Hertford Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque county of Hertfordshire, the town of Hertford is a hidden gem in the heart of England. Steeped in history and surrounded by lush green countryside, this charming town offers visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and modern attractions.

Hertford is known for its rich heritage, and history buffs will find plenty to explore here. Start your journey at Hertford Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress that dates back to the 11th century. Wander through its beautifully landscaped gardens and imagine the grandeur of the past. Nearby, you'll find the imposing St. Andrew's Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that has stood for over 600 years.

For those seeking a taste of culture, Hertford has a vibrant arts scene that is sure to delight. The Hertford Theatre is a hub for live performances, showcasing a diverse range of shows including plays, musicals, and comedy acts. The town also hosts an annual Hertford Arts Festival, which celebrates local talent through a series of exhibitions and events.

Food lovers will be in for a treat in Hertford, as the town boasts a plethora of charming cafes, traditional pubs, and award-winning restaurants. Indulge in a traditional English afternoon tea at one of the many tea rooms, or sample the local cuisine at a gastropub that prides itself on serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Hertford's weekly farmers' market, where you can pick up delicious artisanal products and fresh produce.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the surrounding area, as Hertford is located near several stunning nature reserves and parks. Take a leisurely stroll along the River Lea, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and spotting local wildlife. For a more adventurous experience, head to the nearby Lee Valley Park, where you can partake in a range of outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, and hiking.

Alternative names: Population: 28.7 thous.Area: 2.46 mi²Elevation: 138 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°47'48"N, 0°4'41"W

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EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Hertford Top Attractions

Hertford Attractions - What to See and Explore

Hertford offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Hertford Museum, All Saints' Church, Hartham Common, County Hall. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Specialty museum • History museum • Museum
Hertford Museum
Hertford Museum is a local museum in Hertford, the county town of Hertfordshire, England. The museum first opened in 1903 and is located in a 17th-century town house with a Jacobean-style knot garden. The galleries on the ground floor present the early history of the museum. Objects include exotic animals, fossils, and Japanese armour.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
All Saints' Church
All Saints' Church is in Queens Road, Hertford, Hertfordshire, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Hertford and Ware, the archdeaconry of Hertford, and the diocese of St Albans.
Park
Hartham Common
Hartham Common is a park in the county of Hertfordshire in the East of England. It is located between the town centre of the county town of Hertford and the elevated suburb of Bengeo.

City hall
County Hall
The County Hall is a municipal building complex in Pegs Lane, Hertford, Hertfordshire. The building, which is the headquarters of Hertfordshire County Council, is a Grade II* listed building.
Church • Romanesque architecture
Church of Saint Leonard
The Church of Saint Leonard is a Norman church in Bengeo, Hertfordshire, England. Located on the hillside overlooking the shared Beane and Lea valley, the Grade I Listed church dates from about 1120, and is the oldest building in Hertford.
Watermill
Horns Mill
Horns Mill is an area and suburb of south Hertford, Hertfordshire.
Sailing • Marina
Hertford Basin
Hertford Basin is the first canal basin located on the River Lee Navigation in Hertford, England. It is situated next to Hartham Common, and Hertford Weir.
Georgian architecture
Shire Hall
The Shire Hall is a municipal building in Fore Street, Hertford, the county town of Hertfordshire, England. The building, which currently serves as a Magistrates' Court, is a Grade I listed building.
Area
Willowmead
Willowmead is a 1.5 hectare nature reserve in north Hertford. It is managed by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. The site is on the bank of the River Mimram, and it is wet woodland, mainly of alder trees which are often mature.
Vernacular architecture
Hartham Weir
Hartham Weir is a small weir on the River Lea next to confluence of the River Beane/Lea, on the edge of Hartham Common, Hertford, England.
Archaeological site
Foxholes
Foxholes is an eastern suburb of Hertford, Hertfordshire, England. It is situated to the north of the older Foxholes Farm, which over the years has served as the headquarters for the regional Eastern Hertfordshire Archaeological Group, which works in close collaboration with the Hertford Museum.
51°47'47"N • 0°4'49"W
Hertford Castle Weir
Hertford Castle Weir is a weir located in Hertford near to Hertford Castle and next to Hertford Theatre. Its function is to connect the upper River Lea to the canalised section that runs through Hertfordshire, Essex and London, to the River Thames.
51°48'14"N • 0°4'0"W
Hertford Lock
Hertford Lock is a lock situated on the River Lea on the eastern side of Hartham Common, Hertford in the English county of Hertfordshire. It is owned and managed by British Waterways and is the first lock of the River Lee Navigation.
51°47'27"N • 0°4'9"W
Balls Park
Balls Park in Hertford is a Grade I Listed mid-17th-century house. The estate and house are set in over 63 acres of parkland which is listed Grade II on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.
51°48'11"N • 0°4'20"W
Hertford Weir
Hertford Weir is a large weir on the River Lea, next to Hertford Basin marina and Hartham Common, in Hertford, England.
51°47'28"N • 0°4'52"W
East Hertfordshire District Council
East Hertfordshire District Council is the local authority for the East Hertfordshire non-metropolitan district of England, the United Kingdom. East Hertfordshire covers most of the eastern third of Hertfordshire, in the East of England region.
Neighbourhood
Sele Farm
Sele Farm is an area on the north-western edge of Hertford, Hertfordshire.
Neighbourhood
St Andrew Street
St Andrew Street, Hertford is the west entry road to Hertford, England. It runs from North Road to Old Cross and includes shops, houses and a church. The history of the buildings on St Andrew Street date back to the 14th century.

Day trips

Hertford – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Hertford, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Oxford Street (London), Palace of Westminster (London), Regent Street (London).

20 milesS
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
Oxford Street, London
Oxford Street in London, United Kingdom, stands as a bustling epicenter of contemporary retail, a shopping district that attracts both locals and tourists alike. Stretching approximately 1.9 kilometers through the heart of the city, this vibrant thoroughfare boasts...
21 milesS
Iconic home of UK parliament
Palace of Westminster, London
The Palace of Westminster, with its iconic clock tower known as Big Ben, stands as a monumental piece of Gothic Revival architecture on the banks of the River Thames in London, United Kingdom. This palatial complex is not only a tourist attraction but also the meeting...
20 milesS
Shopping, Street, Edwardian architecture
Regent Street, London
Regent Street stands as one of London's most prestigious shopping districts, renowned for its historic Victorian architecture and an array of high-end retail stores. This bustling thoroughfare, designed by architect John Nash in the early 19th century, has evolved into...
19 milesS
A historian's treasure trove
British Museum, London
The British Museum, located in the heart of London, United Kingdom, stands as a cornerstone of cultural heritage and is one of the most expansive and comprehensive museums in the world. This venerable institution, founded in 1753, opened its doors to the public in 1759...
20 milesS
Medieval castle housing the Crown Jewels
Tower of London, London
The Tower of London is an iconic fortress situated in the heart of the city of London, United Kingdom. With a history stretching back over 1,000 years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a royal palace, an armory, a treasury, the home of the Royal Mint, a public...