05 Feb 13 Want a New Garden Look for the Summer? Consider Landscape Design
The weather is bitterly cold and there may be snow on the ground, but every day brings us closer and closer to spring. Soon the dark, white views we are currently used to seeing will be replaced with fresh, lush landscapes of greenery and colour. January, February and March are the best months to start planning your spring and summer gardens, particularly because the earlier you plant flower and plant bulbs, the bigger and better their blooms will be.
Rather than simply plant new flowers, you may decide to give your garden a complete overhaul and change its looks entirely by way of landscape gardening. Perhaps you enjoy entertaining friends during the summer months and 2013 is the year to have some decking built, or a fun little hut that people can sit in on a summer evening.
There are lots of different landscaping styles you could choose. If you wanted something peaceful and relaxing, you could recreate a Japanese tea garden design. These are gardens that are specifically built by landscape gardeners in Japan to appear aesthetically pleasing and, more importantly, to hold tea ceremonies in. These take place in a tea house, which the garden is designed to lead to, often by way of stepping stones or small bridges built over landscaped garden ponds or rivers.
If you wanted to create a garden look that was low maintenance and sophisticated, you may decide to create a paved rock garden, filled with hardy plants, along with a natural swimming pool with a Jacuzzi. This may seem like an unrealistic idea for a garden, but with a landscape designer, anything is possible.
A professional landscape gardener has the knowledge, experience and skill to turn a patch of grass into a spellbinding masterpiece. Not only can a designer plan out your garden to the last detail, they can also come up with new ideas you may not have thought of. The other advantage to hiring a professional is that they start their meticulous planning on paper first, ensuring measurements and any architectural structures are calculated correctly.
A landscape gardener can also advise you on the best landscaping that is suited to your garden. For example, you may have specific flowers that never seem to bloom in your garden and simply die before you can even enjoy them. A professional landscaper can assess the type of weather your garden receives, taking into account any shady parts, and then advise you on a garden style they think would suit you. For example, if your garden is large, but it receives a lot of rain, then a fresh, green lawn with decking and a summer house may be best for you, so you can still enjoy your garden without the rain getting in your way.
Aside from transforming your garden into something totally different and unexpected, a landscape designer can achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time. This is perfect if you want to have beautiful surroundings to enjoy in summer, but you have a busy job that does not allow you the time to realise your dreams.
Finally, the majority of landscape designers in Hertfordshire offer garden maintenance to ensure that your project is well cared for after completion. Therefore, it is worth investing in landscape design due to the long term enjoyment benefits it comes with. After all, if you cannot wait to get back out in the garden this summer, why not enjoy it as much as possible.
If you’re planning a new garden design, you can do no better than consulting a landscape gardener. Visit the Hertfordshire Mercury for a directory of gardening professionals.
Tags: garden design, Hertfordshire Mercury, landscape gardening
22 Jan 13 Why Should I Use An Accountant?
The benefits to employing an accountant if you run a small business or are self employed.
The new tax year is only a few months away, so now is the time to start putting your books in order to make sure you’re ready for your tax assessment. This can be difficult if you are a small business or self employed and handling your taxes yourself.
It is important to ensure your self assessment is filled out correctly, with no missing details, so that the HMRC can accurately assess your profits and losses to determine the amount of tax you owe. Hiring an accountant is useful because they have professional, qualified experience in finance, business, tax and law. This means they are up to date with all the current, legal, financial requirements of running a business, as requested by HMRC.
Not only is an accountant knowledgeable in financial matters, they can also save you time and money. If your self assessment form is incorrectly filled out, you can face heavy fines for miscalculating your finances. Using an accountant reduces the risk of getting your business figures wrong. Not only this but running a business, whatever size it is, is an incredibly demanding, time-consuming task. You may find yourself with a last-minute project that starts in March and finishes in June, leaving you with no time to put your financial matters into order. Being able to send all your information to an accountant is a real saving grace, especially if you already have several other deadlines to worry about.
