Enjoy Hertfordshire by Thompson Media Partners Ltd

The magazine of Hertfordshire Tourism and Leisure Partnership

Issue 11 Autumn/Winter 2010

Enjoy! Hertfordshire FREE

Family Fun! Festivals, Events & Fun Days Out

Experience Open Herts

Explore

Welwyn Garden City Royston Hoddesdon & Broxbourne

Discover

Beatrix Potter Forster Country Vintage & Retro

Compare the Meerkats at Paradise

free

PRIZE DRAW Win an overnight stay at The Black Lion, St Albans See Page 16

Issue 11 Autumn - Winter 2010

Enjoy! Hertfordshire The magazine of Hertfordshire Tourism and Leisure Partnership

CONTENTS Where to Stay Eating Out

06 24

relax

Fun Days Out Special Events What’s On Open Herts

29 37 41 56

experience

Welwyn Garden City Hoddesdon & Broxbourne Royston Stable Yard

14 18 22 58

explore

Beatrix Potter Forster Country Vintage & Retro Markets

46 48 52 60

discover

See Page 63 for Tourist Information and Page 66 for Useful Contacts

Front Cover: Meerkat at Paradise Wildlife Park © Madame Fifi presents...

EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief Annie Hawkins Email: anniehawkins@enjoyhertfordshire.com Telephone: 01992 556231 ADVERTISING Advertisement Manager Stewart Hedges Telephone 01525 874607 or 07595 894557 DESIGN John Boston

Enjoy! Hertfordshire is published by Thompson Media Partners Ltd, Unit 4,Avenue Business Park, Elsworth, Cambridge, CB23 4HY (01954 268129)

PAGE 16 Enter our FREE PRIZE DRAW and win an overnight stay at The Black Lion, St Albans

introduction

Enjoy! Hertfordshire

You might like to join in the celebrations of Forster Country in October and learn about Rooks Nest in Stevenage which was his inspiration for Howards End, if you want to stay overnight check out the offers at the

Holiday Inn, Stevenage for the Forster Weekend. Pay a visit to Mill Green Museum to learn about Beatrix Potter's Hertfordshire links and her inspiration for Peter Rabbit. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to enter our competition for an overnight stay and dinner for two at the fabulous Black Lion in St Albans. Take a boat trip down the Lea, walk through our beautiful countryside, enjoy a pint along the way or visit one of our many historic market towns, where you will find a treasure trove of unusual gifts and local produce. Whatever you do, wherever you decide to go, you will enjoy a warm welcome in Hertfordshire.

Tim Hutchings Chair of Hertfordshire Tourism and Leisure Partnership

www.enjoyhertfordshire.com

Once again a warm welcome to our beautiful county and to the latest jam packed edition of the Enjoy! Hertfordshire magazine. In this edition you can learn about what is on offer in our market towns of Royston & Hoddesdon and the 90th birthday celebrations of Welwyn Garden City. With Christmas around the corner I would urge you to try to shop local for all your seasonal needs at our independent shops, whether in our High Streets or at places like the Stable Yard in Hatfield House. Look to source your turkey and vegetables for the Christmas lunch through our local producers at one of our many Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Markets or farm shops.

relax To help you with choosing a place to relax after your busy day, here are a selection of places to stay during your visit to Hertfordshire

www.enjoyhertfordshire.com

Where to stay

WIN AN OVERNIGHT STAY, DINNER AND BREAKFAST FOR TWO Holiday Inn Stevenage

Just 25 minutes from London, the super sleek Holiday Inn Stevenage offers so much more than a great night's sleep. As the newest, most contemporary hotel in the area it also has one of the most talked about restaurants. The hotel’s Destinations Restaurant & Bar is a feast for the senses. Open to non residents, Destinations is fully air conditioned and offers the very highest standard of international cuisine and traditional favourites. The menu has been created and prepared by talented Head Chef Adam Hale and his team in their 5 star food hygiene rated kitchens. The stylish feel throughout Holiday Inn Stevenage plus its extensive banqueting facilities, makes this new hotel the perfect venue for your private function, wedding, celebration, Christmas party and every conceivable business event. The ‘state of the art’bedrooms offer LCD TV screens, air conditioning, ergonomic and flexible furniture, along with high speed internet access to ensure that guests enjoy a superior level of comfort.

PRIZE DRAW Win an overnight stay, dinner and breakfast for two at Holiday Inn Stevenage Holiday Inn Stevenage Competition Send your completed entry to Enjoy! Hertfordshire Competition Holiday Inn Stevenage St. George's Way, Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 1HS. No later than 15 January 2011. Just answer the following question: What is the name of the Head Chef at the new 4-star Holiday Inn Stevenage?

Answer Name Address Postcode Tel No

Terms and conditions apply. Occasionally Holiday Inn will forward offers that may be of interest to you. Should you wish not to receive such information, please tick the box. Holiday Inn will not forward your details to any third party.

explore

www.enjoyhertfordshire.com

RollerCity at Campus West is the only purpose-built skating rink in Hertfordshire, and is perfect for all the family. The venue is available for lessons, public skating and fun private parties. With over half a dozen sessions tailored to meet the needs of every skater, skate down to RollerCity for these fun-filled skating sessions. At Atmosphere sessions you can skate and chill out to the latest club anthems. Book tickets on www.welhat.gov.uk Campus West cinema are showing a great selection of films throughout the autumn, from blockbusters to romances. At weekends they feature family friendly films, with family friendly prices, ranging from recent releases to cartoon classics. You can often catch up on a film that you missed when first released. You can book on line on www.welhat.gov.uk The Hawthorne Theatre at Campus West is a quality venue for great quality theatre without the West End prices! Recent productions have included the Crucible and on 2 October they are showing Mad about Waterloo which showcases all the ABBA classics live. There is comedy and live music on Friday nights in the Studio. For more information look on www.welhat.gov.uk.

