If cardboard children has piqued your interest in boardgames, and you're in Hertfordshire, then check out our club:

http://www.meetup.com/Stevenage-Boardgame-Club/

We have regular meetings, loads of awesome games (probably most of the ones that Rab has mentioned) and are all friendly people who won't creep you out or murder you.

If you're on the RPS forum and in the area you really have no excuse not to try out some board games and see what you might be missing.