11 Of The Very Best Things To Do In Hertford (Tips From A Local)

Looking for the best things to do in Hertford, Hertfordshire? You’ve come to the right place.

Hertford is a historic town that goes all the way back to Saxon times, first mentioned in records from 913 AD.

Not only is the town quaint and picturesque, but it also has a fascinating past, including a major battle in 913 when Edward the Elder fortified the town against the Danes.

Just a short 50-minute train ride from London Liverpool Street Station, Hertford makes for one of the best day trips from London.

Especially if you are looking for somewhere that will give you that “quintessentially British” village vibe that’s not too far out of the city.

Hertford is situated where four rivers—the Lea, Rib, Mimram, and Beane—meet and has an abundance of green space, so is perfect for those looking to immerse them self in some great British nature.

As someone who has lived in Hertford and Ware since 2006, I feel fully qualified to tell you about all of the wonderful things to do in Hertford.

So, What are the best things to do in Hertford?

Read on below to find out.

A narrow, slightly curved street lined with historical buildings on a sunny day offers a glimpse of the many things to do in Hertford. The mix of shops, cafes, and eateries adorned with hanging flower baskets is inviting. Few cars are parked along the street, and a couple of people are walking.

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Prepare For Your Trip To Hertford

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The Best Things To Do In Hertford

The Hertford to Ware River Walk

Unarguably one of the best things to do in Hertford has to be the Hertford to Ware river walk.

This is one of the most picturesque walks in Hertfordshire.

The walk starts from the Old Barge Pub in Hertford and ends at the Saracens Head Pub in Ware.

It runs for a distance of about 5 miles adjacent to the River Lea and takes about an hour to walk.

The walk is ideal for an afternoon stroll, perfect for all the family and a great opportunity to admire all of the cute and quirky canal boats moored up along this part of the River Lea.

If you fancy continuing past Ware you a more than welcome to do so, the river walk takes you past many other towns along the River Lea, including Stanstead Abbots and Broxbourne.

I’ve done this walk approximately 1,000,000 times and I never get bored of it.

A serene canal scene with a long, narrow boat moored alongside a row of charming brick houses. A pub named "The Old Barge" is visible, with people walking by the waterside and lush greenery surrounding the area—one of the delightful spots among many of the best things to do in Hertford.

Explore Hertford Castle

Hertford Castle is a historic site built by the Normans in the 11th century.

It was a royal residence for many monarchs, including King Henry II and Queen Elizabeth I.

The castle’s most notable feature, the gatehouse, dates back to the 15th century and is still standing today.

Over the years, the castle has been used as a prison and government offices.

Now, its grounds and some parts are open to the public for events and tours.

It also has lots of green space which makes for a great picnic spot.

Browse the Boutique Stores

There are a lot of independent boutique stores located in Hertford (including a boutique pet store).

Strolling through Hertford’s streets, you can find one-of-a-kind clothing, handmade jewellery, and stylish furnishings.

This makes it a perfect destination for those looking for special finds and supporting local businesses.

A storefront with large windows displaying various items. A light blue sign above the entrance reads "EYE MIND HEART" in white, bold letters. Inside the store, the shelves are filled with colorful products and decorations. Among the things to do in Hertford, this charming shop stands out despite its slightly weathered exterior.

Find a fun event in Hertford

No matter the time of year, there’s always a fun event happening in Hertford.

Enjoy the Hertford Duck Race at Easter, the Rock at the Castle music festival in summer, or the Hertford Christmas Market in December.

There are plenty of events that offer fun for the whole family.

Enjoy Hartham Common

Hartham Common in Hertford is a large park with lots of open space, sports areas, and walking paths along the River Lea.

It has a leisure centre, playgrounds for the kids, and lots of green space and picnic spots, which makes it perfect for outdoor fun and family activities.

A wide, grassy park with a winding path on a sunny day is one of the great things to do in Hertford. Scattered trees are visible in the background, and a few people are walking or sitting in the distance. The sky is clear and blue.

Enjoy the bars, cafes and restaurants in Hertford

For a small town, you have a huge choice of bars, restaurants and pubs in Hertford.

Whether you fancy a pub lunch, chilled dinner or a big night out there is something in Hertford to cater to your needs.

Check out my guide to the best cafes and restaurants in Herford here.

Go for a bike ride

Hertford is a bike-friendly town with several cycling routes and trails leading into the town. The Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 61 runs through Hertford, offering some very scenic views.

A serene riverside scene with leafy tree branches framing the top. A person is fishing on the riverbank surrounded by lush greenery. Across the water, there's a patio with outdoor furniture and potted plants next to charming brick houses—one of the delightful things to do in Hertford.