Happy

Birthday

n 29 April 2010,Welwyn Garden City celebrated its official 90th birthday, because it was on this date in 1920 that the Welwyn Garden City Company was established. Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and the town’s residents are spending the whole year celebrating the glorious feat that represents one of the finest examples of town planning in the world.

Internationally acclaimed Welwyn Garden City was the vision of social reformer and town planning pioneer Sir Ebenezer Howard. Howard planned ‘a town designed for healthy living’ where people could live, work and raise their families away from congested cities.

explore People coming to live here would enjoy working and living within easy reach of the countryside and have their own gardens and open spaces. Today Parkway, in the town centre, is the jewel in the town’s crown. It features a famous fountain built for Queen Elizabeth II Coronation in 1953, majestic close cut lawns and colourful embroideries of flowers. Maurice de Soissons, son of the town’s architect Louis de Soissons, said:“To walk in the Garden City today is as always the best way to appreciate it.” A new ‘Town Trail’ leaflet will be available soon as part of the 90th anniversary celebrations and the Maynard Gallery Trust will host an exhibition showcasing Denis Williams’ photography of 50 years of WGC.

The Hawthorne Suite is also the new home to Herts Jazz. A must for all jazz fans, Herts Jazz attracts the big jazz names from London and beyond and gigs are every Sunday evening with music from 8pm to 10.30pm. For full programme look on www.hertsjazz.co.uk Stanborough Park is on the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City and is a beautiful Green Flag countryside park. Here you can hire a rowing boat, picnic or just laze away an Autumnal afternoon. You can fish in the lake, meet up with friends for a coffee or follow the Nature Trail. With something for all tastes and ages, the park is a perfect day out for the whole family. For more information look on www.finesseleisure.co.uk.

For more information about events happening throughout the year, check out: www.welhat.gov.uk/events.

Nearby at Gosling Sports Park you can take part in many sports or activities, but you could of course just relax in the spa & fitness suites. The spa pool has a volcano water fountain, a bubble seat, an air lounge and neck fountains! All designed to sooth your weary muscles after a long, hard day. If you would rather do something a bit more energetic, head down to the 160m dry ski slope which offers ski and boarding classes for all levels. Contact the Ski & Boarding Team on 01707384384 and for more general information call: 01707 331056 or look on www.goslingsports.co.uk to check out the full range of activities on offer.

WIN an overnight stay, dinner and breakfast at the Black Lion Inn, St Albans

Black Lion Inn, 198 Fishpool Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL34SB Enter this exclusive competition for the chance to win an overnight stay, dinner including a bottle of wine and breakfast for two at the Black Lion Inn.Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of St Albans city centre, the Black Lion Inn boasts 16 individually designed bedrooms and a restuarant serving modern British and European food in a warm, relaxed, welcoming environment. The soft plum furnishings and chic decor makes the Black Lion Inn the perfect place to un-wind and enjoy an intimate dining experience. In the elegant lounge bar you may wish to indulge in a heavenly champagne cocktail or perhaps choose from the impressive selection of fine wines and world beers. Our head chef will then prepare a delicious three-course meal using only the freshest and locally sourced ingredients for you to enjoy in the restaurant. For more details and to view menus please visit www.theblacklioninn.com or call 01727 848644. To enter simply answer the following question: How many bedrooms does the Black Lion Inn have? Enjoy! Hertfordshire Send your completed entry to: Black Lion Competition Enjoy! Hertfordshire, Herts County Council County Hall, Pegs Lane Hertford, Herts SG13 8DN. No later than 15 January 2011. Just answer the following question: How many bedrooms does the Black Lion Inn have?

Answer Name Address Postcode Tel No Would you like to receive a copy of the Great Places to Visit Guide 2010/11?

JYes J No J

Terms and conditions apply. Occasionally Black Lion Inn will forward offers that may be of interest to you. Should you wish not to receive such information, please tick the box. Black Lion Inn will not forward your details to any third party.

explore

Lowewood Museum, Hoddesdon, is holding a Dan Dare to Dalek Sci-Fi Exhibition from August 21 to November 6, followed by Doubled Glazed - Pottery and Stained Glass Exhibition by Marilyn Andreetti, from December 4 until 29 January 29, 2011. Call 01992 445596

www.enjoyhertfordshire.com

The Wormley West End Circular Walk is a short self-guided trail which takes in interesting historical features of the area. A hard copy of the walk is available from Lowewood Museum. Adventure is coming to the Lee Valley White Water Centre at Waltham Cross from Spring 2011. Get ready for the adrenaline filled ride as you plunge down this steep raging river rapid. Waves will explode over your boat as you drop into holes and then power your boat past eddies waiting to spin and flip you in! White water rafting is on the way. This is a thrilling adrenaline-pumping activity; you’ll travel down a steep, obstacle filled channel dropping up to 5m over a 300m course. Anyone over the age of 14 can try this – even if you’ve never paddled before and you’ll be using the same course as the Olympic canoeists in the 2012 Games. Look on www.gowhitewater.co.uk

