Historic splendour at Hatfield House
Hertfordshire's exquisite Hatfield House, just over 10 minutes from the A1, is one of England's foremost examples of Jacobean architecture. Listed in the top 10 �Treasure Houses of England�, along with Blenheim Palace and Chatsworth, it has links with Elizabeth 1 and Henry VIII. The current house was built by Robert Cecil who used some of the earlier palace - part of which still stands - and it is still home to the Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury. Open to the public, visitors flock here to admire Hatfield's treasures including the famous Tudor �Rainbow Portrait� of Elizabeth I, a pair of gloves thought to have belonged to the celebrated monarch, the stunning Long Gallery, plus the beautiful gardens. There's also a park farm which young ones are sure to enjoy.
Shop for a bargain at Galleria or go wild at Paradise Wildlife Park
Just over 10 minutes away you'll find The Galleria Outlet Centre, with lots of big name shops under one roof offering great discounted clothes. Or head to Paradise Wildlife Park, 20 minutes away, to see the collection of big cats and the endangered red panda.
A touch of magic at the Harry Potter studios
The multi award-winning Warner Bros Studio Tour London is under 40 minutes' away and well worth a visit to view the sets where all eight Harry Potter films were made. Wander Diagon Alley and peep into the Gryffindor Common Room before getting spooked out in the Forbidden Forest, new for 2017. Looking for accommodation Near Hatfield House? Travelodge Hatfield Central's your best bet or Travelodge Hemel Hempstead Gateway Hotel is also Nearby.