Free Hertfordshire Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Hertfordshire
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Explore Hertfordshire for Roman St Albans, Chiltern walks, grand houses, garden-city design, market towns and countryside close to London.

Hertfordshire lies immediately north of London, forming a varied belt of countryside, historic towns and commuter settlements between the capital and the Midlands. Its geography changes noticeably across the county: the western districts rise into the wooded Chilterns, central Hertfordshire is shaped by chalk valleys and arable farmland, while the east opens towards the gentler landscapes of the Lea Valley and the Essex border. The county is close to London yet has a distinct identity rooted in market towns, country estates, ancient churches and long-established rural communities.
Read more about Hertfordshire
St Albans is the principal historic destination. Built around the Roman city of Verulamium and the medieval abbey associated with Britain’s first recorded Christian martyr, it combines substantial archaeological remains with a lively centre of timber-framed buildings, independent shops and restaurants. Hertford, the county town, has a more intimate character, with a castle, riverside setting and a compact historic centre. Elsewhere, towns such as Hitchin, Berkhamsted, Bishop’s Stortford and Royston provide different perspectives on Hertfordshire’s market-town heritage, while Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead and Welwyn Garden City illustrate the county’s twentieth-century planning and expansion.
Historic houses and landscaped estates are central to the Hertfordshire experience. Hatfield House preserves the setting of the Cecil family and the childhood home of Elizabeth I, while Knebworth House is known for its Tudor-Gothic architecture, parkland and long association with large-scale outdoor concerts. Around Berkhamsted, the Ashridge Estate offers beech woodland, commons and walking routes on the edge of the Chiltern Hills. The county also contains canal towpaths, village greens, riverside paths and extensive farmland, making it well suited to walking and cycling when approached with an awareness of rural roads and seasonal ground conditions.
Hertfordshire’s modern character is closely connected to transport, science, manufacturing and the creative industries. Hatfield’s aviation heritage, the planned landscapes of Welwyn Garden City and the film-production facilities at Leavesden reflect successive waves of technological and economic change. Food culture is similarly broad rather than narrowly defined: country pubs, farm shops, cafés, farmers’ markets and contemporary restaurants make use of local produce, while St Albans and the larger towns provide the greatest choice for dining and evening entertainment. The result is a county where Roman history, designed landscapes, working countryside and modern urban life can be explored within relatively short distances, though a varied itinerary benefits from more than one base.

When is the best time to visit Hertfordshire?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January750
February840
March1145
April1345
May1755
June (best)2060
July (best)2255
August (best)2260
September1955
October1560
November1165
December865

Getting to and around Hertfordshire

How to get there

Hertfordshire is reached most easily from London and the surrounding English regions. Rail services from London St Pancras, London King's Cross, London Liverpool Street, London Euston and London Marylebone serve different parts of the county, including St Albans, Stevenage, Hertford, Watford, Hemel Hempstead and stations near the eastern towns. Luton Airport is outside Hertfordshire in Bedfordshire but is a practical gateway for northern and western parts of the county; Stansted Airport, outside the county in Essex, can be useful for eastern Hertfordshire. Heathrow and London City airports are further alternatives, usually requiring onward rail, underground, coach or taxi travel.

Transportation

Rail is useful for links between Hertfordshire and London, but the county’s attractions are spread across several routes rather than one central network. Local buses connect many towns and villages, although rural services can be less frequent and may not align conveniently with estate entrances or walking routes. A car is helpful for combining country houses, villages and Chiltern viewpoints, while cycling is well suited to selected canal towpaths, quiet lanes and urban greenways. Walking works particularly well around St Albans, Hertford, the Ashridge area and parts of the Lea Valley, but visitors should plan return transport on linear routes.

Top city travel guides in Hertfordshire

The cities of Hertfordshire, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire’s attractions range from Roman archaeology to designed landscapes and modern creative production. In St Albans, the Verulamium Museum, Roman theatre and surrounding park explain the scale of the ancient city, while the cathedral and historic centre trace the later religious and civic story. Hatfield House and Knebworth House offer contrasting experiences of aristocratic architecture, gardens and parkland, with seasonal events and access arrangements varying by venue. The Ashridge Estate near Berkhamsted is valued for woodland, commons and long-distance walking rather than for a single monument. The county’s canals, rivers and country lanes provide gentler outdoor recreation, while the Lea Valley supports waterside paths, wildlife habitats and cycling opportunities. Visitors interested in twentieth-century design can explore Welwyn Garden City and parts of Stevenage, where planned streets and open spaces reveal different approaches to modern town building. At Leavesden, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London presents sets, props and production techniques associated with the Harry Potter films; advance timed booking is essential.

