London is only 13 miles away from this campsite, making it an ideal place to spend a few days if you want to explore London, as the local station is just two miles away. The surrounding countryside offers a variety of places to visit and things to do, such as Shaws Corner, the National Trust property at Ayot St. Lawrence with its beautiful house and extensive grounds. It offers family events taking place throughout the year.

Whipsnade Zoo is also close by and the lemurs alone will keep you fascinated for hours. The children can have a ‘hands-on’ experience with the small animals, which will see baby goats butt the lambs in a jealous attempt to get your attention. The animals and grounds are well-kept and they can spend a whole day here without getting bored.

Children will also enjoy Paradise Wildlife Park at Broxbourne, with all the usual animals in superb condition, but there are so many children’s entertainments here that they will want to return again and again.

Knebworth House, near Stevenage, offers a house full of treasures and magnificent gardens and also boasts a maze, dinosaur trail, Indian Raj display, miniature railway and much more.

The Jacobean Hatfield House played host to Queen Elizabeth 1st on many occasions, and it was here that she first learned she was to become Queen. You can wander through the beautiful rooms and gardens, which transport you back to those days, enjoy the magnificent gardens, or picnic beneath the ancient Oaks.

The picturesque towns of Ashwell and Royston combine a dash of history with ample chance to dine out and shop. Royston has strong royal links as the Old Palace of James 1st is in Kneesworth Street. The king signed the death warrant for Sir Walter Raleigh at his desk in this palace.

Whitewebbs Museum of Transport, close to Theobalds Park, has a collection of cars, commercial vehicles and motor cycles, or you can take a boat on the River Lee and explore Lee Valley Country Park. Nearby Epping Forest is the largest public open space in the London area and here you can walk or cycle at leisure amongst the beautiful old Oaks and visit the Queen Elizabeth 1st Hunting Lodge which houses a range of Tudor activities to view.

Although little remains of the original Theobalds Palace (built in 1563) as it was destroyed during the Civil War, it is of great historical interest as James 1st claimed it for the royal family in 1607 and Charles 1st was proclaimed king at its gates in 1625.