Hoddesdon

&Broxbourne

oddesdon and Broxbourne have always been at the centre of activity, from when the Romans marched along Ermine Street to the glorious coaching days of Samuel Pepys until now, with the nearby M25 and short rail link from London. The area is going to stay at the centre too, becoming one of the top international attractions in 2012, when the Lee Valley White Water Centre will be home to the London 2012 Olympic Canoe Slalom events. Activities are already taking place in the area as part of the Cultural Olympiad, building up to the major events in two years’ time. The famous Eleanor Cross at nearby Waltham Cross has been refurbished ready for the occasion and activities that have already taken place include music, art, dance and even archaeology as well as sport. The area is well placed to attract anyone interested

explore in water activities, with extensive facilities at Lee Valley Park which runs from Ware right up to the north of London. Much of the site occupies former gravel works and there are dozens of attractions including walks, cycling and sailing. Full details can be found on www.leevalleypark.org.uk

Families also flock to nearby Paradise Wildlife Park where they can see rare wild animals such as tigers, lions and jaguar alongside monkeys, zebras, lemurs and dozens of other species. There are endless activities for youngsters as well as a woodland railway, tractor rides, shows and a chance to see the keepers in action. For more information look on www.pwpark.com Few public spaces have more history attached to them than Cedars Park in Cheshunt which was once the site of James I's favourite palace,Theobalds.The 55-acre site offers a scheduled ancient monument, woodland walks, formal gardens, ponds, petsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; corner, an arboretum and a conservation area. The entrance gates from Theobalds Lane commemorate Queen Elizabeth IIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golden Jubilee and contain a time line of bronze roundels depicting various historical events at Cedars Park.The tea room is open February to November,Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10.30am until dusk. If you like wild flowers, a visit to Cheshunt Park is a must as the majority of the site is managed as wildflower meadow, with hay cut just once a year.

The Rye Meads Nature Reserve at Stanstead Abbotts, run by the RSPB, has 10 hides and walks suitable for wheelchairs. Children can borrow explorer backpacks or bird bingo sheets to discover more about the birds and wildlife. For more information look on www.rspb.org.uk/ ryemeads The Prime Meridian passes through Broxbourne on its journey from the Arctic to the Antarctic. It also dissects the Royal Observatory at Greenwich and, as 0 degrees longtitude, has immense practical and symbolic significance. John McAdam, the famous engineer who devised Tarmac the road surfacing, lived at Hoddesdon from 1827 until his death in 1836. Comic actor Hugh Paddock of Round the Horne was born in the town in 1915. Events from tea dances to film shows take place regularly at Broxbourne Civic Hall. Look out for the traditional pantomime. For a full programme look on the website www.broxbourne.gov.uk

explore

www.enjoyhertfordshire.com

You can volunteer to work alongside the Wood Wardens in Broxbourne Woods, Hertfordshire’s only National nature reserve, on Sunday 24 October 10am -3pm. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at practical woodland skills book your place now. Have a go at tree felling, pointing stakes and weaving big brash baskets around the coppiced trees to protect them from browsing deer. No experience necessary, but you will need to bring a packed lunch and wear suitable clothing and footwear. Telephone 01462 459395 to book your place. The Hertfordshire Way is a 166mile circular route along public rights-of-way, with a new extension of 24 miles. Part of the Hertfordshire Way passes through Broxbourne. For more information go to the Friends of Hertfordshire Way website www.fhw.org.uk The Herts Young Mariners Base in Cheshunt provides a range of outdoor activities for young people which includes: windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and climbing. Open all year round see www.hymb.com for more details.

If retail therapy is more your thing Hoddesdon is well worth a look.There is plenty to see in the historic town centre, which features a wide variety of chain stores and individual, independent shops and cafes. Hoddesdon runs a farmers’ market every third Friday of the month. For more details call 01992 785543.There is also a general market on Wednesdays and Fridays. The imposing Clock Tower dates from 1835 and stands on the site of the former Chapel of St Katherine. The bell inside the tower was made in 1510. Other historic buidlings include the White Swan and Lowewood Museum in the High Street which has recently been restored with new exhibition areas accessible to the disabled. There are few areas that can offer more attractions than this buzzy booming slice of Hertfordshire - go and see for yourself and marvel at all it has to offer.

explore

Therfield Heath, a stunning open space on the edge of Royston, is the last flourish of the Chiltern Hills and is a great place for a walk or to let the children have a run and let off steam. The annual Kite festival takes place on the heath in August.

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King James 1 was very fond of Royston and built a palace there to use as a base for hunting. There is even a theory that links the king, the Masons and Royston Cave together. He signed the death warrant for adventurer Walter Raleigh at Royston. The palace where he stayed is still there but is not open to the public. The Royston Crow is still the town newspaper and the majestic Columbian printing press which was used from the first edition in 1855, can be seen in pride of place in Royston Museum. It is also home to the Whydale collection. Ernest Herbert Whydale exhibited at the Royal Academy throughout his life. He was a talented etcher and he contributed one to Queen Mary's Doll's House. He painted a variety of subjects ranging from still life, to portraits and landscapes. Ernest lived in Royston for over thirty years and many of his artworks have remained locally. www.roystonmuseum.org.uk

Ready for Royston

hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good news for shoppers visiting Royston - it's free to park after 3pm thanks to a new initiative from Royston First, set up after the town voted to become a Business Improvement District last year. Royston also boasts a new Green Flag award for its Priory Gardens and award-winning toilets at Fish Hill. One of the town's main attractions is its unique and fascinating cave which lies beneath the bustling town

explore centre.Visitors climb down to discover an amazing cavern, intricately carved with religious and pagan symbols which may or may not be linked to the Knights Templar, It was rediscovered after a workman stumbled on the opening in 1742 but its origin and purpose remains keenly disputed. Recent interest in the Knights Templar and the success of the Da Vinci Code book and film has made the cave even more popular. If you would like to visit the cave, it is open weekend afternoons from 2.30pm - 5pm and some Wednesdays from Easter until the end of September. It is managed by Royston History Society on behalf of Royston Town Council. For details look on the website www.roystoncave.co.uk or phone 01763 245484.