Hiring an accountant is not only useful for having your tax returns completed correctly and on time; bookkeeping is an ongoing, important task that accountants also carry out. Not only is bookkeeping an important tool for business growth, it can also help you plan ahead. You can track patterns in your business and sales activity, such as peaks and drops. Bookkeeping also helps you manage your finances more effectively because all your financial information is close to hand and neatly collated. An advantage to keeping meticulously detailed records is that you can also make year-on-year comparisons to determine the rate at which your business is growing. This can also indicate whether you should think about expanding or hiring more employees.
Initially, hiring an accountant may seem like an extra cost, but having a professional work on your accounts can have its own monetary benefits for your business. You will have access to a source of business advice and a legal professional who will make sure your company takes advantage of every legal benefit to ensure your tax bill is minimised. There are many local accountants in Hertfordshire with a wealth of experience and knowledge who can help you stay in control of your finances for the new tax year and beyond.
Accountancy can be somewhat tricky but there are professionals available to help you. If you need help with your tax returns, consult the Hertfordshire Mercury’s directory of professionals.
Tags: accountancy, Hertfordshire Mercury
11 Jan 13 Get the Celebrity Style in 2013
Why not try out some new hairstyles to keep your hair on trend in 2013? Rather than spending a fortune on a new dress, bag and shoes for each party you’re invited to, why not nip to your local hairdressers in Hertfordshire for a new hair style? There are many hairstyles to choose from depending on the event, including formal, glam, classy and classic or sophisticated styles. Why not get some inspiration from current celebrity hairdos? Take a look at these three different red carpet looks for you to get some party hair ideas.
The first celebrity hairstyle to grab people’s attention is the gorgeous braided look, as worn by Drew Barrymore and Sienna Miller. Milkmaid braids are back this winter; the classic bohemian up-do is as cute as ever. You can create many variations of this celebrity hairstyle, from neat and tidy tight braids to loose and messy braids like Drew Barrymore’s. Another twist you could put on the milkmaid braids is to plait the hair into a fishtail braid or get creative by adding fabrics or pretty pins into the braid. You can also create different textures by gently pulling bits of hair out of the braid to give it a more relaxed bohemian effect.
The next celebrity hairstyle inspiration is the sexy ponytail as worn by a number of celebrities this season, including Jessica Simpson. This sophisticated salon style ponytail is very sleek and never goes out of fashion, upgrading your ponytail can revamp this style from a daytime look to an evening look ideal for a party. Ponytails can give a modern edge to any outfit. Depending on your style and occasion ponytails can be very versatile. Whether it’s a classic ponytail, messy ponytail or a vintage bouffant volume styled ponytail, it is guaranteed to be ultra stylish for any hair type.
The final gorgeous celebrity hairstyle is Blake Lively’s sexy and effortless hairstyle that looks au-natural but does in fact requires some styling to achieve that relaxed and dishevelled appearance. This effortless loosely waved hairstyle would suit many occasions and can be jazzed up with hair accessories or statement earrings.
So if you’ve got a party coming up, why not recreate your ideal celebrity hairstyle? Take an image into your hair salon so that the hairdresser can transform your locks into a red carpet look that’s bound to impress.
Why not start 2013 with a stunning new hairstyle? If there is a celebrity hairstyle you would like to recreate, take a picture to a hairdressers in Hertfordshire.
Tags: Hertfordshire Mercury
25 Sep 12 Simple Steps to Avoid Rogue Traders
While the vast majority of workmen, from builders through to gas fitters and electricians in Hertford are genuine hard working people, striving to provide outstanding services, there is always a chance of falling prey to a rogue trader. There are, however, a few simple steps enabling consumers to prevent such an unfortunate situation from arising.
Naturally, it is best to use traders recommended by family, friends, neighbours or colleagues. If this is not possible, a potential trader should be asked for references and the names of individuals/families they have worked for in the past. Speaking to these people will give an idea of the trader’s reputation.
Ensuring that the trader can provide a proper company address, rather than a residential one, as well as a landline phone number (mobile numbers are fine as long as there is a landline to back them up) is equally important. Established, reputable traders usually use headed notepaper, which, if they are going to charge VAT, will also display their VAT number.
