Car Hire Hertford

With a population of approximately 27,000, Hertford serves as Hertfordshire’s historic county town where four river valleys meet at the confluence of the Rib, Beane and Mimram with the River Lea. You’ll find excellent accessibility via the A10 running directly through town from London to King’s Lynn, enhanced by the A414 bypass (Gascoyne Way) providing seamless connections to surrounding areas. The climate follows typical English patterns with variable seasonal weather, pleasant summer temperatures averaging 18-22°C, though we recommend checking conditions as the riverside location can experience occasional mist and the area’s four river valleys influence local weather patterns.

Hertford boasts over 1,000 years of history as the county town, featuring the impressive ruins of Hertford Castle where Parliament once met, the magnificent 15th-century All Saints’ Church and beautifully preserved Georgian and Victorian architecture throughout the town centre.

Attractions In Hertford

Medieval foundations support a thriving county town where Norman castle walls overlook contemporary arts venues, independent bookshops line cobbled streets and the River Lea provides tranquil escape routes into surrounding water meadows.

Hartham Common Park

Always open for visits, this exceptional riverside park has achieved an outstanding 4.6-star rating from over 1,300 visitors, establishing it as Hertford’s premier attraction. The River Lea provides picturesque views and diverse activities, including paddleboarding, fishing and river walks. Extensive play areas feature climbing nets, swings and mini rock-climbing zones, complemented by football goals, tennis facilities and accessible Sunday parking for just £2.

Panshanger Park

This remarkable park has earned an impressive 4.6-star rating from over 1,200 reviews, creating experiences that feel lifted from fairytales. You’ll discover breathtaking hill-top views overlooking the lake, enhanced by historic Orangery ruins and the magnificent tree reportedly planted by Queen Elizabeth I. We particularly appreciate King’s Lake with its crystal-clear waters and the diverse dragonfly species that create magical wildlife encounters.

Balls Park

Operating Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Saturdays 9 AM to 5 PM (closed Sundays), this park showcases magnificent ancient trees, particularly giant oaks centuries old. You can meander through dappled woodland trails that provide cooling shade during the summer months. The well-managed grounds feature wildlife-friendly long grass areas and offer glimpses of stunning properties bordering the parkland.

Goldings Historic Park

Dating from the 19th century, this Grade II registered historic estate near Hertford comprises approximately 100 hectares of ornamental parkland contemporary with George Devey’s magnificent 1870s Tudor-style mansion. The carefully landscaped grounds feature the serpentine Goldings Canal, mature specimen trees including cedars and Wellingtonias and two Victorian walled kitchen gardens. Positioned on south-facing slopes, the estate offers commanding views across undulating pasture towards Hertford, enhanced by strategically placed woodland belts and ornamental bridges from 1869.

Balls Wood Nature Reserve

Available around the clock, this charming reserve offers well-signposted circular footpaths that create intimate woodland experiences. You can wander for approximately an hour through varied terrain that feels both extensive and approachable. Informative interpretation boards enhance educational value, surrounded by lovely surrounding farmland that extends the natural environment beyond the woodland boundaries.

Hertford Heath Nature Reserve

This local nature reserve provides refreshing woodland environments with extensive tree coverage and well-maintained pathway systems. You’ll discover miles of paths that offer cooling shade and peaceful walking experiences. We find this location particularly convenient for visitors staying near Hertford, Ware or Hoddesdon, providing accessible natural recreation close to urban amenities.

The Panshanger Great Oak

This extraordinary 500-year-old oak tree, planted during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, offers remarkable historical connections spanning centuries. The rewarding two-mile walk from the car park leads through beautiful woodland, open grassland and alongside lakes and the River Mimram. You’ll encounter this stunning specimen with its impressive three-metre diameter that represents living English heritage and natural majesty.

Consider extending your exploration to these neighbouring destinations:

• Ware
• Essendon
• Hatfield
• Broxbourne
• Hoddesdon
• Stapleford
• Welwyn Garden City
• Turnford

Hertford Museum

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sundays from noon to 4 PM, this delightful museum offers free admission and diverse collections. You’ll encounter imaginative displays with eclectic charm that particularly engage younger visitors. We appreciate the well-curated temporary exhibitions, such as Barbara Cartland showcases, that provide informative panels and enhance understanding of local heritage and community character.

All Saints Church, Hertford

This beautiful community space hosts exceptional musical events, including performances by The London Film Orchestra featuring Hans Zimmer and John Williams’ compositions. You can experience meaningful cultural programming that serves both local community needs and visiting music enthusiasts. The church provides dignified venues for various commemorative gatherings and community celebrations throughout the year.

Hertford Castle

Operating weekdays, Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Fridays until 4:30 PM, this historic venue successfully combines heritage preservation with contemporary event hosting. You can arrange guided tours through the castle offices and explore the lovely gardens. The annual classic car show features diverse vehicles, live music and food stalls, creating engaging community celebrations within historical settings.

Hertford Lock (No.1)

Located just a short walk from the town centre, this peaceful riverside location offers lovely views over the Meads towards Ware. You might observe narrow boats navigating through this first lock of the Lea Navigation system. We find the proximity to Sainsbury’s convenient for refreshments, enhanced by nearby children’s park facilities and extensive open spaces perfect for riverside picnicking.

Boer War Memorial

The memorial takes the form of a portrait-oriented stone plaque set within a gothic stone frame. It was unveiled on 11 April 1903 and commemorates the loyalty of the Hertford men who volunteered for active service during the South African War (1899–1902). It lists the names of 103 local volunteers and clearly separates the three men who died while on service. This tablet is distinct from the town’s main World War I and II memorial, which features the bronze stag sculpture in Parliament Square.

Ducks Spa

You’ll discover that this picturesque attraction on Mill Road offers relaxing environments with adjacent playground facilities for families. The scenic bridge provides excellent photography opportunities with boats moored in the background and ducks enjoying their natural habitat.