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Best landmarks in Hertfordshire

The cathedral and abbey church of St Albans is Hertfordshire’s defining historic landmark, its long building incorporating Roman brick and standing above the remains of Verulamium. Nearby, the Roman theatre and earthworks give physical form to the county’s ancient urban history. Hertford Castle, set beside the River Lea, represents the town’s medieval importance, although the surviving site combines later remains with landscaped public grounds rather than a complete fortress. Hatfield House is one of the county’s most recognisable country-house landmarks, closely associated with the Cecil family and Elizabeth I. Knebworth House, with its distinctive Tudor-Gothic appearance, forms another prominent architectural silhouette in the western county. In the Chilterns, the wooded slopes and commons of Ashridge provide a natural landmark whose significance lies in landscape scale and continuity. Welwyn Garden City’s planned avenues and green spaces offer a different kind of landmark: an influential twentieth-century model of integrated housing, employment and open space.

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Explore Hertfordshire on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Hertfordshire

Eating in Hertfordshire reflects the county’s position between London and the agricultural Midlands. Traditional pubs and rural inns remain important, especially in the Chiltern villages and around market towns, while St Albans, Hertford, Watford, Hitchin and Bishop’s Stortford provide the broadest choice of cafés, contemporary restaurants and international cuisines. Local food culture is more about produce and setting than a single signature dish: farm shops and markets sell seasonal fruit and vegetables, bread, cakes, cheeses and meat, while the Lea Valley has a long association with horticulture and market gardening. Menus often draw on British pub cooking, locally sourced ingredients and modern European influences. Hertfordshire’s historic brewing connections are reflected in the county’s pubs and independent beer culture, although the drinks available vary from town to town. Booking is sensible at popular restaurants and country inns, particularly at weekends or near major attractions.

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Best bars in Hertfordshire

Nightlife in Hertfordshire is concentrated in its larger towns rather than spread evenly across the countryside. St Albans has the most established evening scene for many visitors, with traditional pubs, wine bars, contemporary bars, restaurants and live-music options around the centre. Watford offers a broader urban choice, including late venues and entertainment connected with its larger population, while Hertford, Hitchin, Stevenage and Bishop’s Stortford have smaller selections of pubs, cocktail bars, restaurants and occasional live performances. In rural villages, evenings generally centre on pubs, dining and community events rather than nightclubs. The county also has a strong pub tradition, ranging from historic inns to modern gastropubs, and some breweries and taprooms provide early-evening alternatives to conventional bars. Check current arrangements before travelling, as individual venues and late services change.

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Best nightclubs in Hertfordshire

Nightlife in Hertfordshire is concentrated in its larger towns rather than spread evenly across the countryside. St Albans has the most established evening scene for many visitors, with traditional pubs, wine bars, contemporary bars, restaurants and live-music options around the centre. Watford offers a broader urban choice, including late venues and entertainment connected with its larger population, while Hertford, Hitchin, Stevenage and Bishop’s Stortford have smaller selections of pubs, cocktail bars, restaurants and occasional live performances. In rural villages, evenings generally centre on pubs, dining and community events rather than nightclubs. The county also has a strong pub tradition, ranging from historic inns to modern gastropubs, and some breweries and taprooms provide early-evening alternatives to conventional bars. Check current arrangements before travelling, as individual venues and late services change.

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Best shops in Hertfordshire

Shopping in Hertfordshire is strongest in its historic market towns and larger urban centres. St Albans combines national retailers with independent bookshops, clothing stores, cafés, food shops and regular market activity around the old centre, while Hertford offers a compact mix of independent businesses, galleries, antiques and everyday shopping. Hitchin is known for its attractive central streets and market-town atmosphere, with specialist shops and food retailers alongside larger chains. Watford provides the county’s most extensive mainstream retail choice, including shopping-centre and high-street outlets, while Welwyn Garden City has a planned town centre with a broad range of shops. In rural districts, farm shops, garden centres, estate shops, village stores and occasional farmers’ markets are more useful for local produce than for general retail. Good regional purchases include beer, preserves, bread, cakes, cheese, seasonal produce, books about local history and thoughtfully made crafts rather than generic souvenirs.

