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Discover the best things to do in Harpenden, Hertfordshire

Local attractions near the Old Bell

How does beautiful landscapes, varied wildlife and rich heritage sound? You’ll find all that and more in this lovely town we call home. Harpenden is a fantastic destination for everyone, with attractions for families, nature lovers, history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

And when it comes to a classic countryside pub to rest your weary legs, the Old Bell is the ideal place to settle down. But first, let’s discover some of the best things to do in Harpenden.

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St Albans Cathedral

The architecturally stunning St Albans Cathedral lies in the heart of St Albans, just a few miles south of Harpenden. Boasting England’s longest nave at 85 metres, it dominates the local skyline. Home to an impressive number of medieval paintings, it’s also the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain.

Offering free daily tours and a calendar full of events, this welcoming attraction has something for everyone. If you go, make sure to visit the Sumpter Yard located within the cathedral grounds. A glorious landscape of fruit trees and medicinal herbs, it’s the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature.

And if you’re looking for pubs near St Albans Cathedral, the Old Bell is the best spot to enjoy Hertfordshire’s countryside.

Batford Springs Nature Reserve

Just imagine finding a walk where woodlands echo with birdsong, streams ripple with inhabitants, and waterfalls cascade peacefully. Sound like your cup of tea? Batford Springs Nature Reserve, a site of national importance, is exactly that. So if you’re looking for things to do in Harpenden, put it at the top of your list.

This wonderful sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, all of which can be spotted along the many trails on offer. We recommend planning your day around one of the many scenic (and dog-friendly) walks before bringing the entire family to the Old Bell.

There’s no better way to treat yourself after a ramble than a traditional pub lunch at a charming countryside retreat.

Verulamium Park

Verulamium Park is a vibrant year-round attraction and a must-visit if you’re in the area. Spanning 100 acres of luscious green parkland and lakes, it’s named after the Roman city of Verulamium and even features sections of the original city wall.

Be sure to explore the Verulamium Museum, which contains fascinating artefacts that bring Roman history to life, before heading outdoors to enjoy some fresh air. Why not treat yourself to an ice cream on a pleasant day, or even take part in various sporting activities like tennis, swimming and golf. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Hertfordshire, it’s a must.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – the making of Harry Potter

Why not experience the magic of Harry Potter with a behind-the-scenes Warner Bros. studio tour? Whether you’re a huge Harry Potter fan, just a film lover or simply curious, this immersive tour offers interesting facts and insider knowledge into one of the most successful franchises of all time.

Explore sets like the Great Hall, the iconic Platform 9¾ and the Hogwarts Express. Along the way, you’ll discover original props, costumes and special effects. With regular events taking place, and the Studio, Railway and Forbidden Forest shops always open, you can pick up collectable items as well. It’s easily one of the most magical things to do in Hertfordshire.

Hatfield House

What do Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The King’s Speech and The Crown all have in common? Hatfield House. This spectacular 17th-century Grade I listed country mansion has appeared in over 70 films and TV shows since the 1960s.

Once home to Queen Mary and Elizabeth I, it’s now owned by the Marquess of Salisbury and opens half of the grounds to the general public year-round. The house itself welcomes visitors during the summer months, with events and live music bringing the courtyard to life at the weekends.

As if its distinguished status and handsome grounds weren’t reason enough to visit, Hatfield House also has an eclectic mix of independent stores to explore. It’s easily one of the most memorable things to do in Harpenden, 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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