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Hertfordshire Holiday Cottages
Hertfordshire is a ceremonial county located to the North of London. Major towns include Watford, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and Stevenage. Despite the encroachment of the capital, large swathes of unspoilt countryside remains, providing visitors with ample opportunity to escape the nearby urban sprawl. Hertfordshire cottages and self catering accommodation can be found through the link provided below.
Patches of ancient woodland and the rolling hills of the Chilterns lie to the West - here the land rises where the the heavy clay of the Thames Basin is overlaid by chalk. Well signposted footpaths and an extensive network of country lanes run through this distinctly rural setting. A collection of small rivers such as the River Rib and Stort flow to join the River Lea, itself a main tributary of the Thames. Their waters are popular with coarse fisherman, anglers and boating enthusiasts - pleasure craft can be hired from centres found in Hertford and Ware.
Like many parts of the UK, the region is steeped in history with the Roman roads of Braughing and the geography of Ashwell providing fascinating reminders of bygone times. Hertfordshire is also noted for the garden cities of Welwyn and Letchworth. And the Jacobean, Much Hadham, with its church and 16th century Morris cottage is one of its showpiece towns. Visit the link for Hertfordshire self catering accommodation.
Hertfordshire self catering attractions and amenities
In this section, we have included more detailed information about visitor attractions, historical places and outdoor activities that can be found in the county of Hertfordshire. Links and admission details are also provided where possible.
Outdoor Activities
Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne boasts a variety of exotic animals including lions, tigers and zebras. There's also an adventure playground and a selection of play areas for the young. Tickets may be booked online and range in price from £10 to £40, depending on group size. Aldenham Country Park also offers a good day out and consists of over 170 acres of private parkland that features picnic areas and children's play grounds - opening times are 9am - 5pm with entry free for cyclists and pedestrians.
Food and drink
St James
Restaurant in Bushey is one of the county's top eateries and has received a number of awards for its English and European cuisine. It offers good value for money with two course meals from the a la carte menu starting at just £16. Lussmans in Hertford is also acclaimed and serves similar food - opening times are 11.30 - 22.00, Monday to Thursday. Visit the 16th century
Albion pub in Ware for its selection of local cask ales. Other good pubs include the Archers in Bishops Stortford, with its large garden and the cosy Rose and Crown in St Albans which features a beamed interior with inglenook fireplace.
History and Culture
Hertfordshire is home to a wide variety of museums and art galleries. The
Stevenage Museum is one of the most popular and displays items from the Stone Age and Roman times including pottery and glassware. Opening times are Monday to Sunday, 10 - 5pm and admission is free. Welwyn Roman Baths are also worth visiting and feature remains of a Roman bathhouse that was once part of a 3rd century villa. Entry is £1 for adults, under 16's are admitted free. Opening hours are 2 - 5pm.
Letchworth Museum and Art Gallery is another popular attraction and exhibits archeological artifacts and includes four art galleries - entry is free. Alternatively see Hertford Castle. It hosts a number of events throughout the year and features a 15th century gatehouse - all that remains of the original construction. The grounds are open to the general public and are used to host a number of concerts and family days during the summer months. Call +44 (0) 1992 584322 for more information.