Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there are plenty of unique things to do in Bishop’s Stortford. From the popular farmyard animals at Daisy May’s to the ancient carvings in Royston Cave and everything in between.
Verulamium Museum showcases what life was like in Roman Britain and has lots of discovery areas to explore. Shepreth Wildlife Park is a large zoo with lots of VIP animal experiences too!
1. Visit the Museum
The Bishop’s Stortford Museum is an amalgamation of two previous museums – the Bishop’s Stortford Local History Museum and Rhodes Memorial Museum. The collections cover subjects such as local history, archaeology, and Cecil Rhodes’ empire in Africa. The museum is housed in Netteswell House, the birthplace of Cecil Rhodes.
Other museums and attractions in the area include the IWM Duxford, which is a wartime airfield that also houses a museum. There’s also Knebworth House, a stately home that has hosted famous rock concerts and is known for its collection of modern art.
For families with children, there are several kid friendly attractions in the area, such as the Go Wild at the Galleria, Willows Farm, and the British Schools Museum. For outdoor adventure, there are the Whippendell Wood and Cassiobury Park, both of which offer a variety of activities, from splash parks to wooded walks.
2. Explore the River Stort
A Saxon town, Bishop’s Stortford sits where the Rivers Lee and Stort meet. The River Stort is much narrower than the Lee and has a more meandering course.
The waterway is famous for its boating and was a vital trade route in medieval times. Today, it’s a great place for walking or picnicking.
You can visit Mill Green Mill and Museum to learn about the history of the river as well as enjoy their fun activities for the whole family! Hatfield House and Park is another great attraction within a short drive from Bishop’s Stortford, with picture perfect gardens, parkland and lots of VIP animal experiences!
Cammas Hall Farm is a PYO fruit and vegetables attraction located around 20 minutes from Bishop’s Stortford in Hatfield Broad Oak. They offer a wide selection of produce throughout the year, including strawberries, blueberries and pumpkins!
3. Take a Walk
Taking in the fresh air is a great way to spend time with the family and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Bishop’s Stortford. With a riverside wharf, a large public garden and a range of restaurants and cafes there is plenty to discover on a walk around this Hertfordshire town.
From the Grange Paddocks car park take the path along the River Stort with the skate park and children’s play area on your right. Then head up the slight incline and pass Sworders Field and the War Memorial.
Alternatively, you can take a text trail of the town centre with Rhodes Arts Complex or explore the woodland on a guided walk with Hertfordshire Wildlife Trust. Or for a unique overnight experience the kids will love Celtic Harmony Camp, an outdoor prehistory settlement with thatched roundhouses in native woodland.
4. Eat & Drink
Located near the town centre in the historic Hawkes Brewery building, Water Lane Lounge & Bar has a cool vibe with cosy dining area and plenty of drinks on offer. They do bottomless brunch afternoons on Saturday’s which is a fun way to spend the day!
For a family meal out try Zizzi Bishop’s Stortford which is a cosy and friendly Italian restaurant. It’s close to the shops and has a good menu including burgers, pizza and pasta dishes.
For something more sophisticated, why not try One Thai on the High Street. The owner Nuchee has taken a generational approach to her food and this really shows in the quality of the cuisine. The cocktails are also very impressive! The venue is a social hub with live musicians and events and their food specials go hand-in-hand.
5. Visit a Park
There are plenty of things to do in Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding area. Whether it’s a day out exploring historic sites or getting your shop on at the independent shops, you’ll find something for everyone here!
You can discover more about the town’s history at the Bishop’s Stortford Museum, which has archaeological finds, family histories and photographs. There are also interesting exhibits including the 16th Century Great Seal of Bishop’s Stortford and the beautifully embroidered town mural.
If you’re looking for fun family activities, try Cammas Hall Farm or Shepreth Wildlife Park which has otters and red pandas amongst many other animals! Or why not try out Teamworks Karting which is a fun indoor kart racing track for all ages and abilities. There are also lots of other activities to try, like the text trails that offer a new way to explore the town centre or an overnight stay at Celtic Harmony Camp, an outdoor prehistory settlement.