Royston has a small traditional market on Saturdays and Wednesdays and a farmers’ market the first Sunday of every month selling locally sourced produce and a ‘mini’ farmers’market on the third Saturday of each month. Royston Arts Festival takes place 23 -26 September with numerous events taking place throughout the town, including exhibitions of paintings, ceramics and sculpture, comedy and Shakespeare. There are lots of family focussed events. To check out the packed programme of events look on: www.roystonartsfestival.org.uk

Royston has much to attract the modern visitor including a range of popular shops and some stunning historical buildings.The Museum features changing exhibitions, memorabilia relating to the town’s history and is home to the Royston Tapestry, which depicts scenes of interest from the town’s past.Work has been continuing since 1991 and the finished embroidery, in the style of the Bayeux Tapestry, will be 110 feet long. Royston has a long history and gained its prominence from its position on the crossroads of Ermine Street and the Icknield Way. It is now on the main railway line to Kings Cross and close to the A505 and Cambridge.

Burloes Farm Studios are located just outside Royston and are taking part in this year’s Open Studios. They are showcasing the work of nine local artists whose work ranges from painting, sculpture, glass making, printmaking and illustration. The studio is open 10am to 6pm on 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 25 & 26 September. Telephone 01763 242150 or look on www.hvaf.org.uk for more information about other Open Studios in September.

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experience

Eating out

To advertise in the next issue contact Stewart Hedges

07595 894557

Fun days out

Chadwell Sculpture Trail Chadwell Sculpture Trail is a unique five mile trail that takes in some of our ancient towns, beautiful countryside and heritage

experience

Charity Apple Day at Jaecocks Orchard, Cow Lane, Tring

sites in the East of the county. It runs from Great Amwell through

17 October, 10am - 4pm.

to Hertford Castle.You can discover 31 small bronze sculptures -

Discover the wildlife and activi-

all made by a class of 7 and 8 year old children from St John the

ties associated with an orchard

Baptist Primary School in Great Amwell. Located close to rivers

small holding. Displays and

and waterways each piece has been inspired by the natural habitat

sales include traditional varieties of apples, countryside

or local history and informed by the materials and methods used

craft and management demon-

by Henry Moore, who lived and worked nearby in Perry Green.

strations. Local stalls and

An owl, a bat a golden goose and even an Oompah Loompah are

refreshments will be available.

just some of the characters you will meet along the trail.

Face painting and music.

For a copy of the trail leaflet contact Hertford Tourist Office on 01992 584322

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Telephone: 01992 556158 for more information.

Watford’s

Sporting Day Out

Watch a game at the Vicarage Road Stadium, home of Watford Football Club and Saracens Rugby Club. Visit www.watfordfc.com or www.saracens.com or call Watford Football Club on 0845 442 1881 or Saracens Box Office on 01727 792800 for fixtures, ticketing and parking details. Vehicle drop off point is outside the ground. Mix and match these other opportunities to fit around the match or even stay over night at one of Watford's many hotels: Shopping and Lunch at the Harlequin Centre Watford Find unique ideas and inspiration at over 140 stores and restaurants including John Lewis. Park at Watford Colosseum. Postcode: WD17 2UB. Central Leisure Centre – A state of the art, environmentally friendly facilities including: a six lane 25 metre swimming pool, 60 station fitness suite, climbing wall. Half price swimming available for pre-booked coach parties. Postcode: WD17 3HA. TopGolf – A golf driving range with a difference! It is a revolutionary sports entertainment complex combining games with great food and an environment you can enjoy year-round with friends and family of all skill levels. TopGolf features computerized microchips in every golf ball that track your shots accuracy and distance while awarding points by hitting targets ranging from 20 - 250 yards away. One hour free play Monday to Friday when booked in advance. Coach parking available on site. Postcode: WD24 7AB. Harlequin Centre www.theharlequin.uk.com Contact the Marketing Team on 01923 250292

Central Leisure www.watford.gov.uk Contact Adam East, Operations Manager on 01923 296750

TopGolf www.topgolf.co.uk Contact: Naetha Uren on 01923 222045 or email Naetha.uren@topgolf.co.uk

Fun days out

experience

Get your skis onâ&#x20AC;Ś.

Back to the British School The British Schools Museum in Hitchin was used by the BBC to film three episodes of the new four part Just William series. The Gallery Classroom at the Queen Street Schools was just what the BBC needed - tiered rows of desks giving good camera visibility of William and his classmates.The replica gas lamps became electric 'globes' and some of the furniture was changed so the room took on a 1954 appearance - a magical leap of exactly 100 years from its opening in 1854! All the other rooms were taken over by equipment and props! The crew also filmed at Benington Lordship and other locations in the county so it really is a series 'Made in Hertfordshire' This was a tremendous boost for the British Schools in their bicentenary year, and you too can go along and sit in the same classroom as William and take part in a Victorian class. Look on www.home.btconnect.com/hitchinbritishschools for details of opening times, exhibitions and events.

Whether you are an expert or a first-timer being on the slopes are just plain fun. That's why the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead has introduced a range of ways to let your hair down and just enjoy the snow. They have great activities you'll never see at the Winter Olympics such as Rubber Ringos for children. For 4 to 11yr olds, you can slide, glide and spin down the slopes at the centre in an inflatable rubber ring! These 30 minute sessions run regularly at the weekends and over the school holidays. They are such fun you're guaranteed to want to come back for more! You can end your session with a steaming mug of hot chocolate in the Snow Centre's cafĂŠ the Edge. Call 0845 258 9000 to book your Ringo sessions now or look on www.thesnowcentre.com for more information.

