Car Hire Royston

Accessible via the A505 and A10, Royston sits perfectly positioned for exploring Hertfordshire’s countryside. With a population of around 17,500, this charming market town experiences mild summers, averaging 22°C and crisp winters, with temperatures around 4°C, making it an ideal destination for year-round visits. The town’s strategic location near the Cambridgeshire border offers you excellent connectivity to surrounding areas.

Attractions In Royston

Ancient mysteries intrigue visitors to the famous Royston Cave with its medieval carvings, while the traditional market continues weekly trading traditions and the nearby Therfield Heath offers kite flying and panoramic countryside views.

Royston Cave

Katherine’s Yard on Melbourn Street is home to one of England’s most enigmatic historical sites. This bell-shaped chamber, carved directly beneath the street, features mysterious medieval carvings that have puzzled historians for centuries. Pre-booking is essential for the 45-minute guided tours, which cost £10 per person (£4 for children) and are led by respected local guides who bring the cave’s secrets to life.

Royston Museum

Located on Lower King Street, this delightful museum occupies a former Victorian schoolhouse and is open from Thursday to Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Free admission allows you to explore Royston’s evolution from a humble market town to a modern community. The exhibits showcase local history through carefully curated displays and the museum serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby famous cave.

The Old Palace: Hunting Lodge Of King James I

Kneesworth Street leads you to this remarkable Tudor remnant where King James I once pursued his passion for hunting. Though only foundations and partial walls remain, the site holds immense historical significance as evidence of royal patronage in early 17th-century Royston. The lodge represents the town’s importance during the Jacobean era, when it served as a convenient stopover between London and the northern counties.

Looking to explore the wider region? Consider these nearby destinations:

• Buntingford
• Weston
• Baldock
• Letchworth Garden City
• Stapleford
• Stevenage
• Knebworth
• Ware

Therfield Heath

Nature enthusiasts will be drawn to this expansive heath on Baldock Road, which is accessible daily from 6 AM to 10 PM. The diverse landscape encompasses woodlands, open grassland and gentle hills that provide stunning countryside views. Trail runners particularly appreciate the varied terrain, though families equally enjoy the peaceful setting for picnics and leisurely walks through this beautiful natural reserve.

Priory Memorial Gardens

The Priory Memorial Gardens form a beautifully maintained and significant green space located in the heart of Royston. This central park is a peaceful sanctuary, offering attractive floral displays, a dedicated children’s play area and a war memorial. Crucially, the gardens are named in remembrance of the local priory, with the grounds providing a necessary spot for both quiet contemplation and public recreation in the busy town centre.

Roisia’s Cross

This ancient stone cross stands as Royston’s most iconic monument, giving the town its name. Medieval legend suggests that Lady Roisia de Vere erected this marker at the crossroads of Icknield Way and Ermine Street. We can appreciate how this simple stone structure became the focal point around which the entire settlement developed, making it arguably the most historically significant landmark in the area.

Royston Town Centre

The heart of Royston centres around Lower King Street, where medieval street patterns remain largely intact. Market days still bring the town to life, continuing a tradition that dates back to the 13th century, when King John granted the market charter. You’ll discover how the town’s position at a major crossroads made it a natural gathering place for traders and travellers throughout the centuries.

Memorial To American Airmen

This poignant memorial honours the American airmen who served from nearby bases during World War II. The monument reflects Hertfordshire’s crucial role in the war effort, when American bomber crews flew dangerous missions over occupied Europe. It’s erected in July 1989.

Silver Jubilee Stage

Situated within Priory Memorial Gardens, this charming performance space was built to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. The stage hosts various community events throughout the year, from summer concerts to seasonal celebrations. Its location within the gardens creates a natural amphitheatre setting that brings residents together for outdoor entertainment and cultural activities.

Royston Splash Park

Adjacent to the memorial gardens, this purpose-built water play area operates daily from 10 AM to 6 PM during the warmer months. Designed specifically for younger children, the splash park features fountains, water jets and shallow pools that provide safe aquatic fun. Parents appreciate the nearby seating areas, refreshment kiosk and clean public facilities that make family visits comfortable and enjoyable.

Royston War Memorial

Erected in 1922 on Melbourn Street, this Grade II listed war memorial honours Royston’s fallen servicemen with a striking Portland stone monument featuring historical figures spanning British military history from Agincourt to Waterloo. The centrepiece depicts local hero Thomas Cartwright surrounded by representations of a medieval knight, Elizabethan soldier, Cromwellian Ironside and Napoleonic warrior, whilst a poignant bronze statuette of a First World War private known as “Tommy” stands guard at the base.

Royston Sensory Maze

Within the memorial gardens, this innovative maze engages visitors through touch, smell and sound, rather than relying solely on visual navigation. The maze incorporates aromatic plants, textured pathways and wind chimes to create a unique sensory experience. Designed with accessibility in mind, it offers an inclusive attraction that families with children of varying abilities can enjoy together.

Bury Lane Fun Barn

Located on the A10 in nearby Meldreth, this indoor playground operates Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5:15 PM and Sundays from 10:45 AM to 4 PM. The facility combines traditional soft play with outdoor adventures, including sand play areas and climbing equipment. Free entry and parking make it particularly attractive to families, though booking is recommended during peak times.

Royston & Villages Family Centre

Burns Road hosts this community facility, which opens on Thursday mornings from 9 AM to noon. The centre provides valuable support services for families with young children, offering a range of toddler groups and parenting resources. Local families praise the helpful staff who create a welcoming environment where parents can connect with others and children can socialise in a safe, structured setting.