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Hertfordshire essentials

Currency and Payment
Hertfordshire uses the pound sterling, written as GBP or £, as part of the United Kingdom. Debit and credit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in towns, attractions, hotels, pubs and restaurants. Carry some cash for occasional rural purchases, traditional market stalls, small car parks or businesses with limited connectivity, although cash-only situations are less common than they once were. Prices can be higher in the county’s commuter belt and near major attractions than in more remote parts of Britain.
Safety
Hertfordshire is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain sensible in busy town centres, railway stations and car parks. On rural walks, take account of changing weather, muddy paths, livestock, traffic on narrow lanes and limited mobile reception in some areas. Use marked crossings where roads are busy, keep dogs under control where required and follow signs on farmland and estate land. Cyclists should expect mixed traffic on country roads, while drivers should allow more time than map distances suggest during commuter periods.
Emergency Situations
For urgent police, fire or ambulance assistance anywhere in Hertfordshire, call 999 or 112. Both numbers connect to the UK emergency services; explain your location clearly, particularly on footpaths, estates or rural roads. For non-urgent police matters, the national number is 101. On outdoor routes, note nearby road names, gates, trail signs or map references before setting out, since a precise location helps responders. Coastguard services are not relevant inland, but serious incidents on rivers or canals should still be reported through the emergency services.
Do's and Don'ts
Do queue patiently, use designated paths and close gates when walking through farmland or estate land. Do check photography rules inside historic houses, churches and studio attractions, and ask before photographing people or private property. Do treat market towns and residential villages as working communities rather than open-air museums. Do not climb ruins, enter restricted land, feed livestock or leave litter. Tipping in restaurants is discretionary and commonly around ten per cent for good service; it is not a legal requirement, and service charges should be checked before adding anything.
Local Tips
St Albans and Hertford make useful bases for visitors without a car because both have compact historic centres and rail connections, while Berkhamsted and Tring provide good access to the western Chilterns. For a quieter countryside day, combine a village or market town with a signed walk rather than trying to cover several distant estates. Hertfordshire’s attractions often occupy large grounds, so allow more time than the building visit alone suggests. Railway travel is busiest at weekday commuting times, particularly on routes towards London.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHello[həˈləʊ]
GoodbyeGoodbye[ɡʊdˈbaɪ]
YesYes[jɛs]
NoNo[nəʊ]
Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome[pliːz/jɔːr ˈwɛlkəm]
Thank youThank you[θæŋk juː]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry[ɪkˈskjuːz miː/ˈsɒri]
How are you?How are you?[haʊ ɑːr juː]
Fine. And you?Fine. And you?[faɪn. ənd juː]
Do you speak English?Do you speak English?[duː juː spiːk ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
I don't understandI don't understand[aɪ doʊnt ˌʌndərˈstænd]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please[aɪd laɪk tə siː ðə ˈmɛnjuː, pliːz]
I don't eat meatI don't eat meat[aɪ doʊnt iːt miːt]
Cheers!Cheers![tʃɪrz]
I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please[aɪ wʊd laɪk tə peɪ, pliːz]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![hɛlp]
Go away!Go away![ɡoʊ əˈweɪ]
Call the Police!Call the Police![kɔːl ðə pəˈliːs]
Call a doctor!Call a doctor![kɔːl ə ˈdɒktə]
I'm lostI'm lost[aɪm lɒst]
I'm illI'm ill[aɪm ɪl]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...[aɪd laɪk tə baɪ...]
I'm just lookingI'm just looking[aɪm dʒʌst ˈlʊkɪŋ]
How much is it?How much is it?[haʊ mʌtʃ ɪz ɪt]
That's too expensiveThat's too expensive[ðæts tuː ɪkˈspɛnsɪv]
Can you lower the price?Can you lower the price?[kæn juː ˈloʊər ðə praɪs]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[wɒt taɪm ɪz ɪt]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[ɪts wʌn əˈklɒk]
Half past (10)Half past (10)[hɑːf pɑːst (10)]
MorningMorning[ˈmɔːnɪŋ]
AfternoonAfternoon[ˌɑːftəˈnuːn]
EveningEvening[ˈiːvnɪŋ]
YesterdayYesterday[ˈjɛstədeɪ]
TodayToday[təˈdeɪ]
TomorrowTomorrow[təˈmɒrəʊ]
11[wʌn]
22[tuː]
33[θriː]
44[fɔːr]
55[faɪv]
66[sɪks]
77[sɛvən]
88[eɪt]
99[naɪn]
1010[tɛn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?[wɛrz ə/ðə...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[wɒts ðə əˈdrɛs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?[kæn juː ʃoʊ miː (ɒn ðə mæp)?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[wɛnʤ ðə nɛkst (bʌs)?]
A ticket (to....)A ticket (to....)[ə ˈtɪkɪt (tə....)]

History of Hertfordshire

Prehistoric Landscapes and Ancient Trackways

Hertfordshire’s chalk hills, river valleys and fertile soils attracted settlement long before written history. Archaeological evidence includes prehistoric burial sites, enclosures, tools and field systems, while ancient routes across the Chilterns and along the Lea Valley helped connect communities. Royston’s cave, an underground chamber decorated with medieval carvings, is later in date but reflects the long cultural importance of the local landscape. Although much of the county is now cultivated or urbanised, earthworks, crop marks and surviving routeways indicate how early movement and farming shaped its geography.

