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With summer here, it can be lovely to enjoy a catchup with friends in a pub garden or restaurant…but it’s not always easy to have a conversation with the kids needing entertainment.
Well, I’m here to help!
Below you'll find a guide of local pubs and restaurants (in Hitchin and beyond!) that have entertainment for the kids, so you can enjoy a relaxing drink or meal.
From play areas to pigs, soft play to sports and even a Secret Zoo(!)- I've rounded up the best places, as recommended by my Instagram and Facebook followers, friends, and places I've been myself.
If you try any out, do let me know how you get on!
Looking forward to visiting a few of these for Tried and Tested reviews hopefully!
Hitchin and surrounding villages
The Angels, Hitchin
Address: Bedford Rd, Hitchin SG5 2NG
A McMullen pub since 1957, the Angels is just a hop, skip and jump from Butts Lane park and a few moments away from the bustle of the town centre. Traditional British classics and fine Sunday roast meats all with a modern twist, fresh Italian pizza dough from our pizza oven and tasty nibbles to complement fine wines, world beers, locally brewed ales and fresh coffee. Small ones are most welcome - enjoy our unique indoor soft play area or outside area when the sun is shining. We think that this is the perfect modern pub!
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The Cricketers, Weston
Address: Damask Green Rd, Weston, Hitchin SG4 7DA
A gem of a village pub in the North Hertfordshire village of Weston. With a local’s bar, pavilion restaurant and acres of beer garden with a playground! Muddy boots and dogs are always very welcome in our bar and garden. Nearby to Stevenage, Hitchin, Baldock and Letchworth, The Cricketers has all the characteristics of a traditional village pub blended with a few modern twists, including our beloved cricket ball pizza oven. We are a friendly, casual pub. Pop in for a drink, add in some freshly prepared bar snacks if you get peckish or enjoy a meal with all the trimmings in ‘The Pavilion’ the oak beamed restaurant overlooking the garden.
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The Three Moorhens, Hitchin
Address: Hitchin Hill, Hitchin SG4 9AJ
The Three Moorhens is the perfect combination of old and new, offering classic country pub character and charm alongside acres of heritage. We want every visit with us to be exceptional- our relaxed people are there to put you at ease and show off their passion for outstanding food and drink. We have a large beer garden and play area for children. Our menu includes your classic pub favourites, a Kids Menu, succulent steaks, gourmet burgers and, of course, indulgent desserts and sundaes too. Whether you're here for a casual date night, a catch up with friends or a special celebration, at Three Moorhens you'll find high quality food & drink without the high-end prices.
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The Green Man, Great Wymondley
Address: Great Wymondley, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 7EU
We are a traditional family run village pub just a mile from Hitchin and near to Letchworth and Stevenage. We are located just a few yards from The Hertfordshire Way for great walks and cycling tracks, plus we have a garden and children's play area.
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The Hermit of Redcoats, Little Wymondley
Address: Titmore Grn, Little Wymondley, Hitchin SG4 7JR
I've been here many times as they do a cracking roast, but have never been in the summer, but following recommendations, we'll definitely be paying a visit- with a huge beer garden, play wagon, climbing frame with slide and football goal, it's a fab pub to enjoy a sunny day while the kids play.
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The Rusty Gun, St Ippolyts
Address: London Road, St Ippolyts, Hitchin, United Kingdom, SG4 7PG
We have a large garden where kids have space to play, along with games to keep them entertained. We also have a pig farm, where customers are encouraged to feed the pigs.
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The George and Dragon, Graveley
Address: 19 High St, Graveley, Hitchin SG4 7LE
In the heart of the picturesque village of Graveley, The George & Dragon is a traditional English family pub with several dining rooms and a beautiful outdoor area with a play area. They often do family-friendly events.
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The Chequers, Stotfold
Address: 33 Queen Street, Stotfold, Hitchin, SG5 4NX
We have an enclosed slide play area and run deals on kids menu and sweets etc...we have one of the largest gardens in Stotfold, so come and enjoy the sunshine while the kids play! We're under new ownership, so lots of exciting things planned!
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The Fox and Duck, Stotfold
Address: 149 Arlesey Rd, Stotfold, Arlesey SG5 4HE
Situated in the picturesque village of Stotfold, Bedfordshire we are at the heart of the community. With a warm family friendly experience you will be sure to have a good time! Throughout the year (typically during hot weather) we put our range of bouncy castles out to accompany the family experience whilst you enjoy your meal and have a good time.
