at Paycocke's House and Garden

Step into summer in the Nature Garden at Paycocke's where you'll find lively puppet theatre, timeless games like hoop-la, crafting wild art and birdsong games. There’s plenty to delight young explorers.

A mother and sun play croquet on the lawns at Paycockes House

Summer of Play at Hatfield Forest

Get ready for an action-packed summer at Hatfield Forest. You'll find lots to do with traditional games, scavenger hunts, geocaching, rowing boats and hundreds of acres of ancient woodland to explore

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

Family fun 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.

Kite flying at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire

Hatfield Forest

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

The image shows a family in a rowing boat on the lake at Hatfield Forest, on a summer's day

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.

Visitors at Paycocke's House and Garden, Essex

Kites Connect Festival at Dunstable Downs

Kites Connect Festival returns to Dunstable Downs for 2025 - an exhilarating two-day celebration of the sky and the unifying power of kites.

A group of colourful coy carp kites fly across the sky

Dunstable Downs Big Camp - August

Spend the weekend under the stars for the perfect family adventure. Explore the Downs in a new light and admire the vast night-time sky.

Families enjoy Big Camp at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford

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.

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.

Visitors exploring Grange Barn, Essex

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.

Exterior of Bourne Mill, Essex, in June

A brown cow with white face stands head on to the camera at Hatfield Forest. Other cows are in the background. There is a blue sky with white clouds.

Discover more in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

An ancient forest and quaint, quiet villages in the counties of Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Explore Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

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.