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Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire is also called as ‘Herts’ for short, just like Buckinghamshire is called ‘Bucks’.It used to be area allocated to a fortress constructed at Hertford under the rule of Edward the Elder in 913. The name Hertford is derived from the Anglo-Saxon heart ford, which literally means deer crossing (of a watercourse). No wonder many of the emblems feature deer.

Evidence suggests that there was humans habitation in Hertfordshire from the Middle Stone Age. First farming took place in this area during the Neolithic period. History suggests that at beginning of the Bronze Age there were permanent settlements.

Towns in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire has important trading towns and market centers, but the most important of all is Stevenage which became the first town in the county to be awarded the status of New Town (a town that received powers from the parliament to develop its own housing and administrative centers).

Hertford

Hertford is the county town of Hertfordshire and is famous for its outer-suburban populations of wild deer. Points of interest in Hertford include Hertford Castle, built in 911 by Edward the Elder, Hartham Common, a large park in Hartford used for a multitude of sports, as well as the Church of St Leonard, Bengeo.

Twinned with Evron in France, the town center is picturesque and quaint and has good shopping and transport links.

Waltham Cross

Waltham Cross is the southernmost town in Hertfordshire, just 12 miles from the city of London, immediately north of the Borough of Enfield. Landmarks in Waltham Cross include The Eleanor Cross, a memorial that commemorated the overnight resting place of Queen Eleanor’s coffin on its journey to Westminster in 1290,

The Four Swannes sign, a replica of the oldest known surviving public-house sign. Waltham Cross has excellent links with London, with a large bus station in the town center.

Hemel Hempstead

Hemel Hempstead is a market town just 24 miles to the northwest of London. It has been in existence since the 8th century and is mentioned in the Domesday Book as “Hamelamesede”.

In Hemel Hempstead town center there is very good shopping with points of interest being Apsley Lock Marina, St Mary’s Church which was built in 1140 and several large parks, home to the town’s bowling, cricket, and sports clubs.

Parks and Gardens

Hertfordshire has some very scenic parks and gardens, and has some surprisingly good walks, despite being so close to Greater London.

Brocket Hall

Brocket Hall is a wonderful old country house that was built in the 13th century. With gorgeous open, rolling lawns and beautiful collections of flowers as well as towering oak trees, Brocket Hall also offers weddings and event management.

Built-in over 500 acres of woodland and gorgeous rolling downs, it is architecturally graded, meaning that it is exempt from demolition under any circumstance and has two beautifully built championship golf courses. View the website here: Brocket Hall

Knebworth House

A beautiful gothic mansion resting in 28 acres of absolutely beautiful manicured gardens, Knebworth House has a large selection of trees and ornamental bush and flower arrangements. With avenues of lime trees and an intricate maze, there are also kitchen gardens, a sunken lawn, and pool as well as a lovingly maintained herb garden.

With every generation of family inhabiting the house having contributed to the gardens over the years, there is a dazzling display of garden styles on display at Knebworth House. View their website: Knebworth House

Hatfield House

This grand old house was built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, the first Earl of Salisbury. The garden proudly boasts sundial gardens, foreign fruit trees as well as the famous Knot Garden where the late Elizabeth I spend much of her younger years.

There is a beautiful park here too, home to roaming stag and deer, and visitors are permitted to stroll around these grand old grounds, enjoying the beautiful displays of spring bluebells and wildflowers. View the website here: Hatfield House.

Attractions and Places to See

Hertfordshire has its borders on the doorstep to Greater London and is an extremely busy county, with plenty to see for all tastes.

Paradise Wildlife Park

Based in Broxbourne, Paradise Wildlife Park has over 400 animals, and visitors to the park can feed every single one of them with the specially designed feeding equipment giving visitors a way of interacting with the animals in total safety.

There are also a variety of events on offer including experiences that allow visitors to shadow a zookeeper for a day and meet the animal days where visitors can meet and interact with animals all over the park. Visit the website here: Paradise Park

De Haviland Aircraft Museum

Based at the ancient Salisbury Hall, De Haviland displays its aircraft heritage proudly, with exhibits of aircraft from pre-WW11, wooden military craft, transporters, and jets. It is one of the oldest sites in Britain,

With its own unique story to tell, one that dates back to the first century BC. Their website can be found here: De Haviland Aircraft Museum.