Most of the electricians in Hertford are members of official, reputable trade associations. It is usually possible to check this out either by calling these associations or via the internet. As many have their own sites, as well as being reviewed by others, this is also a good way of checking a company’s reputation among previous customers and fellow craftsmen.
In any case, cold callers appearing at the doorstep and pointing out potential problems the homeowner failed to notice should not be employed under any circumstances. Typically extremely persuasive, they should not be engaged in lengthy discussions, but should be told that the consumer in question does not purchase services or goods at the door.
Once contact with a trader has been established, it is essential to be perfectly clear about the work that is required. It is best to think well ahead, as changing minds about required work or adding extras at a later date may cause delays and prove to be expensive. Before allowing any work to commence, consumers should request a written estimate listing everything that will be included in the final price.
As a rule, it is wise to get several quotes from different traders, as this will allow consumers to compare prices and services offered. Stage payments will also need to be discussed before work commences. Many traders will ask for at least part of the payment up front. It is vital not to pay the entire stated price before the work is finished. Ideally, at least part of the initial payment (preferably a minimum of around £101) should be made by credit card, as this will offer extra protection.
Additionally, asking for a work warranty that is insurance backed will provide the consumer with extra security. If problems should arise, it is necessary to mention them immediately. If problems are not sorted even after a written complaint, Trading Standards, the relevant Trade Association or the Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to help.
When having work done on your house, it is important to ensure that you are paying for a professional job. Visit the Hertfordshire Mercury for more information on reputable electricians in Hertford.
11 Apr 12 Music Venues In Hertfordshire
One of the great things about Hertfordshire is that it enjoys some wonderful rolling countryside, while much of the county remains within an hour’s journey from central London. This makes it a very popular location for commuters who can enjoy the benefits of both town and country. High property prices in much of the county testify to this outcome, but not all the locals’ money is spent on bricks and mortar; among their leisure pursuits is going to music gigs in Hertfordshire.
The other advantage of its close proximity to large urban areas like central London is that music gigs in Hertfordshire can pull in huge numbers of fans, which in turn attracts bigger names to perform at the various venues. It may not exactly be Nashville or even Glastonbury, but Hertfordshire can certainly claim to be one of the premier English counties for its live music. So, where are the main places to listen to live music in the county?
Venues
For most people, Knebworth House is rightly known as the stately home of rock as it has been holding rock festivals in its extensively landscaped grounds for the past 35 years. The family home of the Lytton Family since 1490, it is only 29 miles north of London, and with Stevenage railway station only two miles away, it is easy to get to for both county folk and Londoners. Monarchs from Queen Elizabeth I to II have visited here (though not for festivals), as well as a roll call of over 100 top acts representing the elite of music. Pink Floyd, Queen, Oasis, the Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams: the list just goes on and on.
The Hertford Corn Exchange in the county town may not be quite as large as Knebworth although the building itself is a fine example of mid-Victoriana. However, this Hertfordshire gig has managed to attract many top-class acts along with thousands of fans, the list including Fairport Convention, The Who, The Kinks and many more.
Alban Area: St Albans is home to the Alban Arena and can take a thousand fans for a rock concert. Although several notches down from the likes of Knebworth, this still a good place to hear live music.
The Den: Stevenage is also home to The Den, a great venue for up and coming young bands and DJs. It may be a small venue for Hertfordshire gigs but punches well above its weight.
The Flag: The Flag in Watford has bands performing Hertfordshire gigs every weekend, covering the spectrum from rock through to soul.
Gigs in Hertfordshire
Knebworth puts on the largest gigs in Hertfordshire, with last year’s Sonisphere Festival attracting 50,000 to listen to the likes of Metallica, Motorhead, Megadeath and lots of other bands not beginning with ‘M’. Red Hot Chilli Peppers are the next big gig, performing on 23 June.
Tribute acts are also big at the Alban Arena:
• Hats Off To Led Zeppelin coming up in March. The auditorium has 800 seats to fill so get booking to avoid disappointment for this Hertfordshire gig.
