Detailed Map Of Hertfordshire

Introduction

Located in the south-east of England, Hertfordshire is a county that has a lot to offer to travelers. From its rich history and stunning architecture to its beautiful natural landscapes, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food scene, Hertfordshire is a destination that promises something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, hidden gems, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and much more.

Top Attractions

St. Albans Cathedral

One of the top attractions in Hertfordshire is the St. Albans Cathedral, a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, medieval wall paintings, and its fascinating history.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is a must-visit attraction for all Harry Potter fans. The tour takes you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films and gives you a chance to see the costumes, props, and sets used in the movies.

Hatfield House

Hatfield House is a beautiful Jacobean mansion that dates back to the 17th century. The house is known for its stunning gardens, art collections, and historical significance. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and explore the gardens at their leisure.

Hidden Gems

Benington Lordship Gardens

The Benington Lordship Gardens are a hidden gem in Hertfordshire. The gardens are known for their stunning tulip displays in the spring and their beautiful herbaceous borders in the summer. Visitors can also explore the ruins of a Norman castle on the grounds.

Verulamium Park

Verulamium Park is a beautiful park located in St. Albans. The park is home to a lake, a Roman wall, and the remains of a Roman theater. It’s a great place to take a walk, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.

Shaw’s Corner

Shaw’s Corner is a beautiful house located in Ayot St Lawrence. The house was the home of the famous playwright George Bernard Shaw. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and explore the beautiful gardens.

Food Scene

The Bricklayers Arms

The Bricklayers Arms is a pub located in Flaunden that serves delicious pub food. The menu includes classic British dishes like fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and bangers and mash. The pub also has a great selection of beers and ales.

Lussmanns

Lussmanns is a restaurant chain in Hertfordshire that serves sustainable and locally sourced food. The menu includes dishes like pan-fried sea bass, Hereford beef sirloin, and roasted butternut squash risotto.

The Waffle House

The Waffle House is a restaurant located in St. Albans that serves sweet and savory waffles. The menu includes waffles topped with bacon and maple syrup, smoked salmon and cream cheese, and Nutella and banana.

Budget-Friendly Tips

One of the best ways to save money while traveling in Hertfordshire is to take advantage of the many free attractions and activities. Some of the free attractions include Verulamium Museum, Hitchin Lavender, and the Ashridge Estate. Another way to save money is to eat at local pubs and cafes, which are often cheaper than restaurants.

Outdoor Adventures

Chiltern Hills

The Chiltern Hills are a beautiful range of hills that are perfect for hiking and cycling. The hills are home to beautiful beech woodlands, chalk grasslands, and rare plant and animal species.

Lee Valley Regional Park

The Lee Valley Regional Park is a 10,000-acre park that offers a variety of outdoor activities, including cycling, kayaking, and horse riding. The park is also home to a nature reserve and a white water rafting center.

Ashridge Estate

The Ashridge Estate is a beautiful woodland area that is perfect for walking and cycling. The estate is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, and has stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Historical Landmarks

Knebworth House

Knebworth House is a beautiful Gothic mansion that dates back to the 16th century. The house is known for its stunning gardens, art collections, and historical significance. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and explore the gardens at their leisure.

Hemel Hempstead Old Town

Hemel Hempstead Old Town is a beautiful historic area that dates back to the 16th century. The area is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the Old Town Hall, St. Mary’s Church, and the Tudor-style Plough Inn.

Berkhamsted Castle

Berkhamsted Castle is a ruined Norman castle that dates back to the 11th century. The castle is known for its historical significance and its stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Family-Friendly Activities

Paradise Wildlife Park

The Paradise Wildlife Park is a great place to take the whole family. The park is home to a variety of animals, including big cats, monkeys, and reptiles. There are also daily animal shows and a play area for children.

Royston Cave

Royston Cave is a mysterious cave that is thought to date back to the 14th century. The cave is covered in medieval carvings and is a fascinating place to explore with the whole family.

Willows Activity Farm

Willows Activity Farm is a great place to take young children. The farm offers a variety of activities, including animal feeding, tractor rides, and a playground. There is also a cafe on-site that serves food and drinks.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

Hatfield Forest

Hatfield Forest is a beautiful ancient woodland that is perfect for walking and cycling. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, and has stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Wardown Park Museum

Wardown Park Museum is a small museum located in Luton. The museum is known for its collection of local history artifacts, including items from the hat-making industry that was once prominent in the area.

The Henry Moore Foundation

The Henry Moore Foundation is a beautiful sculpture park located in the Hertfordshire countryside. The park is home to a variety of sculptures by the famous sculptor Henry Moore and is a great place to take a walk and admire the art.

Natural Wonders

Ashridge Bluebell Woods

The Ashridge Bluebell Woods are a beautiful woodland area that is known for its stunning bluebell displays in the spring. The woods are perfect for walking and admiring the scenery.

Therfield Heath and Greens

Therfield Heath and Greens is a beautiful area of heathland that is home to a variety of rare plant and animal species. The area is perfect for walking and birdwatching.

Tring Reservoirs

The Tring Reservoirs are a series of reservoirs that are home to a variety of water birds, including swans, geese, and ducks. The reservoirs are perfect for birdwatching and walking.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Horn

The Horn is a live music venue located in St. Albans. The venue hosts a variety of bands and artists and is a great place to discover new music.

The Forum

The Forum is a nightclub located in Hatfield that hosts a variety of events, including club nights, live music, and comedy shows.

The Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre is a beautiful theater located in Watford. The theater hosts a variety of shows, including musicals, plays, and comedy shows.

Local Markets

St. Albans Market

The St. Albans Market is a weekly market that takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. The market sells a variety of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, and jewelry.

Hitchin Market

The Hitchin Market is a weekly market that takes place every Tuesday and Saturday. The market sells a variety of goods, including clothing, antiques, and food.

Watford Market

The Watford Market is a weekly market that takes place every Thursday and Saturday. The market sells a variety of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, and household items.