Topic ID 1334
I have a couple of friends over for a few days and was looking for recommendations for what they can do in and around the Hertford area. They speak very good English, but will be relying on public transport. They have been into London for the day, and have looked around Hertford at the castle, museum, shops, etc, but I was looking for a few more ideas as I will be at work while they are here. Hatfield House is closed, they do not seem keen on Cambridge or any more shopping, but any recommendations (and directions from central Hertford) would be gratefully received!
Reply ID 16181
Have you/they been into Hertford tourist office? (by Shire Hall) Lots of leaflets on things to do and see locally, and the staff will be able to offer suggestions as well.
Reply ID 16186
Did they do London in just one day?
Reply ID 16187
Hello, yes they have been to the tourist office in Hertford (I have got a lot of leaflets and info from there but they won't read it), and apparently it is possible to see everything in London in one day! They are driving me slightly mad. I have managed to get them into St Albans today, but I have no ideas for Monday yet so any suggestions gratefully received. Cambridge was rejected as an option. Seemed that they didn't know what they wanted to do and expected a taxi service everywhere as they do not want to travel on public transport for more than an hour. Memo to self. Next time someone invites themself ... move house![:(!]
Reply ID 16195
How about a wander around Broxbourne Woods. You may be able to lose them!!
Reply ID 16197
My sympathies SMT, they sound like hard work! A couple of random thoughts: Wrap up warm and have a walk along the tow path to Ware, where they can have lunch in a ‘traditional English pub’ (there are trains or buses if they don’t fancy a return walk). Any chance of persuading them back into London? There are so many things they could visit there, most museums and galleries for free. A nice straightforward day out from Hertford could be a visit to St Paul’s (looking particularly spectacular as it nears the end of major clean), then a short walk over the Millennium (wobbly) Bridge to Tate Modern (free entry). Great views across London from the top. Are they into zoos? Paradise Park’s relatively local (admit I haven’t been there for years though).
Reply ID 16200
Scott's Grotto is different. Not sure that I'd fancy walking around it at this time of year though.
Reply ID 16203
I have done this many times myself (although I don't think my guests are usually fussy about public transport or going into London for the day, so I think I had it easy [8D]). - a walk up to the stave church in Bengeo always goes down well, show them the black death graves with the skull and cross bones. Tell them if they out stay their welcome it could be them! [:0] - 724 bus takes you to St Albans (already suggested I think). - if you really need to get rid of them put them on the 724 in the other direction, tell them that the best tourist attraction in the area is Harlow town centre! an architectural gem [;)]
Reply ID 16205
quote:The temperature down there is a constant 5C apparently.
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Scott's Grotto is different. Not sure that I'd fancy walking around it at this time of year though.
Reply ID 16218
They can do a whole day walk from Hertford, through Hertford Heath, down Ermnine St., then round the circular walk that takes in Broxborne, Wormley, etc. woods. Or a walk to Walkern and back along the banks of the Beane (or the diversion to Bennington). I've wondered if it's possible to do the Lea valley all the way to or from N London on foot, though there's enough stations en-route if not. Peterborough cathedral? White Hart Lane or Highbury do stadium tours? Knebworth, Woburn etc. will all need cars. There's also loads of guided walks in London, including a load that take in pubs (always popular with Norwegians, in my experience), that cover most subjects (TimeOut lists them all and I've got a book somewhere that recommends a couple I could look up). They may be able to sort out a day boat ride on the Lea on a narrowboat. There's boats on the Thames to Greenwich & Hampden Court. Loads more, really.
Reply ID 16220
quote:Scott's Grotto...[?]
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Scott's Grotto is different. Not sure that I'd fancy walking around it at this time of year though.
Reply ID 16223
Joby, I believe this puts me in one of the categories parodied in Steve's recent post about forum members changing lightbulbs but: Why not try GOOGLE before posting questions [?] [:)] http://scotts-grotto.org/CMS/index.php [^] SMT, if your friends speak good English, they may well be internet savvy, aren't you worried that they'll be browsing for reminders of their holiday in Hertford and maybe come across this thread? [:)][:I] I'd be editing my posts if I were you or you may not get a return invitation to Norway! [:D] I think Kate's suggestion about a walk along the towpath to Ware is very good. Much as I don't want to big-up our traditional rival town too much, the gazebos you see from the river are quite unique, there's loads of places to eat at any budget and as Kate says, your guests can hop on a bus or train back to yours.
Reply ID 16227
quote:I thought the forum would benefit from the question and subsequent answer, I'm sure I'm not the only person who has never heard of this place [:)].
Originally posted by Rachel
Joby, I believe this puts me in one of the categories parodied in Steve's recent post about forum members changing lightbulbs but: Why not try GOOGLE before posting questions [?] [:)]
Reply ID 16228
Thank you very much for all your suggestions! I managed to persuade my guests on the Ware tow path walk and wandering around Hertford. They have gone back into London today, not sure what to see, but are now convinced it is worth two days on the train. Thanks again, and I think I will take up some of your suggestions too! [:D]
Reply ID 16426
quote:Scott's Grotto is usually closed during the winter months so as not to disturb the hibernating bats. The tunnels themselves remain at a fairly constant temperature throughout the year.
Originally posted by Jobyquote:Scott's Grotto...[?]
Originally posted by JohnSmith
Scott's Grotto is different. Not sure that I'd fancy walking around it at this time of year though.
Reply ID 16440
Maybe this should be obvious to me but where is Scotts Grotto - Ive never heard of it! Read the link (thanks Rachel) very interesting - but am wondering where it is now?!?!
Reply ID 16441
quote:It's on the website [url="http://scotts-grotto.org/CMS/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=31"]Visiting details[/url]
Originally posted by Millster
Maybe this should be obvious to me but where is Scotts Grotto - Ive never heard of it! Read the link (thanks Rachel) very interesting - but am wondering where it is now?!?!
Reply ID 16442
Ooops, thanks and sorry for being a bit thick there. Id never even heard of this place. Sounds interesting. Me and my other half are very keen to explore all Hertford has to offer, so come April Ill be there... Thanks for the info.
Reply ID 16455
If you want to go a little further afield, go to Bury St. Edmunds on either a Wednesday or Saturday.... market day. Visit the smallest pub in the world (the Nutshell). Bury is trully a very beautiful town and well worth a visit.
Reply ID 16456
DHO's sister site Ware Online has a video about scotts Grotto. [url="http://www.wareonline.co.uk/features/scottsrm.asp"]Scotts Grotto[/url]