We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to Hertfordshire, these include:
Hertford Castle is located in the county town of Hertford, the Norman castle is a former royal residence, it is currently used as council offices. The castle is not open to the general public, however tours are available at certain times and need to be arranged in advance. Visitors can relax and savour the peace and quiet of the castle gardens with the flowing river beside. It makes for a lovely afternoon trip.
St Albans Cathedral is the second largest in England after Winchester Cathedral. Located in the city of St Albans, the church was rebuilt in the late 11th century using tiles from the Roman settlement of Verulam. The cathedral is well known for its interesting mixture of architectural styles and stained glass; visitors can learn more about the fascinating cathedral and its long history on one of the guided tours that are available. Things to look out for include the wall paintings on the piers of the nave and the stone roodscreen. The nave itself is some 84 metres in height making it the longest of any cathedral in England. St. Albans actually became a cathedral in 1876; it has an imposing presence and it a big draw for tourists to the area.
Hatfield House is the Hertfordshire home of the 7th Marquess of Salisbury. Hatfield House was built between 1607 and 1611 has been in the Cecil family since then. The Jacobean house boasts state rooms with a range of fine paintings, tapestries and furniture. The garden is extensive and are well looked after, the garden has been subject to many years of careful restoration that is now bearing fruit. The gardens get new features and plants meaning the gardens are evolving and changing over time. Located in the garden is the Great Hall, the surviving wing of the Royal Palace of Hatfield where Elizabeth I spent part of her earlier years. The Old Palace and the Riding School can be used for private events such as parties and weddings.
Verulamium museum is located in 100 acres of parkland, the Verulamium Museum recreates one of the major cities in Roman Britain. Visitors can see the Roman rooms, experience the discovery areas and touch screen databases. The museum also has a fine collection of Roman mosaics and wall plasters. In the museum visitors can discover more about life in a major Roman city with discovery areas, video presentations and touch screen databases. There are Roman mosaics and wall plasters and recreated Roman rooms giving visitors a real sense of what Roman Britain was really like. On site facilities include a tea shop, children's play area and a lake with tennis and golf. It is a nice day out for the whole family.
Shaw’s Corner was the house where famed dramatist and playwright George Bernard Shaw lived from 1906 until 1950. Located near Welwyn in Herts, the rooms remain very much as they were left by George Bernard Shaw, with literary items on display. The writing hut is located at the bottom of the garden, there are guided tours of the house available, with the tour lasting one hour and 30 minutes approximately. This lovely cottage home pays homage to the life and times of the great playwright. The gardens include an orchard, three sculptures along with impressive lawns, pine trees and roses. At the bottom of the garden is the famous writing hut providing a peaceful, secluded and inspirational place to write.
The City Trail in St Albans, allows visitors to discover and explore the best known attractions of St Albans, at their own pace. The walk usually takes approximately one and a half to two hours, of course you would need to add time looking in the attractions on offer here. Visitors can elect to participate in the guided tours, the tour guides lead the walks between Easter and October, and give more information on the medieval town, the roman Verulamium, coaching inns and a ghost walk. Visitors interested in the trail can go to the Tourist and Information Centre, located in the Town Hall.
Aldenham Country Park is located in Elstree, a few miles from Watford in Herts. The park includes woodland, wildlife and parkland, there is 100 acres of parkland to enjoy alongside a 60 acres lake. Located 12 miles from central London, the park provides a quiet retreat away from the bustle and bustle of the cities and towns with plenty of countryside pleasures around.
Visitors can enjoy a picnic and a relaxing stroll in scenic countryside surroundings along with nature walks, pony rides and visit the Aldenham Country Park Farm that includes rare breeds of farm animals offering an educational visit for children. There are woodland adventures available where visitors can learn survival skills from expert instructors. 100 Aker Wood at Aldenham is where visitors can find Winnie the Pooh and his friends, there is a picnic area along with features found in the Winnie the Pooh stories.
Paradise Wildlife Park is located in Broxbourne in Herts. Visitors can in excess of 400 animals at the park that is located in landscaped gardens providing a scenic setting. The park prides itself on being one of the most interactive zoos in the UK with visitors able to get close to some of the animals. Animals at the park include lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, monkeys, penguins, lemurs, wallabies, reptiles, birds and more. There are a number of animal experience days available along with daily shows and meet the zookeeper sessions.
Other attractions in the park include the National Speedway Museum, Tropical Rainforest exhibit, the gardens at the park include a number of plants and scrubs along with woodland, along with floral and foliage displays. There are a number of eateries on site serving hot and cold food and drinks. A visit to the park offers a fun filled and educational day out for the whole family.
It is recommended that prior to visiting Hertfordshire; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.
Hertfordshire is a county that has plenty to offer visitors with a mix of charming towns and market villages including a number of picturesque locations in the Hertfordshire countryside to enjoy in addition to the attractions in the urban centres. The city of St Albans along with Watford and the county town of Hertford offer an ideal place from which to explore the county and range of attractions, charming market towns and villages ensuring visitors can enjoy both the urban and rural when visiting the county.
The county includes a number of historic attractions, museums, historic houses, parks, gardens and churches with some well known attractions including St Albans Cathedral and Hatfield House. Hertfordshire’s attractions ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
