Toad Abode

​To see more of that human-nature fusion at work, take a 10-minute trip to the Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, where the renowned sculptor lived for 40 years. Indoors, tours of Moore’s home and book collection give an insight into the artist’s private life while his studio and the gardens outside show how sketches became models and finally monumental works. There are a great many more homes to poke round in this part of Hertfordshire, from opulent Audley End to the downright fanciful Knebworth House, whose oriental domes and spires are now home to a dinosaur trail and adventure playground (both 40 minutes). Smaller members of the party may also appreciate a trip to Mountfitchet Castle, its restored Norman village, nearby toy museum and most especially its tales of ghosts and torture chambers (20 minutes). You might get want get back to the safety of the wild after all that, in which case, ancient Hatfield Forest (30 minutes) should oblige, with a lake for fishing and boating, trails for walking and cycling and a café with tea and cake. Enroute, look out for fallow and muntjac deer, buzzards, green woodpeckers and cormorants.