Just thirty minutes on the train from London, Three Rivers in south-west Hertfordshire is well known for being the location of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter with families all over the world jumping on their broomsticks and heading to the district with magic set in their sights!
What many visitors may not know is that the destination has so much more to offer and delivers an abundance of fresh air, open space, fantastic leisure facilities and a whole host of fun attractions - making it the perfect spot for a short break with the whole family.
So, grab your little (or big!) witches and wizards and head to Three Rivers for an action-packed weekend of magic, fun, adventure, and discovery…
A sprinkling of magic
Immerse your family in the magic and mystery of Harry Potter™ with a spectacular behind-the-scenes experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - the Making of Harry Potter. Explore the spellbinding film sets, witness the Gothic grandeur of the Ministry of Magic, walk Diagon Alley, snap selfies at iconic locations such as Platform 9 ¾ and the Hogwarts Express, and admire the intricate costumes and props used in the movies. Pure magic and a fun-packed day out for the entire family.
Park life
What child doesn’t love exploring a new park and having the space to play? (And what parent doesn’t love the chance to sit back and watch them run free with a coffee in hand?!) Check out Chorleywood Common for wide open grassland and natural woodland play equipment or Leavesden Country Park in Abbots Langley for a huge network of walking and biking paths along with two play areas, tennis courts, football pitches, an outdoor gym, BMX track and delightful wildlife area. And the kids will love checking out the largest Monkey Puzzle tree in Hertfordshire!
Another option for park lovers is Scotsbridge Playing Fields which offers a huge range of modern play equipment from crawling tunnels to zip wires to trampolines and a fun embankment slide. There’s also a picnic area and a small skate park if you want to stay a little longer. For the more involved skaters up for a real challenge, take them to Croxley Skatepark to test out the half pipes, flat banks, quarter pipes, fun box, spine, half pyramid, jump box, grind blocks and rails!
Wear them out
If they’re still not tired after all that park action, then head to Rickmansworth Aquadrome at Colne Valley Park for a range of water activities and adventures such as water-skiing, canoeing and sailing. If you prefer a slightly calmer pace, the popular park has several attractive walks around the lakes or along the River Colne and Grand Union Canal. Your young people can also get involved with the Bury Lake Young Mariners, an award-winning local youth charity teaching life skills and confidence with sailing and powerboat courses for all ages.
If you’d rather keep your feet firmly on dry land then check out Rickmansworth Golf Course for a family-friendly course suitable for beginners and pros alike - the whole family can even get involved with a unique game of ‘Footgolf,’ a fun golf and footie mash-up played over 9 holes
Make a day of it
Little ones will love getting up close and personal with an array of charming farm animals at Langleybury Children’s Farm. Meet the Donkeys Susie and Stella with their adorable foals Star and Scout, brave the creepy crawlies’ enclosure, and feed the farm animals before picnicking and playing in their brand-new play area. For a quieter afternoon activity, head to the Three Rivers Museum and delve into the history of the local area with interactive exhibitions and displays or explore the Great Barn at Croxley with a guided tour.
For your evening’s entertainment, try Watersmeet Theatre at Rickmansworth, a fantastic family theatre offering everything from event screenings to theatre to film to theatre workshops and arts exhibitions. Check out the current listings for the up-to-date programme and treat the family to a fun and cultural live experience.
Feed the family
Alleviate the “I’m hungry” cries with a relaxed family meal at The Gate in Chorleywood. From tasty starters, light bites, hearty pub food classics, and sharing platters, through to scrumptious mains, Sunday roasts, and a dedicated children’s menu, the family certainly won’t be disappointed by the dishes on offer. On a summer’s day, The Gate is always a popular choice for families with its attractive outdoor space and idyllic setting to enjoy a spot of al fresco dining.
Parents rejoice! The Boot has three play areas, a football pitch AND a huge bouncy castle to keep the kids entertained so you can take the stress out of family dining. Relax with a cool beer or crisp glass of wine and watch them play happily whilst you await your delicious pub grub!
Make it a sleepover!
If you’re going to pack in a trip to Harry Potter World and all these other incredible family attractions, then you’re going to need to stay a little while longer! Springwell Barns is a great choice for families with a range of converted barn accommodation and light and airy loft rooms. Enjoy the serene water-side location by the Grand Union Canal, a tasty, cooked breakfast and even a room with a kitchenette for easy family living.
For a truly magical experience, head to North Hill Farm in the heart of the stunning Chess Valley countryside. A family run accommodation site which offers a variety of fun glamping, camping and lodge accommodation - all just a short broomstick ride from Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. Rest your heads in ‘Hagrid’s Hideaway’ with its rustic bunk beds, themed furnishings, your very own bath, and a toasty wood burner or have a cosy family sleepover in ‘Owl’s Lookout.’ If you’d rather bring your own tent, then you can set up camp in the stunning site surroundings and enjoy first class camping facilities.