From big cats to bygone Britain, maze muddles to magical mysteries, and fabulous food to film favourites, find it all on your doorstep in Herts this summer!

Hertfordshire is the perfect destination for day trips or short breaks from London or further afield – as little as 20 minutes from the capital by train, visitors can easily access the lush countryside or exciting attractions by car or via the Govia Thameslink rail services.

Here are some of our Herts highlights to help you to make this summer a super one.

An evening of Big Cat Purrr-fection at Paradise Wildlife Park
Enjoy a totally 'fab-zoo-lous' day this summer in Paradise.. Watch the animal feeds, book an up-close animal experience, or take part in one of their many events. Cat crazy? Love your lions, and treasure your tigers? Join the team at Paradise on August 16th for an evening of wildlife and wisdom, with terrific tales of their trek through Sumatra with the Tiger Protection Conservation Unit, and delve deep into the work and future of the park's big cats.
https://www.pwpark.com/

Lights, camera, and action at Knebworth House
Film fanatics and theatre buffs, step straight to the iconic Knebworth House for a summer of delightful drama! Across the 5th, 6th, 7th August, grab your blankets and popcorn and settle down to enjoy cinema screenings of Spectre, Dirty Dancing, and Notting Hill with Knebworth's turrets, domes and gargoyles providing the perfect backdrop! On 18th August, discover a time of everlasting youth as you join Peter Pan and friends in Neverland for a live performance from the Chapterhouse Theatre Company.
http://www.knebworthhouse.com/

Family a-maize-ment at Willows Activity Farm
Hop down to Willows Activity Farm in St Albans to enjoy the boundless family fun and activities throughout the season. With a Summer Spectacular packed programme running until 4th September, families can enjoy a ride on Tristan the Runaway Tractor, say hello to Peter Rabbit and friends in their newly extended Cotton-Tail village, perch track side at the Willows Goat Racing before having a turn themselves at Willows' sports day races, and getting lost in the farm's A-maize-ing Maze!
http://www.willowsactivityfarm.com/

Delicious delights at East Herts' food markets
Trust your gut and follow the scent of fantastic food down to Hertford this August, and get stuck into one of the street food fayres or farmers markets in Salisbury Square. On 4th, 25th and 28th August, Hertford's brand new street food markets will be serving a fantastic assortment of exotic foods, delightful drinks and marvellous music. For the best fresh produce take a trip to Hertford's own farmers market on 13th August. Load your bags up with an abundance of freshly baked goods and local fruit and veg. More than enough to satisfy those hunger pangs! http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/newhome

Tanks & Tommies at Hatfield House
Take a trip to bygone Britain as you commemorate 100 years of the secret tank trials that took place at Hatfield House during the Great War. Watch displays and performances throughout the day as well as groups of WWI re-enactors recreating elements of the war, from campsites to life in the trenches. Get stuck in by having a go on one of Hatfield's assault courses, whilst kids can try signalling activities and workshops. A fantastic fun and educational event for young and old – and don't forget to enjoy the grounds of the Hatfield estate. Its surrounding gardens make an idyllic and unmissable wander, and with a park farm set within the grounds, even the kids will be occupied all day!
http://www.hatfield-house.co.uk/

Exciting exhibitions at Henry Moore - RE-OPENED
Creative mind flowing? Following a major refurbishment, the former home and gardens of renowned sculptor Henry Moore has now reopened, ready to welcome visitors for a Midsummer Moore adventure! With a new name, improved visitor facilities and a newly restored summer house, visitors can enjoy exploring the house, studios, and extensive grounds this summer, including a new open air display of Moore's monumental works and an improved café and shop.
https://www.henry-moore.org/

Family fun at St Albans Cathedral
If you're taking a day trip to St Albans this summer, make sure to stop at the city's magnificent cathedral standing proudly in its centre. Its grand stature and magnificent mix of architectural style welcomes, and a team of expert guides run free daily tours to reveal the history of the building and the many people who have been part of its lifespan. This summer little ones can take part in one of the cathedral's family discovery mornings or get creative at an arts and craft workshop. Or why not take your day trip to new heights with one of the cathedrals tower tours? On 10th, 13th and 24th August climb right up the tower to its roof and enjoy a spectacular view across St Albans!
https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/

Evening entertainment at Brocket Hall
Enjoy an evening of glitz and glamour at one of England's finest stately homes this summer! Join Brocket Hall and the Military Wives Choir on 30th September for a champagne reception with canapés, before being served a three-course dinner and accompanying wine in the breath-taking ballroom. As you wind down with a coffee, let the North London Military Wives choir dazzle with a selection of their favourite songs. The evening, in aid of the SSAFA Charity, will have you leaving feeling like a true royal!
http://www.brocket-hall.co.uk/

Magic and mystery at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London – The Making of Harry Potter
Discover the magic of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London this summer. Whether you knock for Harry at his Number Four Privet Drive home, have a swig of famous Butterbeer, or try your hand at riding a broomstick, after a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London you'll soon feel worlds away from the muggle you arrived as! For this summer only, celebrate the epic quest Harry, Ron and Hermione embarked upon to find and protect the Philosopher's Stone. For the first time ever, see a moving display of the Devil's Snare that the magical trio encountered in their hunt for the Philosopher's Stone in Creature Effects, and have the chance to see and even touch the giant tentacles that have been specially created as they were in the films!
https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/

Ready, set… Rio at Lee Valley White Water Centre
Join Lee Valley White Water Centre as they host a whole weekend of sporty celebrations in honour of the Olympic Games between 5th and 7th August. Start your weekend at the centre's Brazilian themed launch party on Friday with live music and Brazilian dance performances, before settling down with a cocktail at midnight to watch the start of the games on the big screen from the comfort of the centre's sofas. Throughout Saturday and Sunday, budding athletes can join in with Olympic-themed games and activities which are perfect for all ages. Alternatively, why not relax in the Terrace Bar & Café with an ice cold drink in hand and a selection of delicious freshly cooked food?https://www.gowhitewater.co.uk/

For more information on working with Visit Herts and the website, please email enquiries@visitherts.co.uk 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For further media information on Visit Herts, please contact PR & Marketing Manager Sinead Hanna at Sinead@visitherts.co.uk or Marketing Co-ordinator Lana Crouch at lana.crouch@visitherts.co.uk, or call 01227 812914.

About Visit Herts

Visit Herts is the destination management organisation for the county of Hertfordshire. Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership awarded the county's tourism service to destination management specialists Go to Places on a two-year contract following an open competitive tender process in 2015.

For further information tweet @visithertsuk, or visit www.visitherts.co.uk