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experience

Touring

map

experience

Special events

experience

Skate Van Hage

Putting the House to Bed Shaw’s Corner 30 & 31 October The home of famous playwright George Bernard Shaw, Shaw’s Corner in Ayot St Lawrence is a 1902 Arts & Crafts house set in a quintessentially English garden. Shaw lived here for over 40 years and as you walk through the house, it feels like he has just popped out of the room. His clothes still hang in the wardrobe, his typewriter still adorns his desk in his study and his glasses are neatly placed next to the typewriter. On the 30 & 31 October you can visit Shaw’s and see how the house is lovingly put to bed for the Winter. For more information look on www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Christmas Frost Fair Hatfield House 19-21 November Find everything to make your Christmas really special this year.The Christmas Frost Fair will be held in the magical setting in front of the Old Palace, childhood home of Elizabeth I. There will be a wide range of stalls selling beautiful crafts and gifts in the adjoining Riding School Conference Centre. You can learn how to decorate your home in our Christmas workshops where top interior designers and florists will be sharing their secrets. Festive music and delicious scents will fill the air as visitors browse the displays on Palace Green. Join in with the carol singers around the tree and then warm up with a glass of spicy mulled wine before you head home with your purchases. Admission is just £3 for adults and £2 for children. For more information look on www.hatfield-house.co.uk

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The stunning large skating rink made completely of real ice returns to Van Hage Garden Centre in Great Amwell for its third magical year this Christmas and opens on Saturday 27th November. Surrounded by a fully heated marquee which is home to a mouth watering café, comfortable rink-side seating and skate exchange desk with skates of all sizes, Skate Van Hage is a great outing for all the family. Available on selected weekdays and the first two Saturday’s of December, you can Skate and Cake with Santa. Aimed at children aged 3-11 years this magical Christmas experience includes skating, post skate refreshments for parents and children, a Van Hage Christmas badge and a free festive gift from Santa for every child. Advance booking is essential for these popular sessions and can be made online on www.vanhage.co.uk

experience

Mechanical Instrument Christmas Special

www.enjoyhertfordshire.com

St Albans Organ Theatre 12 December

St Albans Organ Theatre is home to a delightful collection of theatre organs and self playing musical instruments such as pianos and musical boxes. The theatre is open to the public every Sunday 2pm to 4.30pm, during which there is a live continuous performance of the various instruments on show. On 12 December it is hosting the Mechanical Instrument Christmas Special-booking is now available on line at www.stalbansorgantheatre.org.uk. You are guaranteed to leave the theatre smiling as there is something about organ music that really lifts your spirits!

Bakers & Sweeps Charity Football Match Waltham Cross Playing Fields Boxing Day 12 noon The traditional Bakers and Sweeps charity football match will kick off at 12 noon on Boxing Day at Waltham Cross Playing Fields. The football match is one with a difference as there are no rules, plenty of soot and flour, and it is played with several non-regulation sized balls. Players who insist on playing by the book will find themselves put in stocks set up on the

Special events pitch.The Bakers wear white overalls, the Sweeps wear black, and there may be any number of players in each team, of all ages. The match is sure to be messy with two hundredweight of flour and a hundredweight of soot obtained from rural chimney sweeps in Hertfordshire. Bakers and Sweeps is one of the oldest charities in the area, and this annual event has been a part of local tradition since 1908. For more information about this year’s match look on www.broxbourne.gov.uk • If you fancy seeing the 1962 match in action look on www.ourbroxbourne.org.uk - it all gets very messy!

Snowdrops at Benington Lordship Garden Spring 2011 Run in conjunction with the Royal Horticultural Society this is a popular event at Benington Lordship when the gardens are carpeted in a spectacular display of snowdrops around the remains of the Norman Castle and surrounding moat. Masses of Hellebores flower with Aconites and winter flowering shrubs, plus coloured stems of Acers, Cornus and Willow grow around the lakes. A collection of rare and unusual Snowdrops has been built up over the years many of which can be found growing in the borders, a labelled collection is kept in the walled Kitchen Garden and can be viewed by appointment or as part of a guided walk. Refreshments are available on weekdays and Saturdays in the gardens, on Sundays in the village hall ,or at the nearby public house “The Bell Inn”. For specific dates for snowdrop walks and general opening times look on www.beningtonlordship.co.uk

What’s On 2010/11 Great Hertfordshire events throughout the Autumn & Winter

ALL YEAR ROUND

Jazz at the Bell Inn, Codicote Every Sunday evening Music from 8pm Booking advisable www.hertsjazz.co.uk Bovingdon Market All year round every Saturday and Bank Holiday Mondays www.bovingdonmarket.co.uk Throughout the summer Car Boot Sale weather permitting County Showground, Redbourn 01462 811981

SEPTEMBER

5 September Jousting at Knebworth House 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com 8 September Knebworth Garden Experience Knebworth House 01438 813825 Booking essential www.knebworthhouse.com 12 September Classic Motorcycle Show Knebworth House 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com

Until 30 October On the Box: Children's TV Since the 1950s 12 September Exhibition at Stevenage Museum Early Bicycles 01438 218881 Shaw’s Corner www.hertsmuseums.org.uk 01438 820307 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Until 31 October