• The Corn Exchange in Hertford is putting on loads of Hertfordshire gigs throughout the year with acts like The Beat, Hazel O’Connor and tribute groups like the Sex Pistols Experience.
• The Den at the Bowes Lyon Centre in Stevenage has live music gigs every Friday, with rock music topping the bill on the last Friday of each month.
For unlisted music gigs in Hertfordshire, the Flag in Watford cannot be beaten. Gigs here are decided at short notice and the best way to find out what is happening is to contact the organisers by phone on (01923) 218413 near to the time you want to go.
Ranging from pop to heavy metal, there is no shortage of gigs in Hertfordshire. Visit the Hertfordshire Mercury for the latest updates on Hertfordshire gigs.
Tags: gigs in Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire gigs, Hertfordshire Mercury
02 Apr 12 Theatres In Hertfordshire And Their Repertoire
As one of the Home Counties circling London, much of Hertfordshire is fortunate enough to be within an hour or two of the capital’s wonderful West End theatres with all their world-class entertainment. However, some of the county’s inhabitants already endure a long daily commute either to the city or elsewhere and the last thing they want to do is repeat the wearying experience in the evening. West End theatre prices are quite steep, especially when you add on transport costs, and the evening’s trip may also involve a meal out, all of which could easily result in a bill of well over £100.
Consider the local alternative
All this does not mean Hertfordshire’s residents simply have to stay in for the evening to watch TV, play video games or read a book, as there are plenty of good theatres around them.
• There are at least 36 theatrical venues are listed for the whole county, providing a decent local alternative to London’s West End offerings.
• There is a good amateur theatre called the Abbey in St Albans which is performing Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Puccini’s Madame Butterfly this year.
Theatres in Hertfordshire
Broxbourne Civic Centre is the home of the amateur Broxbourne Theatre Company. Such theatres might not provide the lavish scale of West End productions but they do give a high degree of intimacy, which is particularly appreciated by children. The Lytton Theatre in Stevenage is another fine example of amateur theatre in the county, currently performing Music Hall followed by Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The Barn Theatre in Welwyn Garden City also manages an impressive 10 productions per year, in spite of being an amateur group.
The Queen Mother Theatre in the historic market town of Hitchin puts on productions by a mix of amateur and professional companies. Kicking off 2012 with a professional production of Euripides’ Medea, they follow this with a dance show by a local school before the Bancroft Players perform an adaptation of Steinbeck’s tragic story, Of Mice and Men. Another theatre in Hertfordshire is the Watersmeet in Rickmansworth which also mixes amateur and professional work, along with an interesting series of film society nights.
Events include:
• Fame (the musical)
• The Vienna Festival Ballet performing Tchaikovsky’s dramatic Swan Lake
Festive season pantomimes
With a much more professional list of events is the Playhouse in Harlow, sitting on the border with Essex. They recently put on a well-reviewed Peter Pan that would match the best of the London stage’s efforts, and are following this up with a musical version of the Rapunzel fairy tale and Comedy @ the Playhouse.
However, perhaps the claim to be the best Hertford theatre might well go the theatre of that same name and place. Centrally situated in Hertford town on the corner of The Wash and St Andrew Street, you can visit Hertford Theatre’s in-house gallery to look at visual exhibits, as well as sampling the comfortable café before going to an evening performance. Robin Hood – The Pantomime was on over the Christmas season but the must-have ticket this year is surely the Royal Opera House’s version of Cinderella. This fairytale is told through the medium of Massenet’s opera, Cendrillon. Beautiful singing, glorious sets and a heartwarming family friendly story all combine to make this a great night out.
To stay up to date on the latest news from Hertford Theatre, as well as every other theatre in Hertfordshire, visit the Hertfordshire Mercury online.
Tags: Hertford Theatre, Hertfordshire Mercury, theatre in Hertfordshire
28 Oct 11 The Top Ten Things to do in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a great place to visit, whether you want to take the whole family to a wildlife park or your loved one to the cinema. There are endless things to do in Hertfordshire that are perfect for all kinds of occasions and there are also plenty of places to stay making it easy to enjoy a few days in the region.