Verulamium and Roman Hertfordshire

The Roman city of Verulamium, beside modern St Albans, was one of the largest and most influential towns in Roman Britain. It developed near the settlement of the Catuvellauni and gained major civic buildings, a theatre, temples, roads and substantial houses decorated with mosaics. The city was damaged during the revolt led by Boudica in AD 60 or 61 but was rebuilt and expanded. Its remains, museum collections and surviving earthworks provide the clearest view of Roman urban life in the county, while Roman roads helped establish Hertfordshire’s lasting role as a corridor between London and the Midlands.

The Medieval Abbey and St Albans

After the Roman period, the cult of Alban, traditionally regarded as Britain’s first Christian martyr, gave the settlement lasting religious importance. A monastery was established and grew into St Albans Abbey, whose medieval church incorporated Roman brick and reused materials from Verulamium. The abbey became one of England’s major pilgrimage centres, and the town prospered through religion, markets and its position on the route north from London. The surviving cathedral and abbey precinct, together with the medieval street plan and market traditions, remain among Hertfordshire’s most important historical legacies.

Castles, Estates and County Administration

The Norman and later medieval periods left Hertfordshire with castles, religious houses and powerful landed estates. Hertford Castle developed as a royal stronghold beside the River Lea, while Berkhamsted Castle guarded an important route through the Chilterns. From the Tudor period onwards, families such as the Cecils accumulated influence and property, most visibly at Hatfield. Hertford became the county town, and the network of market towns, churches and manor houses established patterns of administration and landownership that continued long after castles ceased to have military importance.

Canals, Roads and the Industrial Revolution

Hertfordshire never became a heavily industrialised county on the scale of the northern manufacturing regions, but transport improvements transformed its economy. The Grand Junction Canal, now the Grand Union Canal, connected the west of the county with London and the Midlands, supporting trade in agricultural goods, building materials and coal. Turnpike roads and later railways accelerated the growth of market towns and encouraged commuting. Ware, Hertford, Hemel Hempstead and other settlements became linked to wider commercial networks, while brewing, milling, paper-making and small manufacturing added to the county’s economic diversity.

Garden Cities and Planned Expansion

The twentieth century brought ambitious experiments in town planning. Welwyn Garden City, founded in 1920 by Ebenezer Howard’s movement, combined housing, industry, open space and carefully planned neighbourhoods according to the garden-city ideal. After the Second World War, Stevenage became Britain’s first designated new town, followed by major expansion at places including Hemel Hempstead and Hatfield. These developments reshaped Hertfordshire’s population and architecture, creating broad avenues, landscaped housing areas and new employment districts while leaving older market towns and villages embedded within the wider county.

Aviation, Technology and the Modern Economy

Hertfordshire played an important role in Britain’s aviation and technology history. Hatfield became associated with the de Havilland company, whose aircraft design and manufacturing brought skilled employment and international recognition to the area. The industry’s legacy survives in local collections, public art and the identity of the modern town. Later, research, pharmaceuticals, film production, information technology and logistics added new dimensions to the county economy. Leavesden’s studios, in particular, reflect Hertfordshire’s continuing connection with engineering, creative production and large-scale technical work.

Hertfordshire in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Neighbouring regions of Hertfordshire

The closest regions to Hertfordshire, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Hertfordshire

Discover Hertfordshire with Evendo: A 100% Free App-Based Travel Guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • High-quality images and comprehensive descriptions
  • Local tips and insider advice
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More about the Evendo app

Unlock the best of Hertfordshire with Evendo, your free app-based travel guide. From landmarks to local tips, find everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.

  • Interactive maps and contact details
  • Easy hotel, tour, ticket, and experience bookings
  • History and travel essentials for Hertfordshire
  • 'Near Me' feature for finding nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience

Welcome to Hertfordshire, a county rich in history and brimming with attractions. Whether you're wandering through the medieval streets of St Albans, exploring the historic Hatfield House, or enjoying a relaxing day at the beautiful Knebworth House and Gardens, Evendo is here to make your journey seamless and memorable.

With Evendo, you can easily discover the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Hertfordshire. Each location comes with detailed information, stunning images, insightful descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Fancy a bite to eat? Use Evendo to find top-rated restaurants like Lussmanns in St Albans or The Bricklayers Arms in Flaunden. Looking for a place to stay? Easily book your hotel through the app and choose from a range of options, from luxury accommodations to cozy bed-and-breakfasts.

Evendo doesn’t just stop at providing information. Our app allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly, saving you the hassle of juggling multiple platforms. With features like the 'Near Me' function, you can quickly find attractions and amenities close to your current location, making spontaneous adventures a breeze.

The app also includes a rich history of Hertfordshire, travel essentials, and curated local tips to help you experience the county like a true local. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

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