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Beatrix Potter in Hertfordshire Exhibition at Mill Green Museum & Mill www.hertsmuseums.org.uk

experience

12 September Heritage Open Day Mill Green Museum & Mill www.hertsmuseums.org.uk

16 September Comedy Night Broxbourne Civic Hall 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk 16, 23 & 30 September Living Green Sculptures inspired by the stories of Narnia Mill Green Museum & Mill www.hertsmuseums.org.uk 25 & 26 September Autumn Book Sale Starts at 12 noon Shaw’s Corner 01438 820307 www.nationaltrust.org.uk 25 September Vintage & Retro Fair Corn Exchange Hertford www.hertfordcornexchange.co.uk 26 September Sunday with the Family at the British Schools Museum, Hitchin 2.30pm - 4pm 01462 420144 www.hitchinbritishscholls.org.uk 26 September Chilterns Countryside Festival Visitor Centre Ashridge Estate 01442 851227

29 September - 2 October St Albans Beer Festival Alban Arena www.stalbansbeerfestival.info OCTOBER

1 October Bat & Moth Evening Pishiobury Park Nr Sawbridgeworth Booking essential 01727 858901 www.stortvalleyproject.org 3 October Vintage & Retro Fair Ware Drill Hall www.hertfordshire-vintagefairs.com 9 October Theatre Organ Concert With Donald MacKenzie St Albans Organ Theatre 01727 869693 www.stalbanstheatre.org.uk 9 October Kiki Dee - Live on Stage Hertford Corn Exchange 01992 442992 www.hertfordcornexchange.co.uk 11 October A Celebration of All Things Appley Codicote Community Orchard www.enquire.hertscc.gov.uk

experience 21 October Windrush Watford Palace Theatre 01923 225671 www.watfordtheatre.co.uk 24 October Fungus Foray Ashridge Estate Booking essential 01442 851227 www.enquire.hertscc.gov.uk 27 - 29 October Pumpkin Trails & Treats Knebworth House 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com 30 & 31 October Putting the House to Bed Shaw’s Corner 01438 820307 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

6 November St Albans Firework Spectacular www.stalbans.gov.uk 7 November Vintage & Retro Fair Hitchin Town Hall www.hertfordshire-vintagefairs.com 19 - 21 November Christmas Frost Fair Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk 21 November Christmas Lights Switch On St Albans www.stalbans.gov.uk 21 November Vienna Festival Ballet Broxbourne Civic Hall 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk

NOVEMBER

www.enjoyhertfordshire.com

5 November Fireworks Display Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk

25 November - 1 January Aladdin Watford Palace Theatre 01923 225671 www.watfordtheatre.co.uk

DECEMBER

3 December Blockheads - Live on Stage Hertford Corn Exchange 01992 442992 www.hertfordcornexchange.co.uk 4 - 5 December Christmas Craft, Food & Country Gift Fair Knebworth House 01438 812661 www.knebworthhouse.com 10 - 31 December Cinderella Broxbourne Civic Hall 01992 441946 www.broxbourne.gov.uk 12 December Mechanical Instrument Christmas Special A delight of organ music St Albans Organ Theatre 01727 869693 www.stalbanstheatre.org.uk 12 December Concert of Christmas Music Old Palace Hatfield House www.hatfield-house.co.uk

17, 18 & 19 December A Christmas Carol Dramatic Reading of the Dickens’ Classic Knebworth House Booking essential 01438 810931 2011

17 February - 12 March Dickens’ Great Expectations Set in 19th Century India Watford Palace Theatre 01923 225671 www.watfordtheatre.co.uk 23 April Henry Moore at Hatfield House Sculpture in the Gardens 01707 287010 www.hatfield-house.co.uk 5th May Living Crafts Hatfield House 01707 287010 www.hatfield-house.co.uk 29 & 30 May Hertfordshire County Show County Showground Redbourn 01582 792626 www.hertsshow

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discover

Museums

& heritage

Beatrix Potter’s grandparents lived at Camfield Place in

Beatrix Potter stood on the bridge over the River Lea, close to Bush Hall c. 1884. Image courtesy of the V&A © F.W, & Co., 2010

Essendon until 1891. It later became the home of romantic novelist Barbara Cartland.until her death in 2000.

UHArts and UH Galleries run

Miss

potter

galleries in St Albans and

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Hatfield. For details of their programme look on www.herts.ac.uk/artsandgalleries

The Natural History Museum at Tring are holding a Big Bugs exhibition which runs until 21st November. The Museum is home to the Walter Rothschild collection of taxidermy which shows the natural selection of animals, bugs and birds. For more information: www.hertsmuseums.org.uk

veryone associates Beatrix Potter with the Lake District but in fact she spent many happy holidays in Hertfordshire and even created some of her favourite characters there. Now a special free exhibition at Mill Green Museum in Hatfield is showing her work and her links with Hertfordshire. The display includes original illustrations borrowed from the Victoria and Albert and British Museums. These are from the Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies and drawings from the area around Essendon, where her grandparents lived until 1891. Beatrix described their home as “the place I love best in the world.”

discover She also stayed regularly at rented houses nearby with her family and based Mr McGregor’s garden on one she knew well. She loved the picturesque villages and amused herself by driving a pony carriage and fishing as well as sketching what she saw around her.