Here are some of the top things to do in Herts:
1. Knebworth House
This historical house is one of the region’s most visited tourist attractions with its landscaped gardens and fun trails that are great for exploring. It is one of the country’s most beloved stately homes and is certainly one of the top things to do in Herts.
2. Paradise Wildlife Park
This wildlife park is home to an array of exotic animals including zebra, lions, tigers and monkeys. You can get up close and personal with many of the residents here and some animals can even be fed by visitors.
3. St Albans Cathedral
One of the best things to do in Hertfordshire is, without a doubt, taking a tour around the cathedral located in the pretty town of St Albans. It lays claim to being the oldest site of Christian worship in the country and is visited by many people every year who come to be amazed by its grand architecture.
4. Explore the River Lea
The natural waterways of the River Lea are a wonderful way to spend a summer’s afternoon. There are endless paths that run along the banks of the canal and everything from ducks and geese to boats can be seen along the way.
5. The XC
This Hertfordshire attraction boasts climbing frames, huge boulders, a skatepark, high ropes and an elaborate indoor caving system perfect for kids of all ages to explore. If you want to find things to do in Herts with your children, then the XC is ideal!
6. The Grove Golf Course
If you want to practise your swing while in Hertfordshire, then look no further than The Grove Golf Course. Celebrities such as Tiger Woods have played at this golf course, while the hotel here is also well known for hosting the England football squad when they play their home games at Wembley.
7. Hatfield House
If you enjoy wandering around stately homes and discovering their wonderfully landscaped gardens, Hatfield House is well worth checking out. Many concerts are held here throughout the year and there are also many exhibitions such as the Henry Moore display that prove popular with visitors.
8. Hitchin Lavender
Hitchin Lavender is a family run farm where visitors can buy a range of fresh flowers and vegetables as well as enjoy a walk or a tasty lunch. The homemade cakes and scones are enough of a reason to put this attraction on your list of things to do in Herts!
9. Natural History Museum at Tring
This is considered as being one of the best small museums in the UK and its displays are fascinating to all who visit. Its collection of stuffed animals offers an interesting insight into how the Victorians used to live.
10. Leisure World
Leisure World is home to a range of restaurants and entertainment venues including family favourites Burger King and Pizza Hut as well as a swimming pool that offers fun flumes, wave pools and slides. If you don’t fancy getting wet, you can try your hand at bowling instead.
If you’re looking for things to do in Hertfordshire, you might find yourself surprised at the amount of choices that lay in wait for you!
No matter what your tastes, you will be able to find things to do in Hertfordshire that appeal to you. For information on interesting things to do in Herts, visit the Hertfordshire Merc
Tags: Hertfordshire Mercury, things to do in Hertfordshire, things to do in Herts
27 Oct 11 The History of Hertford RFC
Hertford RFC was founded in 1932 and originally went by the name Old Hertfordians RFC. The popular rugby team is the largest in the area and has successfully made its way up the leagues throughout the years. The team’s kit is blue, black and gold and they now play their home games at the Highfields stadium on Hoe Road. The Director of Rugby is Nick Lloyd and the current coaches are Michael Owen, Paul Allen and Brett MacNamee.
Hertford Rugby Club – The Early Days
The original club had just 15 players and they only played four games per season! Until 1949, Hertford RFC was moved to and from six different grounds including school facilities, The Reindeer Pub, Hartham Common, Rye House and Ware Road. After the war in 1946, Hertford Rugby Club moved to the recreation ground in Station Road but a public right of way went across the pitch and every Saturday at the same time an old lady would wander across the pitch completely oblivious as to what was going on around her. While the referee ensured that half time always coincided with her visit, she still seemed to be completely unaware became a part of the history of Hertford RFC!
The existing clubhouse was erected in 1966 and by 1972, the club became known officially as Hertford RFC.
Recent Times at Hertford RFC
Hertford Rugby Club is famous in the region for a high level of professionalism, thanks to a strict managerial command of the club. Comprehensive facilities are provided by Hertford RFC to senior and junior players and it is by far the largest and most renowned club in the area. In the 2001-2002 season, Hertford RFC were promoted to play amateur rugby in London League 1 and the following season the team impressively finished in third place and also won the Powergen Intermediate Cup at the famous rugby ground in Twickenham. By the 2004-2005 season, Hertford RFC were promoted to National League 3 after successfully beating Cinderford in the playoffs.
