By day you’ll find these two Hertfordshire towns busy with residents, workers and parents with young children, strolling the cobbled streets while shopping and relaxing at one of the many coffee shops; a quaint market town scene. By night the bars, pubs and restaurants are an attraction for locals and residents of surrounding towns, providing a lively and sophisticated social scene, not to dissimilar of a city location. Add to this fantastic transport links and good schools and it’s no wonder house prices continue to soar in this part of Hertfordshire.
Whether you’re planning a visit or perhaps thinking of relocating, here’s everything you need to know:
Hertford
The river, rustic listed buildings steeped in heritage, shops and cafes, make the town a popular place to live and visit. Hertford’s weekly market takes place every Saturday, while the farmers’ market is held on the second Saturday of every month. Visitors should stop by Hertford Castle, which host regular exhibitions and events.
Art lovers will adore Hertford’s choice of galleries. Courtyard Arts is a small but lively community arts centre on Port Vale. It offers term time art and clay classes for adults and children alongside a vibrant programme of changing exhibitions. It also has artists’ studios, a small cafe and a gift shop show-casing work by local artists. In addition to the gallery at the Centre, Courtyard also curates the gallery at Hertford Theatre. If you fancy an evening of entertainment check out the theatre’s website for a full programme of productions which include drama, musicals, comedy, dance and more throughout the year.
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Ware
Ware combines a delightful mix of heritage and modernisation with its busy high street full of old world charm. Some of the timber framed buildings that stand along Crib Street have been restored since the 1970s as part of an ongoing project to keep the town true to its history. You’ll find a number of independent boutiques and high street stores. Ware’s main attraction is Ware Museum, which takes visitors back in time to the ghostly goings on in the town, and it’s lido, park and river during summer months.
Surrounded by gorgeous countryside, it’s no surprise that Ware is home to a number of wedding venues. Ware Priory is a highly sought after wedding destination. Situated within seven acres of picturesque riverside gardens, this Grade I listed building is a monument of historical interest, carefully restored to be a beautiful event venue, perfect for weddings and celebrations.
Both towns are ideal places for a day trip, located off the A10 and close to the M11. There are beautiful spots by the River Lea, which passes through the towns, to sit, eat a picnic and take in the peaceful scenery, so don’t forget your flask and blanket for those sunny days.
Dates for your diary
Hertford and Ware both have a great community spirit and host regular events for residents and beyond. Here are 2020 dates to look forward to:
The Art of Printmaking, 3 March – 4 April
A showcase to celebrate the abundant talents of printmakers working in the region. Highlighting the great diversity of ideas, themes and techniques that the burgeoning artform of printmaking encompasses.. https://www.courtyardarts.org.uk/latest-exhibitions/
75th Anniversary of VE Day, Sunday 8 May, Doors open 12 noon.
With exhibitions, photos and story board detailing the lives of local Hertfordshire WWII soldiers, and other exhibitions of artefacts and memorabilia from the war. Old fashioned games, live music and entertainment reminiscent of the era will entertain the crowds, as well as vintage cars. Indulge in afternoon tea as you enjoy the afternoon.
https://www.hertford.gov.uk/events/
Cars at the Castle, 24 May, Doors open 12 noon
One for all motoring enthusiasts! Hertford Castle lawn will be displaying a fantastic collection of up to 100 classic and modern cars. The event is FREE of charge to attend, you are however welcome to donate to the Mayor of Hertford’s Charity Appeal Fund. This year’s charities will be decided at the beginning of the new Mayoral year in May 2020.