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 spring, from building dens in Hatfield Forest to flying a kite at Dunstable Downs.

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

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Dunstable Downs

Challenge the family to a game of frisbee at Dunstable Downs. Master the frisbee golf course this half-term to see who will take the title of the ultimate frisbee champion. Bring a kite of pick one up from the stop and make the most of the wide-open sky. Little ones can borrow a balance a bike to practice their skills; head to chute wood and their imagination run wild with stick or hunt for geocaches hidden in the landscape. Can you find all six?

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

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Hatfield Forest

Enjoy a day out in nature at with the family at Hatfield Forest this half-term. With over 1,000 acres to discover there’s plenty of space to run and play. Follow walking trail or bring a bike and to explore the far corners of the forest. Go geocaching and see if you can find all 14. Pop into to the visitor hub in the lake area for games and activities to enjoy in the outdoors. Bring a picnic and find a quiet spot or find a picnic table by the café so you’re never too far from the ice-cream!

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

Shaw’s Corner is ideal for younger families. Pick up a trail and explore the garden or play games on the lawn. Bring a picnic and find a shady spot in the woodland or pick a bench to relax sit back and enjoy the view.

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

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Visiting Paycocke's House

Pop into Paycocke’s House and Garden this May half-term and for family games and activities in the garden. The tea room will be open every day for light lunches and tasty treats. Why not call into the second-hand bookshop where you’ll find a great selection of children’s books.

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.