The existing Director of Rugby handles seven senior sides including the first team squad. They play open and entertaining rugby that is actively promoted by the knowledgeable coaching team at Hertford RFC. The club is also proud of its local players with 30 players from Hertford representing Hertfordshire over the years taking between them almost 250 caps. The current team welcomes new players at all levels into their team and training starts for the new season in July every year.
Hertford RFC plays their games in the National 2 South League and they are hovering around the mid-table point. The clubhouse can be hired out for functions (both corporate or leisure) and many locals are proud to support their rugby team and are regular spectators at home and away games. They play by the RFU Fair Play Codes and many local companies and businesses sponsor the popular team. All sponsors get to enjoy the benefits of a perimeter board on first team games, display adverts in the annual fixtures card of which 2,000 are printed, a fixtures poster advert and display adverts in home match day programmes.
Hertford RFC is undoubtedly one of the most popular sporting teams in the region and the club continues to grow in the hope of gaining more notoriety and working its way up through the leagues.
As one of the most popular sports teams in the region, Hertford Rugby Club has many fans. To stay up to date on the latest Hertford RFC, visit the Hertfordshire Mercury.
Tags: Hertford RFC, Hertford Rugby Club, Hertfordshire Mercury
27 Sep 11 The Best Hertfordshire Days Out
School holidays have drawn to a close but the long cold winter is still some way off, so there’s plenty of time for days out Hertfordshire style. As one of the Home Counties, Hertfordshire is well placed for many UK attractions but you don’t have to leave the county to visit some of them. While there’s still warmth in the air, why not get on the water?
Water Sports
The River Lee Country Park is home to several water-based activity centres such as the Herts Young Mariners Base in Cheshunt. The base caters for adults, school parties and children and offers courses in sailing, canoeing, climbing, caving and even first aid. The Centre is licensed and has been operating in one form or another for many years so you should be in safe hands. Another water-based alternative is Lee Valley Boat Centre at Broxbourne where you can hire a variety of craft for a day on the water. If you want to get wet without getting cold, the county also has a good choice of swimming pools such as Aquasplash in Hemel Hempstead.
Hertfordshire Museums
Hertfordshire days out don’t have to involve water though, and you can avoid the rain by visiting one of the many interesting museums scattered around this historic county. Tring Museum has a fascinating natural history collection while many other local museums such as Hertford, Hitchin, Letchworth and Stevenage (to mention a few) display artefacts and exhibits that open up the county’s past for both young and old. The De Havilland Aircraft Heritage Centre in London Colney is a great place to see the famous Mosquito of World War II fame as well as other interesting aircraft such as the Vampire, a very early example of a jet plane. The museum also contains the historic Salisbury Hall.
Paintball Excitement
Of course, sometimes kids and adults need to let their hair down for the best Hertfordshire days out and where better than a paintball centre? There are several paintball centres in the county including Delta Force at Kings Langley, part of a large experienced chain specialising in this activity. Kid’s sessions are grouped according to age and they are closely supervised and well protected with armour, safety being the first priority. Although parents don’t stay with kids during sessions, those with under 14s are asked to remain on site for the period as an extra precaution. Video games are all very well for acting out aggressive instincts but there’s no substitute for the physical excitement and healthy competition experienced in a paintball contest. Plus it easily beats staying at home and doing the decorating instead!
Wildlife Parks
Looking at animals is always popular with children, and provides a more relaxed activity than paintballing. Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne has a major collection of animals including tigers and even some rare white lions, which hopefully haven’t been playing paintball. For the really brave visitor, you can actually feed these big cats by hand, a definite case of “after you”. However, if you don’t fancy losing a finger or two, you can always opt to feed the much smaller meerkats by hand instead. Shrepeth Wildlife Park near Royston is another place to get up close to animals which include big cats, lemurs, wolves, monkeys, prairie dogs, raccoons, coatis and various reptiles. Here, you have the much safer option of feeding ponies, ducks, geese and fish in the lake.
