Hertfordshire is a historic English county rich in heritage, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty, blending Roman sites, Tudor architecture, modern film studios, and scenic countryside within easy reach of London.
Ascott House is a Grade II* listed English country house with a rich Rothschild family history, featuring extensive gardens, notable art collections, and a historic cricket ground on its estate. Visitors can explore both indoor historic rooms and art, as well as extensive outdoor gardens and grounds.
Old Gorhambury House is a ruined Elizabethan mansion near St Albans, Hertfordshire, dating from the 16th century, with adjoining 18th-century Palladian house. The site includes historic gardens and water features and is free to visit as maintained by English Heritage.
Whipsnade Tree Cathedral is a 9.5-acre garden in Bedfordshire laid out in the form of a cathedral using various tree species. It serves as a living tribute and a place of reflection with chapels for each season and is managed by the National Trust.
Houghton House is a ruined Jacobean mansion in Bedfordshire, owned by English Heritage and open for free public access during daylight hours. Visitors can explore the outdoor remains of this historic Grade I listed building situated on elevated land with scenic countryside views.
Ashridge is a National Trust country estate in Hertfordshire featuring a notable early Gothic Revival stately home, extensive woodlands, gardens designed by Humphrey Repton, and the Bridgewater Monument. The estate also hosts the Hult Ashridge executive education program within the house.
Waltham Abbey Church is a historic parish church in Essex with origins dating back to the 7th century, renowned for its Norman architecture and its connection to King Harold Godwinson. Visitors can explore the church's rich history, impressive architectural features, and significant heritage as a pilgrimage site and a Grade I listed building.
Waltham Abbey is a historic market town in Essex, England, known for its medieval abbey church, royal gunpowder mills museum, and scenic location by the River Lea and Epping Forest. It offers rich cultural heritage, nature trails, and local markets.
The De Grey Mausoleum in Flitton, Bedfordshire, is a significant historic mausoleum housing many monuments to the De Grey family, featuring architecture from the early 17th to 18th century. It is open to the public under English Heritage and is a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument.
Wrest Park is a Grade I listed country estate in Bedfordshire featuring a historic English country house with early Rococo Revival interiors and extensive formal gardens with notable landscaping by Capability Brown. Visitors can explore both indoor historic interiors and outdoor formal gardens, with the estate also serving as a filming location for various productions.
Berkhamsted Castle is a historic Norman motte-and-bailey castle ruin in Hertfordshire, England, originally built in 1066. It features extensive earthworks and medieval deer park grounds, and offers outdoor exploration of its significant historical remains and scenic location. Managed by English Heritage, it is open daily for free public visitation.
Berkhamsted is a historic market town in Hertfordshire, England, featuring a medieval castle, vibrant cultural scene including an independent cinema and the BFI National Archive, and surrounded by the scenic Chiltern Hills AONB.
Smithcombe, Sharpenhoe and Sundon Hills is a National Trust Site of Special Scientific Interest featuring chalk grassland with rare plants, an Iron Age hill fort, and medieval rabbit warrens, offering a rich outdoor natural and historical experience.
Pitstone Windmill is a historic 17th century post mill in Buckinghamshire, known as the earliest windmill dated in the British Isles. Visitors can explore the outdoor site and learn about traditional corn milling. The National Trust manages the site, which is open to the public on summer Friday afternoons.
Verulamium was an ancient Roman town near modern St Albans, featuring extensive Roman ruins including city walls, a theatre, forum, and hypocaust. The nearby Verulamium Museum displays mosaics and artefacts from the settlement. The site offers both indoor museum experiences and outdoor archaeological remains.
Shaw's Corner is the preserved home of George Bernard Shaw in Hertfordshire, showcasing his Edwardian Arts and Crafts house, original interiors, garden, and unique writing hut.