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Ickleford Sports and Social Club
Address: Chambers Lane, Ickleford, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Hitchin, SG5 3YA
Overlooking the Recreation Ground in Ickleford, the Sports and Social Club is a great venue for watching live cricket or football on the field, whilst soaking up the sun. There's a large park across from the Club, which is great for kids, an open air balcony and plenty of space to run around.
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Offley Recreation Club
Address: Kings Walden Rd, Hitchin SG5 3DX
Recommended to me by a local mum on Instagram, Social Clubs often get overlooked, but they're a great option for a friendly local place to have a drink and almost always have kids play areas nearby- winning!
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The Raven, Hexton
Address: Village Street, Hexton, Hitchin SG5 3JB
Cosy pub-restaurant with wood beams, offering cask ale and international dishes, plus a play area.
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The Bird In Hand, Gosmore
Address: High St, Gosmore, St Ippolyts, Hitchin SG4 7QG
We are aiming to be the centre of the community offering a variety of different events, these all will be published on our Facebook page as well as the website. If we do not have your drink in stock lets us know and we will try and get it in from our suppliers. There is something for everyone at The Bird, whether it be Children’s play area, Sky and BT sports or just a nice glass of wine.
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Nearby
Two Chimneys, Letchworth
Address: Stotfold Rd, Letchworth Garden City SG6 4JS
Here at the Two Chimneys, we offer complimentary activity packs to entertain the little ones. We also have a book corner that children can use while visiting. We also have a selection of toy vending machines. We have a large garden and families are welcome to bring outdoor games/ activities with them to enjoy during their visit. Greene king are working with The food foundation to support their Peas Please pledge. We want to encourage little ones to eat more veg daily, which is why our Children's meals include at least Two portions of veg. We have regular family friendly events throughout the year which are advertised on our social media pages.
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Garden City Brewery, Letchworth
Address: 22 The Wynd, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3EN
Located in The Wynd in Letchworth, you can enjoy one of their own-brewed beers, local ciders, tasty bar snacks, wines and spirits, while the kids play in the Pirate Ship playground opposite!
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The Wilbury, Letchworth
Address: Wilbury Hills Road, Letchworth Garden City SG6 4LG
A Stonehouse Pizza and Carvery pub, there are great options for kids and an outside garden with play area. Right near Standalone farm too, so you can double up with a farm trip and a tasty lunch after!
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Five Bells, Henlow
Address: 101 High St, Henlow SG16 6AE
Nestled in the centre of the Bedfordshire village of Henlow, The Five Bells is an established, popular Pub & Restaurant with many regular and happy customers. Families are always very welcome and our younger guests can choose from their own menu. Outside you are welcome to relax in the large garden, whilst the kids let off some steam in the play area or why not just sit and admire our award winning floral displays.
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Rose & Crown, Ashwell
Address: The Rose and Crown, 69 High St, Ashwell, Baldock SG7 5NP
The Rose and Crown is a 16th century pub in the beautiful village of Ashwell. Our pub aims to serve high quality food and drink to our local community and beyond. Our pub has a fantastic bar area, a relaxed and cosy dining room and a large outdoor garden complete with a children's play area.
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Wheatsheaf, Biggleswade
Address: 5 Lawrence Rd, Biggleswade SG18 0LS
A true community pub dating back to 1873, with a large garden and play area.
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The Crown, Aston
Address: 56 Long Ln, Aston End, Stevenage SG2 7HD
The Crown is located in the peaceful hamlet of Aston End surround by vast fields and the idol spot to find yourself in this summer.
Relax outdoors in the huge garden or patio area and enjoy a glass of wine or local cask ales alongside our menus packed with enticing dishes, all freshly prepared and crafted with seasonal ingredients perfect for both the adults and the little ones. Our play area and table-tennis table are a blessing for giving parents the opportunity to relax whilst the kids play.
I've been here a number of times and it was recommended by many of my social media followers!
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The Fisherman, Stevenage
Address: Fishers Green, Stevenage SG1 2JA
Situated in Fishers Green, this pub has a large garden area and lovely pond.
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Jolly Waggoner, Church Farm, nr Stevenage
Address: Ardeley, Stevenage SG2 7AH
Just across the road from Church Farm, this pub has a large garden, great food, and the bonus of being able to have a farm trip as well as lunch!