The best Hertfordshire days out might be surprising; although most kids have limited patience with visiting the county’s art galleries, they might be impressed by a visit to the Henry Moore Foundation at Perry Green. Here, they will discover many of Moore’s monumental abstract sculptures displayed in an open country landscape. Even the coolest kid will be struck by the sheer power of his massive creations, but be prepared for awkward questions about what it all means.
There are so many options when it comes to days out Hertfordshire, that there is sure to be something for everyone! Visit the Hertfordshire Mercury to help plan you Hertfordshire days out.
Tags: days out Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire day out, Hertfordshire Mercury
21 Sep 11 Exploring Hertford and the Surrounding Area
Hertford is a very popular place in which to live (just check out those property prices!), being only some 20 miles north of London and with two rail links into the city (Hertford North into King’s Cross and Hertford into Liverpool Street). As the county town, there is also plenty of varied work locally and the busy road links stretch out in all directions. However, it is not all work for the good folk of Hertford, as this is also a great place from which to spend that all important leisure time. So, what is there to do in and around Hertford other than earn a crust?
Hertford’s Rivers and Waterways
The Rivers Lea (or Lee), Mimram, Rib and Bean all converge on Hertford, hence the ford in its name. The Lee Navigation (canal) reaches the town and the New River begins its long man-made journey to North London from just outside Ware, delivering fresh water for a thirsty city. All this sparkling water provides a range of leisure activities, from bird watching on the marshland leading to Ware, fishing, boating on the canal, and walking plus cycling on the towpaths. The more adventurous and energetic walker might want to tackle all or some of the long distance New River Path towards London, some 28 miles in length and following the river as closely as possible. The great thing about this riverside walk is that it is mostly flat or slightly downhill all the way to Islington, as it flows without any artificial pumping.
Walks in and around Hertford
As well as the riverside walks, there are many opportunities for walkers as this is a protected Green Belt area, where urban sprawl has been relatively controlled. Hertford town centre itself is well worth a walk round, especially on a quieter Sunday, as it is a conservation area with a wealth of 6000 listed and attractive buildings to admire (check out Shire Hall, for instance). The Cole Green Way on the edge of town follows a disused rail line to Welwyn Garden City and can be used by horse riders and cyclists as well, again with the advantage of gentle gradients. Then there is the extensive network of excellent signposted footpaths radiating out in all directions, making this a mecca for walking enthusiasts.
Other Things to do in the Area
For the less energetic, there are various places to visit in surrounding Hertfordshire without involving a long walk. In town there’s Hertford Castle, which can be visited on a tour by prior arrangement. The newly refurbished Hertford Museum is also worth a visit, as you can find out more about this historic town’s past. Just outside town in Ware is Scott’s Grotto, a man made cave open on Saturdays and Bank Holidays, and the Forge Museum and Victorian Cottage Gardens is open in Much Hadham.
Further away is Hatfield House, Lord Salisbury’s ancestral home, which holds various events throughout the year, and Berkhamsted Castle is another popular destination. Knebworth House attracts many visitors, especially to its rock music festivals, and also has other more sedate events like meetings of the Morris Minor Club. Lovers of George Bernard Shaw’s work will enjoy visiting his home at Shaw’s Corner while followers of contemporary work shouldn’t miss visiting the Henry Moore collection of sculptures at Perry Green, where you can gain a unique insight into the life and work of this 20th century sculptor.
Perhaps you would like to pick some lavender at Hitchin Lavender Farm or admire the lovely gardens at Benington Lordship? Or take a day trip from Hertford to visit Roman Verulamium (St Albans as it’s now called), complete with cathedral and 100 acres of beautiful parkland? Music lovers might want to attend the Hertford Music Festival held in the summer in the grounds of Hertford Castle; the choice is yours!
There is no shortage of things to do on a day out in Hertfordshire. For information about the latest activities in Hertford and the surrounding area, visit the Hertfordshire Mercury.