Explore Waterford Heath

Based in the small town of Bengeo (just a stone’s throw from Hertford) is the Waterford Heath Nature Reserve.

Once a sand and gravel quarry is a great place to go if you want to experience a diverse set of landscapes and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

From green woodlands to streams and marshes, to dry sandy fields, Waterford Heath has it all.

Waterford Heath has one main walking track, the “Chalkstream and Heath Walk” which is roughly two miles long.

There are however there are several unmarked routes for you to venture through.

Visit BEAM

BEAM (formerly known as Hertford Theatre) has been newly renovated and is the best place in Hertford to go for live performances.

BEAM offers a diverse range of events, including comedy specials, live music, theatre shows, family-friendly performances, and special guest talks.

BEAM has lots on for both adults and children, so if you’re stuck for something to do with the kids during the school holidays a trip to BEAM good be a good option for you.

The image shows a red brick wall with a sign that reads "BEAM" in large, white, uppercase letters. The sign is situated on top of a storefront—in what could be one of the popular restaurants in Hertford—displaying a modern and minimalistic architectural style. - Beam Theatre Hertford

Visit the Bayford Observatory

The Bayfordbury Observatory, set up in 1969 near Hertford is part of the University of Hertfordshire.

It has several telescopes, including a large 20-inch one and a radio telescope.

The observatory is used for teaching students and researching stars and planets.

It also hosts public events and educational programs to get people interested in astronomy.

Located in a dark, rural area, it’s great for stargazing and is an important part of the university’s astronomy program.

Explore Panshanger Park

Panshanger Park is yet another beautiful green space that can be found on the outskirts of Hertford.

It’s a historic park with beautiful scenery, woods, and lakes. It covers about 1,000 acres and has walking paths and lots of wildlife.

You can see the old ruins of Panshanger House there too. It’s also a great place for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Aerial view of a scenic landscape featuring three ponds surrounded by lush greenery and wooded areas, offering some of the best things to do in Hertford. A small house with a winding dirt road is situated near the largest pond. Sunlight illuminates the scene, casting soft shadows and enhancing the natural beauty - Panshanger Park Hertford

How To Get To Hertford

There are many different ways to get to Hertford, some of the best options are below:

By Car

Hertford is easily accessible by car via the A414, which runs through the town and is close to the A1(M) and M25 motorways. There are several car parks in the town centre for convenient parking.

By Train

Hertford has two railway stations: Hertford East and Hertford North. Hertford East offers direct services to London Liverpool Street, while Hertford North provides direct connections to London King’s Cross and Moorgate. Both stations are well-connected to the surrounding areas.

Click here to book your trains to Hertford.

By Coach

National Express and other coach services run routes that pass through or near Hertford. These coaches connect the town with major cities and towns across the country, providing an affordable travel option.

Click here to book your coach to Hertford.

A tall, historical red-brick building with several stories, featuring rows of windows, decorative brickwork, and a distinctive rooftop structure with a flagpole. Set against the clear blue sky that enhances its architectural details, it stands as one of the notable landmarks among in Hertford.

By Bus

Local bus services operate regular routes to and from Hertford, connecting it with nearby towns and villages. These services are provided by companies like Arriva and Centrebus.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is London Stansted, about 30 miles away. From there, you can take a train, coach, or taxi to Hertford.

London Luton Airport is also relatively close, about 20 miles away, offering additional flight options.

Where To Stay In Hertford

There are a nice handful of lovely hotels to stay at in and around Hertford and I have listed the best ones below:

Hertford House Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Hertford, offering comfortable rooms and a lively restaurant and bar.
Salisbury Arms Hotel – This historic hotel dates back to the 18th century and features charming, traditionally furnished rooms and a cosy pub and restaurant.
Tewin Bury Farm Hotel– Located just outside Hertford, this picturesque hotel offers luxury accommodations in a beautiful rural setting, complete with a restaurant and event facilities.
Dog and Whistle Pub – A modern, chic hotel in the town centre, known for its vibrant pub and restaurant, as well as stylish rooms.
Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club – Situated a bit further out in Ware, this luxury hotel features an 18-hole golf course, spa, and several dining options in a grand country house setting.
The White Horse – A cosy bed and breakfast offering located just a short drive from Hertford town centre.

A serene riverside scene in Hertford with a row of charming, rustic brick houses partially covered in ivy. The houses have chimneys and TV antennas on their roofs. A few boats are moored by the edge of the calm river, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.

Happy Exploring

I hope this post has helped you uncover all of the best things to do in Hertford.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.

11 Of The Very Best Things To Do In Hertford (Tips From A Local)

Prepare For Your Trip To Hertford