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The Bull, Watton at Stone
Address: 113 High Street, Watton at Stone, Hertfordshire. SG14 3SB
We are nestled in the heart of the pretty village of Watton at Stone in Hertfordshire. Our ambience is that of a local village pub, offering you a warm welcome, unassuming & friendly service and outstanding food. The south-facing garden, enclosed fire-pit, Cow Shed dining huts, patio and heated terrace become a welcome addition during the summer months and ensures that The Bull is an attractive site for ‘all seasons’.
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The Woodman Inn, Nuthampstead nr Royston
Address: Nuthampstead, Royston, SG8 8NB
We are family friendly and have an great kid’s menu. There's a large outdoor play area to keep your little ones busy, and the handmade pizzas are always a winner!
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The View Restaurant, Pegsdon
Address: Pegsdon, Hitchin SG5 3JX
The View is a premium bar, restaurant and inn with its very own courtyard and garden, centrally located in the heart of the picturesque hamlet of Pegsdon, situated between Barton-le-Clay and Hitchin. At The View, we serve fantastic food & drinks in beautiful settings, that are guaranteed to give you an unforgettable experience. We have a name we're proud of and a view that leave you speechless.
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The Brocket Arms, Ayot St Lawrence
Address: Ayot St Lawrence, Welwyn AL6 9BT
We are a family friendly 14th century pub set in the quiet village of Ayot st Lawrence. The are numerous lovely walks for both small and tall legs as well as four! Our pub gardens are set back from the road which makes a more relaxing experience. We have a great play area with climbing frames and slides. Our secret Zoo includes our Meerkats, Giant Tortoises, rabbits and lots of beautiful birds which the children love. We have a children’s menu daily and mini roasts on Sundays. All of which makes a well deserved pint of beer or glass of wine a pleasurable experience for the grow ups!
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The Crossed Keys, Gustard Wood
Address: Ballslough Hill, Gustard Wood, Wheathampstead, AL4 8LA
I've been here many times as my dad lives nearby- there's a large grass garden with a children's fort, slide and various toys, loads of space to run around, good food, an outside bar and BBQ area for the summer months.
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Further Afield
The Plume of Feathers, Tewin
Address: 57 Upper Green Rd, Tewin, Welwyn AL6 0LX
With a huge beer garden, play area and stunning views, this is a great place to relax while the kids run off some steam!
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Tewinbury Farm
Address: Hertford Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL6 0JB
Tewinbury Farm is so much more than a beautiful hotel and wedding venue. There's a lovely café, woodland walk (with Bluebells in April/May), a large wooded play area that's completely fenced in for peace of mind with miniature escape artists, plus further on there are fields with sheep, alpaca and pigs (or there were when we went last year, so can't guarantee exact animals). There was a snack van too when we went so you could grab a coffee and snacks to take up to the play area.
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The Bakehouse, Welwyn Garden City
Address: Bessemer Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1HH
Welcome to The Bakehouse in Welwyn Garden City—a proper family pub serving great food in modern surroundings. Just a short walk from both Welwyn Garden City train station and the pleasantly landscaped greens of the town centre, The Bakehouse is a great place to bring the kids, uncles and aunts, Nanna and Grandad: in other words, the whole crew! We have an indoor play area for toddlers, and an outside children’s play area too. And our bar is well stocked with draught beers, ciders, cask ales, wines, and soft drinks.
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The Anchor, Tilsworth
Address: 1A Dunstable Rd, Tilsworth, Leighton Buzzard LU7 9PU
Quite literally saving the best play area 'til last here! I've never been to this pub, and it is a bit further out, but a number of people have said it's worth the trip!
The website says: "A charming village pub near Dunstable with a friendly Greek welcome and amazing Greek food! We extend to our guests ‘Xenia’ which is the ancient Greek concept of hospitality, with generosity and courtesy shown to those who are far from home and we bestow guest-friendship to all. We love family, children and extended family groups are always welcome. We very much aim to be at the warm heart at the centre of our community!
We are family friendly and have a great beer garden and large children’s play area and serve a big range of milkshakes for the kids (and big kids too!)"
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If you run a local pub with a play area/entertainment for kids and it’s missing from this list, then do drop me an email and don’t forget you can add it to the website for free using the handy form in the Advertise With Us section.
To the best of our knowledge these pubs are as described, but please check the website or contact them before planning a visit.
Inclusion of a pub in this list is does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the venue/event/organiser.
