Car Hire Baldock

Baldock stands proudly as one of Hertfordshire’s most fascinating destinations, home to approximately 10,500 residents in this historic market town. You’ll reach us easily via the A505 with its modern 2006 bypass, the A1(M) motorway or the ancient routes of the Great North Road and Icknield Way that have connected travellers for centuries. The town enjoys pleasant seasonal weather with summer temperatures reaching 23°C in July and mild winters averaging 8°C in January, making year-round exploration comfortable and rewarding.

Attractions In Baldock

Explore traditional market town charm and historic high street shopping, featuring medieval street layouts, local museums, weekly markets and convenient access to surrounding rural walks and heritage sites.

Howard Park

Central Baldock’s crown jewel awaits at 34 Rushby Mead in Letchworth Garden City, operating 24 hours daily with an impressive 4.5-star rating from nearly 1,000 delighted visitors. This family-friendly destination offers exceptional facilities, including a free splash park that transforms hot summer days into memorable adventures. The recently upgraded playground equipment and convenient on-site café and toilets make it perfect for extended visits, though parking can fill quickly during peak times, requiring some planning ahead.

Ivel Springs

Ivel Springs is a nature reserve in Baldock, Hertfordshire, marking the source of the River Ivel. The site features chalk springs, reed beds and wet woodland habitats. Notable wildlife includes water voles, kingfishers and numerous dragonfly species. Boardwalks provide access for visitors whilst protecting sensitive areas. The reserve demonstrates the ecological value of spring-fed wetlands in Hertfordshire.

Norton Common

Norton Common is a grassland nature reserve in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, managed by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. The site comprises traditional chalk grassland supporting diverse wildflowers and grasses. Notable species include several types of orchid and cowslips. The reserve attracts various butterflies, particularly during summer months. Regular conservation management, including grazing, maintains the grassland’s ecological diversity. Norton Common provides an accessible green space for local residents and demonstrates the importance of preserving remnant chalk grassland habitats.

Weston Hills Nature Reserve

Weston Hills Nature Reserve is a chalk grassland site near Baldock, Hertfordshire, managed by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. The reserve features steep hillsides with species-rich grassland supporting numerous wildflowers, including several orchid species. It provides important habitat for butterflies such as marbled whites and chalkhill blues. The elevated position offers extensive views across the surrounding countryside. Conservation grazing helps maintain the grassland’s biodiversity. Weston Hills represents a valuable example of traditional chalk downland habitat in the region.

Stotfold Watermill & Nature Reserve

This nature reserve in Bedfordshire combines industrial heritage with diverse wildlife habitats. The site features a restored 19th-century watermill alongside wetland, grassland and woodland areas. The River Ivel flows through the reserve, supporting kingfishers, water voles and various fish species. Meadows attract butterflies and other pollinators during summer months. The working watermill offers guided tours, demonstrating traditional milling techniques. Footpaths provide access to different habitats, making it popular with families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Radwell Meadows Country Park

Perfect picnic destinations characterise this lovely country park on Norton Bury Lane, open daily from 8 in the morning until 9 at night. The extensive meadows burst with cowslips during spring and attract numerous birds and butterflies throughout the summer months. The park serves as an excellent base for exploring the Letchworth Country Walk, a 15-mile circular route offering countryside views and wildlife watching opportunities.

Convenient access to neighbouring areas enhances your Baldock experience through these well-connected destinations:

• Letchworth
• Garden City
• Weston
• Hitchin
• Stevenage
• Preston
• Buntingford
• Royston

Baldock Museum & Local History Society

Cultural heritage comes alive at the Town Hall on Hitchin Street, welcoming visitors twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11 AM to 3 PM. The thoughtfully curated displays showcase Baldock’s rich history through well-presented photographs and exhibits that chronicle the town’s development over centuries. Friendly volunteers share their extensive knowledge enthusiastically and the excellent local history book section provides opportunities to delve deeper into topics that capture your interest during visits.

Baldock Arts And Heritage Centre

Baldock Arts and Heritage Centre is a community venue located in the historic market town of Baldock, Hertfordshire. Housed in a former grammar school building dating from 1889, the centre celebrates local history and culture. It features exhibition spaces showcasing Baldock’s heritage, from Roman times through to the present day. The centre hosts regular art exhibitions, workshops and community events throughout the year. Facilities include a gallery, meeting rooms and educational resources.

Gallery 1066

Artistic excellence defines this outstanding gallery at Willow Mews on 6A Hitchin Street, open daily except Mondays from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Beyond the charming boutique entrance lies an expansive hidden gallery filled with remarkable artwork suitable for all tastes and budgets. The knowledgeable staff provide exceptional service and expert guidance for both serious collectors and casual browsers. The gallery’s reputation as Hertfordshire’s finest art destination stems from its carefully curated selection and commitment to supporting both established and emerging artists.

Weston Hills Tunnel

Engineering heritage unfolds at this remarkable historical landmark along the A505 in Weston, where 19th-century tunnel construction techniques created lasting monuments to transportation innovation. The structure represents significant advances in road-building technology and demonstrates the challenges faced by engineers working in challenging terrain. Free admission and no booking requirements make spontaneous visits possible and the site provides excellent opportunities to appreciate both the engineering achievement and the surrounding landscape that influenced its construction.

Elizabeth Oak

Ancient majesty awaits at this extraordinary historical landmark at Hatfield House, where one of Britain’s most significant trees has stood for 800-1000 years. This massive Sessile oak ranks as the third largest of its species recorded in the United Kingdom, with an impressive 12.5-metre girth that speaks to centuries of growth and survival. The peaceful setting rarely becomes crowded, creating ideal conditions for contemplation and photography. Tree enthusiasts and nature lovers find the surrounding parkland equally fascinating, with numerous other mature specimens complementing this designated Great British Tree.