Beatrix Potter Illustration from The Tale of The Flopsy Bunnies, 1909. Image Courtesy of the British Museum © F.W. & Co., 2010

If you are interested in film then head down to St Albans Museum to see Kubrick: a Film Maker’s Odyssey Exhibition. The exhibition spans Kubrick’s life as a successful director and his links to Hertfordshire. For more information: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk

Courtesy of the V&A

If you were born post 1950s and are feeling nostalgic for your childhood TV programmes, pop along to Stevenage Museum

The Mill Green exhibition focuses on her time in Hertfordshire and the influence it had on her later books. It features original drawings Beatrix made of the area between 1880 and 1910 and includes a sketch of the outside of Mill Green Museum drawn on September 23, 1910. It is the earliest known picture of the mill and the only one to show it while it was still producing flour for the area. The exhibition will be running until October 31 and has been mounted thanks to support from the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert, Renaissance East and SHARE.

where you can see On the Box: Children’s TV since the 1950s. It runs until 30 October and entrance is free. Look on www.hertsmuseums.org.uk for more information. If Sci Fi is more your thing the Dan Dare to Dalek exhibition at Lowewood Museum in Hoddesdon will remind you of the times you probably hid behind the sofa when you were a child, watching Dr Who. It runs until 21

For details of opening hours call 01707 217362 or look on www.welhat.gov.uk/museum

November. For more information look on www.lowewood.com

discover

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The Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage is holding a special showing of the film Howards End on October 18, starring Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Vanessa Redgrave and Anthony Hopkins. For tickets call the box office on 01438 336200 or look on www.gordoncraig.co.uk Historian Margaret Ashby will talk about Connecting with Howards End at Stevenage Museum from 12.30pm until 1.30pm on Tuesday October 19. See details on: www.stevenage.gov.uk/ leisureandculture/museum You can take the same walk as Forster’s characters anytime. They arrived at Stevenage station from Kings Cross, noticing the town's famous Six Hills, then walked from the Bowling Green up the tree-lined avenue to St Nicholas Church. There is a path through the churchyard that leads to a sculpture ‘Only Connect’, put up in 1994 to mark the decision to include Forster Country in the Green Belt, giving it protection against building. You can now see the rolling fields and hedges that Forster loved so much with his home out of sight in the countryside.

A portrait of Edward Morgan Forster (E.M. Forster), aged 10 years and 11 months

Forster country weekend of activities has been arranged to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the novel Howards End, which captures the affection writer E M Forster had for Hertfordshire. It includes a film showing, talks, a walk and a special package at the Holiday Inn. Forster grew up near Stevenage and loved the countryside there.The very name Howards End was based on the farm near Rooks Nest in Stevenage where he lived from 1883 to 1893. It was a house he visited all his life as he became friendly with a later owner, the composer Elizabeth Poston, and it stands to this day. In 1946, when the small settlement of Stevenage was singled out for the first new town, Forster joined the

discover campaign to preserve the area. He said in a radio broadcast:“I was brought up as a boy…in a district which I still think the loveliest in England.” Almost 50 years ago the Guardian newspaper coined the term ‘Forster Country’ for the area north of Stevenage and it has now taken on official status. Edward Morgan Forster as a young boy on his pony in front of Rooks Nest House

Dickens was a familiar figure in Hertfordshire, from his early days as a reporter when he covered a fire at Hatfield House to his later friendship with fellow writer Edward Bulwer-Lytton who lived at Knebworth House. Hatfield was featured in Oliver Twist when Bill Sikes fled from London after murdering Nancy.

October marks 100 years since the publication of Howards End.To celebrate the anniversary there will be a special weekend of activities on October 15 and 16 and anyone attending can take advantage of special rates at the Holiday Inn, St Georges Way, Stevenage, covering one or two nights. For details call 01438 346062 or look on www.histevenage.com A day course on Saturday October 16 will focus on close reading of two novels, The Longest Journey (1907) and Howards End (1910). See http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/ component/courses/?view=course&cid=3488 There will be a guided walk at 11am on Sunday October 17 from the War Memorial in Stevenage High Street, up the Avenue to St Nicholas Church and Rooks Nest House as described in the book. Forster Country Weekend October 15 & 16 If you would like to take part in the celebrations to mark the 100 years of Howards End, why not stay at the luxury 4 star Stevenage Holiday Inn. Rates start at just £55 for dinner, bed & breakfast. Afternoon tea on Sunday from £6.95. Quote Forster Country offer when booking on 01438 346062 or look on www.histevenage.com.

Writer Graham Greene grew up in Berkhamsted, where his father was head of the Boys’ School. The 13th annual festival in his honour including talks and a film show runs from September 30 to October 3. For a full programme look on www.grahamgreenebt.org Playwright, socialist and campaigner George Bernard Shaw lived the last 50 years of his long life at Ayot St Lawrence. The house is now owned by the National Trust and open to the public as well as providing the venue for open air performances. Call 01438 820307 for details. Samuel Pepys, who captured the spirit of the 17th Century in his amazing diary, was familiar with much of the county and stayed at many of its inns. He mentions a cold day at Hatfield Vineyard, how his wife suffered a fall at Puckeridge and buying cheese at Baldock Market.

discover

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Hertfordshire Vintage Fairs are holding events at Berkhamsted Sports Hall, Douglas Gardens, Berkhamsted, HP4 3QQ on Sunday September 12; Ware Drill Hall at 17 Amwell End, Ware, SG12 3HP on Sunday October 3 and Hitchin Town Hall, Brand Street, Hitchin, SG5 1HX on Sunday November 7. Look on the website www.hertfordshirevintage-fairs.com Hertford Corn Exchange is the venue for two Autumn Vintage and Retro Fairs on Saturday September 25 and Saturday November 20. There will be lots of fabulous vintage accessories, handbags, costume jewellery, clothing, comics, records and so much more. Open from 10am to 4.30pm. Contact Holly on: 07791 228627 for more information. Vintage & Retro Nights are taking place the first Wednesday evening of the month starting 6 October from 8pm at Amanda’s in Hertford. On offer an eclectic mix of vintage & retro clothing & accessories, with vintage handbags and costume jewellery from Madame Fifi presents… perfect for an individual gift or for that individual look. For more information telephone Amanda on: 07779 594324.