The Henry Moore Foundation

Established in 1977, the Henry Moore Foundation is an arts charity and proudly promotes art in all forms, chief among them being sculpture and modern contemporary. Based at Perry Green, the sculpture exhibitions are among the finest in the world. View the website here: The Henry Moore Foundation.

Things to Do

Hertfordshire has a multitude of enjoyable visitor attractions for all ages.

Lee Valley White Water Centre

Lee Valley White Water Centre was built for the London 2012 Olympic Games and has now thrown its doors open to the public. Visitors to the center can enjoy a white-knuckle ride along thrashing, swirling man-made rapids or try kayaking and canoeing.

Hot Dog sessions are on offer with a two-man inflatable kayak skipping along atop foaming white waters. View the website: Lee Valley White Water Centre

Alban Arena

Alban Arena is a wonderful theatre based in St. Albans in Hertfordshire. They hold pantomime, comedy, dance, film, sports and talk shows as well as tribute acts and bands the whole year round. With an events calendar and tickets center, their website can be reached here: Alban Arena

Royston Cave

Royston Cave is a unique location in Europe, in that it is the only cave situated in the center of a modern town. Dating back to pre-medieval times,

The cave was a temple to the Knights Templar and has intricately carved depictions on its walls of different saints and religious figures including Christ Himself. View the website here: Royston Cave

Afternoon Tea Ideas in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire is one of the royal counties and has a strong affinity with this most mellifluous and enjoyable custom, afternoon tea.

Hanbury Manor – Ware

Hanbury is a Jacobean style manor house built by Edmund of Hanbury and has a baronial oak hall in which to enjoy high tea.

On the menu is a selection of finger sandwiches, cakes and most importantly delicious warm scones and jams. Their website is available here: Hanbury Manor

De Vere Hunton Park – Hunton Bridge, Kings Langley

Situated not far from Warner Brothers Studios and St. Albans, this beautiful old manor house serves delectable tea and scones in the warmth of its cozy tea rooms.

The menu boasts a fine selection of tea, sandwiches and rolls, scones with clotted cream and jam, as well as chocolate tartlets and brownies. View the website: De Vere Hunton Park

Letchworth Hall – Letchworth Garden City

Letchworth Hall has charm and grace and is ideally located just 30 minutes away from London Luton airport. Tea is served in the Great Hall in front of roaring fires with the menu offering cocktail sandwiches,

A fine selection of delicate cakes and scones, plus fine patisseries and teas. View the website here: Letchworth Hall Hotel

Wedding Venues in Hertfordshire

Being one of the royal counties, Hertfordshire has a long association with elegance and English grandeur, with fine wedding locations in some of the country’s most spectacular houses and hotels.

Fanhams Hall Hotel – Ware

Fanhams Hall hotel is like something from a fairy tale with grand buildings, beautiful grounds, and stunning gardens.

The hall itself has 77 bedrooms and can boast grade 2 listed gardens of gorgeous design, for the most memorable of wedding ceremonies. View the website here: Fanhams Hall Hotel

Dyrham Park Country Club

Dyrham Park is set in hundreds of acres of well-maintained gardens and can boast of beautiful countryside surroundings, while still being close to central London.

The Minstrel’s Gallery in the Great Hal, and the perfect lawns and grand trees outside make this a romantic and unforgettable venue. Visit the website: Dyrham Park

Campsites / Caravans:

Considering its close proximity to London, Hertfordshire has some wonderful scenery and is a favorite among campers and caravanners.

Caravan Club Sites

•  Ashridge Farm, Ashwell Street, Ashwell, Baldock, Hertfordshire

•  Ascots Lane, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire

Certificated Sites

•  Rough ground Farm Certificated Site, Old Hall Green, Ware, Hertfordshire

•  Woodstock, House Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire

Other Sites

•  Theobalds Park, Bulls Cross Ride, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire

•  Lee Valley Caravan Park, Essex Rd, Dobbs Weir, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire

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