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Discover the best things to do in Little Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire

Local attractions near the Five Horseshoes

Just five miles south of Hertford, Little Berkhamsted promises a relaxed atmosphere, plenty of beautiful countryside to explore and easy access to some of the best things to do in Hertford and the wider county of Hertfordshire.

Whether you’re going to see the animals at Hertfordshire Zoo, marvelling at the sculptures at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens or simply spending a day in nature, here are some of the best things to do in Little Berkhamsted.

And after all that exploring, you’ll be welcome with open arms at the Five Horseshoes for delicious food, refreshing drinks and some well-earned relaxation.

Hertfordshire Zoo

Formerly called Paradise Wildlife Park, Hertfordshire Zoo is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Hertfordshire.

Home to over 800 animals, including majestic big cats, cheeky monkeys and exotic reptiles, it’s a brilliant day out for families. The World of Birds is home to many intriguing species from

at home and across the world. And if dinosaurs are more your thing, there are over 30 animatronic dinosaurs in the World of Dinosaurs.

If you’re feeling peckish after all the excitement, you’ll find a number of pubs near Paradise Wildlife Park. Make your way to the Five Horseshoes for traditional pub food and seasonal specials, as well as classic ales and wonderful wines. It’s one of the best places to eat near Paradise Wildlife Park.

Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

Henry Moore was a pioneering British sculptor who made a name for himself on the global art stage. To get a true feeling for the beauty of his artwork, take the trip to Henry Moore Studios & Gardens.

This intriguing attraction offers the opportunity to discover his world famous sculptures set across 70 acres of gardens and rolling fields. Spend a day here and wander around iconic sculptures including ‘Hill Arches’, ‘Double Oval’, ‘Sheep Piece’ and ‘Locking Piece’ for a truly memorable experience.

You can also explore Moore’s network of studios located throughout the gardens, with different studios used for different activities whether carving, drawing or creating small models. It’s one of the most fascinating things to do in Little Berkhamsted.

Berkhamsted Castle

For a historical trip covering 950 years of heritage, make the journey from Little Berkhamsted to see the ruins of Berkhamsted Castle.

First built as a timber motte-and-bailey castle in the 11th century, it was one of the most important early Norman castles. It was occupied by key royal figures during the Middle Ages, but much of its stone was plundered during the 16th century.

Today, Berkhamsted Castle is an intriguing place to visit and one of the best free things to do in Hertfordshire. It’s open from 10am to 6pm in summer and 10am to 4pm in winter, so you have ample time to wander around the ancient ruins.

Rye Meads Nature Reserve

Make the most of the cherished Hertfordshire countryside with a visit to Rye Meads Nature Reserve, just a short drive from the Five Horseshoes. This 145-acre wetland site is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) found at Rye House in Hoddesdon.

As one of a series of wetlands and reservoirs along the River Lea, it’s home to some incredible local wildlife. Make your way here for a slice of peace and tranquillity, as well as the chance to spot Common Terns, Kingfishers, Water Voles, waterfowl and so much more.

It's the ideal place for a pre-pub ramble or just a lovely day spent in nature, and is always one of the most popular things to do in Hertford.

St. Albans Cathedral

As St. Albans is just a short drive from Little Berkhamsted, a trip to St. Albans Cathedral is a must during your stay in the charming village.

Right at the heart of St. Albans, the cathedral is a stunning building and an architectural masterpiece. It boasts England’s longest nave at 85 metres and is home to a selection of medieval paintings. It’s also the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain.

Explore its wonders on a free daily tour or come to experience one of the many events held here. Don’t miss Sumpter Yard within the cathedral grounds – it’s full of fruit trees and medicinal herbs and the perfect place to while away some time in nature. You’ll see why it tops our list as one of the most mesmerising things to do in Hertfordshire.

A mobile sized illustration advertising local attractions near to The Blue Cap.

Go for par at Sandiway Golf Club

Formed in 1920 and just across the road from the Blue Cap, the esteemed Sandiway Golf Club is home to generous, tree-lined freeways with sandy subsoil, making the course an excellent golfing location all year round. Spot the oak, beech and birchwood trees, dotted with birds and insects, and as you play through the back nine, take some time to enjoy the ravishing backdrop of Pettypool — best viewed on the 11th and 12th holes.

The club holds an extensive history, from its original layout by Ted Ray, the first UK & Ireland Ryder Cup Captain, to part of the course being lost in the Second World War as the fairways were ploughed for food production. In the 1950s, some holes were lost or abandoned due to enforcement by the completion of the Northwich bypass, which you may drive on today as you make your way to the Blue Cap! Today, the club is often chosen to host international, national, regional and local championships and is held in high regard as a traditional private members’ club.

If your golfing skills are a little rusty, you can check out the course before you arrive on the Course Flyover page. Booking is advised at this esteemed golf club.

Sprinkle some time in Northwich into your day

Northwich is famous for its salt industry, which is, in fact, the reason the town has such few ancient buildings. The constant pumping of brine from beneath the district and the collapse of old salt mines has weakened the landscape around, sadly causing subsidence of the town, but this has been arrested in recent times with the introduction of controlled pumping.

Take a stroll through the old market town, pop into a few independent shops on your way past and, if you’ve timed your trip well, visit the monthly Artisan Market, full of unique treasures and handmade goods. The town is vibrant and welcoming, sitting prettily on the confluence of the River Dane and the Weaver Navigation, and has a distinctive look with its black and white timber-framed buildings.

Northwich lies at the end of the Heritage Cycle Trail route from Anderton Boat Lift and is home to the Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, where the history of West Cheshire comes to life through film, reconstruction, models, displays and artefacts. It’s a truly lovely day out for any family, made even better with a visit to a pub near Northwich. Why not try the Blue Cap, just 11 minutes' drive away, to complete a day of heartfelt memories?

The Ice Cream Farm

Award-winning ice cream, fun at the farm and family-friendly events are aplenty here at the Ice Cream Farm, and it's just a 25-minute drive from the Blue Cap, Sandiway, too. There are ten different areas for the little ones to run wild in, including Europe's largest indoor sand and water play, an adventure golf course and an arcade room for older children.

The Ice Cream Farm is also home to the world's biggest ice cream shop. The shop is filled with over 50 flavours of award-winning Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, which are topped with enough sprinkles and sauces to fulfil even the sweetest of tooths.

If you're looking for an event for the whole family, the Ice Cream Farm has themed escape rooms, scavenger hunts, toddler time and more. It's the perfect place to treat everyone to a day of fun and excitement in a fun and engaging environment. And, after a busy day of play, you can pop into the Blue Cap for a drink and some non-ice-cream-themed food afterwards.

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