Out & about

Hartham Common Hartham Common is a large recreational area close to the town centre. It is largely enclosed by the Rivers Beane and Lee, with a confluence of the two rivers in the north-eastern corner. It is managed by East Herts District Council. The River Lee runs along the southern edge of Hartham, where you'll find the Hertford Basin and weir. The Basin is home to a number of residential boatowners and is close to the nearby Hertford East station and Tesco. Just across the weir is Herts Canoe Club and just a couple of minutes walk away is Hartham Pool and Leisure Centre, which is owned by the District Council and operated by Everyone Active. The centre has a small car park for visitors. There is also a public car park immediately to the south on the site of the old railway line that used to run along the southern boundary of the common. Next the the leisure centre is a popular fenced children's playground. There is also skate park which is similarly popular with teenagers. National cycle route 61 also runs along the southern edge of Hartham. In the south-western corner is the Hartham car park, which is a pay-and-display car park operated by the district council. This can be accessed either via Port Hill or Cowbridge. The River Beane runs along the western and northern borders of Hartham. To the north you will also find Sele Farm Bowls Club and Hertford Tennis Club as well as well as three public tennis courts. The northern boundary is also notable for The Warren, a densely wooded incline that separates Hartham from Bengeo. Along the bottom is a tarmac path that leads from Port Hill to St.Leonard's Church, Hertford's oldest building. There is also a footpath within The Warren although this starts and finishes short of both ends of the finished path. There is also a trim trail running around the edge of Hartham, with a selection of installed exercise equipment at regular stops along the trail. Football is also regularly played at Hartham with both matches and training taking place at weekends.

As well as Hatfield House, enjoy the manicured garden, extensive park and woodland walks, 9 unique shops and busy restaurant. The House & Gardens, are closed during the winter.

A vast new forest of more than half a million trees, pockets of ancient woodland, wildflower meadows and fantastic wildlife spotting. It's no surprise that the Woodland Trust's Heartwood Forest is one of our most popular destinations.

What's more, Heartwood Forest promises to be even bigger and better in the future. Visit us today and you can go wild in the great outdoors, enjoy some... Read more

A spacious, quiet campsite by the county town of Hertford that you can enjoy all year round. This campsite, although large and spacious with some 245 pitches, offers many quiet and secluded pitches and there are lots of separate areas to choose from. The site is well laid out with well-maintained facilities including washing machine and dryers, inside dish washing area, an outdoor play area and dog walk.

Are you ready to explore Hertford? Your self-guided detective mystery Trail begins in the free car park adjacent to the beautiful Hartham Common. You'll hunt high and low for captivating clues, exploring along the peaceful river towpath, through the ancient castle grounds, and down the historic streets of Hertford town.

But there's more than sightseeing to this case. Following his recent... Read more

At Hitchin Lavender visitors are encouraged to walk through the miles of rows that make up the two fields of lavender. Children love the freedom to run up and down the rows and can enjoy picking some to take home (charges apply). The fields are also a great spot for photographers. Inside the 17th Century barn there is a shop with products and plants, and a cafe serving refreshments, snacks and light lunches. Open May-September - check website for exact dates.

Home Farm Glamping is a boutique glamping site nestled into the village of Elstree. Our long-grass meadow is perfect for families looking to relax in nature and enjoy a night under canvas. Throughout our glamping season (which runs from April to October) we run activities, workshops and events which place a focus on wellbeing and connecting our guests with wildlife.

Our gardens are open for you to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Our shops and restaurant outdoor seating areas are open, but the rest of our buildings are closed. Book a time slot to Kew Gardens or Wakehurst before you come.

Our 250 acres offer a quiet refuge for country picnics and dog walking (visitors are asked to use leads in the park and not to take pets into the gardens). You might catch a glimpse of Red and Sika deer. Children can run loose at the Adventure Playground, search for Geoffrey the Gorilla, hiding at the centre of the Victorian Maze, and enjoy a dinosaur safari with 72 pre-historic creatures grazing amongst the redwoods. Closed during the winter.

Our popular Waterbus between Ware and Hertford cruises along the picturesque flood plains of the River Lee. The River Lee with an abundance of wildlife connects these two historic towns. On route you will also pass through two original working locks. Operating every Saturday* and Sunday* between Ware Town Quay (next to The Priory, behind the Library car park) and Hertfords Bircherley Green Shopping Centre (by Starbucks). Please note this is a SCHEDULED SERVICE and journey times are approximately 75-90 minutes EACH WAY. We operate between Easter Weekend - September. We also run on Thursdays, Fridays and Bank Holiday Monday during August - NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED - TICKETS AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS WHEN BOARDING.