In today’s episode of ‘places to spend the day when you need to escape the capital’s chaos and inhale some actual fresh air’ we have Hertford. The county town of (you guessed it) Hertfordshire is just 30 minutes from London, and is filled to the brim with history, charm, and an abundance of spots to reenact a scene from a festive rom-com.
Proudly perched on the banks of the River Lea, the market town has plenty of reasons to feel pretty pleased with itself. Rupert Grint went to school there, George Ezra grew up there, and it boasts a rather impressive historic CV – but more on that later. Hertford is a slice of quintessential England within cycling distance from the capital (yes, really). So, wrap up warm (especially if you’re hopping on your bike instead of the train), and prepare to cross off yet another gem from your day-trips-from-London list.
Credit: @ilovehertford via Instagram
With its labyrinth of cobbled streets, and something beautiful and historical to gawp at with every turn; Hertford has plenty to offer. It’s most prominent piece of architecture is Hertford Castle, which as well as being used as a Royal Palace for over 300 years has also served as a court, a prison, and the temporary home of the Parliament of England during a plague outbreak in London. Queen Elizabeth I spent her childhood at the castle in the 1300s, and parts of the original structure still remain to this day. The castle is surrounded by some gorgeously well-kept gardens, which host a number of events throughout the year – from car shows and heritage days to music festivals and an annual Christmas market (which just so happens to be taking place on November 22-24).
Hertford boasts an impressive array of local shops and independent eateries, as well as some gorgeous waterside walks. It has its very own brewery, The Whole Hop, and a museum that holds the largest collection of toothbrushes in the country. You really do learn something new everyday, don’t you?
Credit: @ilovehertford via Instagram
Getting to Hertford from London
Hertford is in super easy reach of the capital city, with regular direct trains from Finsbury Park taking around 35 minutes. The drive is approximately an hour from London (depending on where you’re travelling from) – and, believe it or not, you can cycle to Hertford from London. There are various (rather hefty) cycle routes to choose from, including the Hertford & Essendon route from Euston.