Black Grove Farm

The market town of Hertford (15 minutes’ drive) has a large green with a castle on the banks of the River Lea. A museum in town displays ceramics and items related to the Hertfordshire Regiment, while Hartham Common Park has wild swimming and watersports, plus tennis courts. Head south to Hertfordshire Zoo (25 minutes), where residents include tigers and snow leopards, as well as smaller animals like meerkats and lemurs, which you can meet and feed. From there, drive the short distance to River Lee Country Park, where you can ride a bike, spot birds and dragonflies, or have a go at the dog agility course. The elegant gardens at Knebworth House (half an hour) were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the early 20th century, and they now include a maze and a Dinosaur Trail. The grounds are also known for their lively calendar of events, which range from live music concerts to car shows.