Car Hire Ware

With a population of approximately 19,000, Ware enjoys excellent road connectivity via the A10 and A414, ensuring reliable year-round access for drivers. Spring brings mild temperatures perfect for exploring riverside walks and outdoor attractions, summer provides extended daylight ideal for countryside driving and garden visits, autumn delivers spectacular colours along the River Lea valley (though some nature reserve paths become muddy) and winter offers crisp conditions excellent for museum exploration and indoor cultural experiences.

Ware boasts over 1,000 years of history as a thriving river port and malting centre, featuring the iconic 18th-century gazebos overlooking the River Lea, the magnificent 15th-century Church of St Mary the Virgin and beautifully preserved Georgian and Victorian architecture throughout the historic town centre.

Attractions In Ware

River Lea navigation history shaped this market town where restored maltings recall industrial heritage, contemporary high street businesses serve local communities and surrounding countryside provides peaceful walking routes through water meadows and woodlands.

The Ware Museum

You’ll find this exceptional local history repository at High Street, open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM and on Sundays from 2 PM to 4 PM. The museum houses archaeological finds spanning Roman times through Victorian River Lea heritage, including fascinating information about the famous Great Bed of Ware. We particularly appreciate the knowledgeable volunteer team and well-displayed collections that engage visitors for nearly two hours despite the compact space.

Great Amwell

Great Amwell is a picturesque Hertfordshire village situated 1½ miles southeast of Ware and 20 miles north of London, dating back to at least the 9th century when it was known as Emmeswell. The village is famous for Emma’s Well, an ancient spring below the churchyard that was one of the sources for Sir Hugh Myddelton’s New River in the early 17th century and for its Grade II* listed 11th-century Church of St John the Baptist with its rare Norman apse and ancient features.

Scott’s Grotto

Dating back to approximately 1760, this extraordinary underground attraction on Scotts Road offers unique historical experiences through decorative, shell-lined chambers that remain 99% original. You’ll receive torches from knowledgeable volunteers who guide visitors through the tunnel system. However, we advise considering your claustrophobic sensitivities before descending. At £2 per person, this hidden gem provides exceptional value for experiencing authentic 18th-century craftsmanship and design.

Amwell Nature Reserve

Amwell Nature Reserve is an important and extensive site near Ware, recognised as a significant location for wildlife, particularly birds. The reserve encompasses former gravel pits which now form open water, marshland and woodland habitats. It is part of the Lee Valley.

East Herts Miniature Railway

Located within Van Hage Garden Centre at Pepper Hill, this delightful attraction operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM, plus Sundays from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You’ll enjoy £1.50 steam train rides, lasting approximately 10 minutes, where you’ll see tunnel passages and pond crossings, all managed by enthusiastic volunteers. We appreciate how this unique railway experience justifies navigating through the extensive garden centre to reach the boarding area.

King George Park

King George Park is a valued public open space in Ware, established as one of the many parks across the country dedicated to the memory of King George V. This local amenity typically provides recreational facilities such as sports pitches and children’s play areas, alongside open fields for general public use. It serves as an essential, accessible local hub for community sporting activities and casual outdoor leisure.

Your extended exploration can include these accessible neighbouring locations:

• Hertford
• Stapleford
• Hoddesdon
• Broxbourne
• Turnford
• Essendon
• Welwyn Garden City
• Cheshunt

Woody’s Play Barn

Daily operations from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM at Westmill Farm in Paynes Hall offer comprehensive indoor entertainment, featuring easy booking systems and reasonable pricing. You can expect play areas suitable for various ages, including dedicated sections for children under 1, although some equipment shows wear and refreshment options could better accommodate younger children. We appreciate the friendly, helpful staff who enhance the overall family experience in this weather-independent venue.

Austrian Cottage

Friday access from 9 AM to 5 PM at Fanhams Hall Road showcases authentic Austrian architectural heritage within beautifully maintained grounds. You’ll discover charming historical craftsmanship that complements the nearby Japanese Tea House, creating unique cultural diversity within walking distance. We find this combination of European traditions particularly appealing for visitors interested in international garden design and architectural styles.

Kings Meads

Kings Meads is Hertfordshire’s largest nature reserve, stretching 96 hectares between Hertford and Ware as one of the county’s most significant surviving riverside flood meadows, managed by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. This remarkable wetland habitat consists of several individual meads with evocative names such as Sweet Mead, Lady’s Mead and Mill Mead, supporting an extraordinary 265 species of wildflowers, 119 bird species and over 18 species of dragonflies and damselflies including the rare Norfolk Hawker.

Beacon Park

Beacon Park is another important recreational area in Ware, offering residents accessible green space for daily activities. This park generally features open lawns, walking paths and possibly community facilities, depending on its specific layout. It is often a key site for local events and gatherings, functioning as a vital component of the town’s network of community-focused outdoor amenities.

Cooles Park

Cooles Park is a smaller, often more intimate area of parkland in Ware, valued by local residents for its convenience and tranquil setting. These types of parks are typically maintained to provide passive recreational use, such as walking and relaxing amidst planted green areas..

Ware War Memorial

Ware War Memorial is a striking Portland stone Cross of Sacrifice with bronze sword, unveiled on 31st January 1921 before several thousand people who gathered along the High Street and surrounding streets in wet and windy conditions. Located on the corner of Church Street and the High Street, built into the boundary wall of St Mary’s Churchyard, the memorial features an octagonal plinth with flanking screen walls bearing the names of 216 men who died in the WW1 and 48 from the Second World War in lead lettering.