Good

vintage

t takes a special sort of person to wear vintage or retro but when it’s done with panache, it’s an outrageous triumph, and that goes for décor as well. Thanks to an increasing number of fairs and specialist shops, it’s becoming easier to achieve the look you want, from flapper to flower child.You can decorate your kitchen with kitsch or put up sassy posters in the loo - how far you go is entirely up to you.

discover Jenny Titmuss, who organises Hertfordshire Vintage Fairs, said:“You don’t have to be a connoisseur, you don’t have to know what you’re talking about, you don’t have to buy into any of that stuff...you just have to look, feel and love it.Vintage is for all of us to enjoy.” To prove her point she is bringing together dealers, fans and the simply curious at fairs around the county. Stalls stock everything from 1940s day dresses to 1960s rockabilly and costume jewellery, at prices from £3 to £300.

Jolly Brown has had a shop in Bucklersbury, Hitchin, since 2007 and is now linked to an ebay site. For more details look on www.jollybrown.co.uk or call 01462 434292. Devoted 2 Vintage has an extensive stock and a comprehensive website, to be found on www.devoted2vintage.co.uk. The store operates at Unit 4, 23, Kingsland Road, Hemel Hempstead. Call 0845 2997633 for more information.

The events are veritable wonderlands where youngsters can pick up tiny bright jackets, their mums can hunt down a special necklace and gran can recall her past by buying a magazine from the 50s.There are clutch bags, fur capes, cocktail glasses and Dame Edna Everage spectacles sitting alongside china and diamante bracelets. Vintage shops are becoming increasingly popular too, supported by the green movement as well as fashion enthusiasts. Jolly Brown runs a shop in Hitchin for people striving to look different, with maybe a hint of an old movie star or Biba. She believes that wearing vintage is not only about style but is also a life choice and that re-cycling clothing and accessories helps to combat the ‘throw-away’ society we live in. Perhaps that’s what makes vintage so special. Not many fashion statements are also green to their core with a historical twist and individual style.That’s irresistible really, on every level

Divinely Vintage can be found at Fleetville Vintage Emporium, 221, Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4TB. It stocks men’s and women’s clothes, accessories and soft furnishings from the 40s to the 80s. For more details look on www.divinelyvintage.co.uk There are plenty of vintage treasures to be found at the Home and Colonial store in Berkhamsted, where 30 specialist dealers jostle for attention. There’s a great café too at the top of the building and nearby is the sizzling Art Deco cinema, the Rex. Look on the website www.homeandcolonial.co.uk Church Farm Ardeley is not only a working farm with open public walks, farm shop, tea room and restaurant, you can even stay overnight in a cabin in the woods. It is home to the newly opened Vintage Shed which sells vintage clothing, jewellery, accessories and local arts and craft. Contact: 07958 426913 or look on www.churchfarmardeley.co.uk The Vintage Shed is open Sundays, 10am - 4pm.

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experience

Courtyard Arts is a small gallery in walking distance of Hertford town centre. It holds regular exhibitions of artists work ranging from paintings, textiles and ceramics throughout the year. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm and admission is free. The gallery has a gift shop which stocks a range of ethically sourced home accessories, bags, gifts, handmade cards & jewellery. Perfect if you are looking for that special Christmas gift. Telephone 01992 509596 for more information or look on www.courtyardarts.org.uk for current exhibitions. St Leonardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church in Bengeo, Hertford has been described as a rare example of a virtually intact Norman village church, whereas St Leonardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church in Sandridge features 21st C engraved glass. The Hertford Quaker Meeting House is believed to be the oldest purpose-built example in the world. It has been in constant use since 1670. Visitors will have the chance to visit its library stocked with rare and unusual books.

Open house O

pen Studios has been running in Herts since 1991 and each year more artists take part across the county. It provides a showcase for the creative work of visual artists in Hertfordshire, not just painting and sculpture, but glass, ceramics, jewellery and textiles too. A wide range of artists take part: professional, semi-professional and amateur. You will find something that appeals to almost all tastes and it is free. Open Studios, which takes place from 11 September to 3 October, is a unique way to buy something that inspires you, to meet artists in their own studios and

experience to talk to them about their work and what inspires them. With over 150 artists taking part there is plenty to choose from. You might like to plan early and buy or commission some Christmas gifts, just treat yourself or give some big hints to your loved ones as to what you would like to find in your Christmas stocking!

Individual artists are opening up their homes and studios or groups of artists are exhibiting together. Art Symphony is a group of artists who are exhibiting in the Old Town Hall Courtroom in St Albans as part of Open Studios. Their work ranges from jewellery, painting, textiles, glass and ceramics, something for everyone. You can also explore the Old Courtroom at the same time. Opening times are mainly at the weekends but they do vary so it is best to check before you visit. Organised by Herts Visual Arts Forum a full colour brochure is available from your local library or Tourist Information Office or look at the artists work and studio opening times on www.hvaf.org.uk

The St Albans South Signal Box is a rare survivor. It was built by the Midland Railway Company in 1892 and contains a 1904 signal lever frame. It is the only signal box on a mainline railway line open to the public. Signalling equipment from the pre-computer era is displayed in the landscaped gardens. Visitors are encouraged to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;have a goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at changing the signals and accepting the train from Harpenden. Open Easter October, 14.00 - 17.00hrs 2nd and 4th Sunday each month (check website for dates) Telephone (01727) 836131 or look on: www.sigbox.co.uk Scott's Grotto in Ware is an 18th century grotto with a series of six interconnected chambers decorated with thousands of shells, flints and pieces of coloured glass. Flat shoes and a torch are essential. It is open 2pm - 4.30pm on Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter to 25 September. Look on www.eastherts.gov.uk

explore

If you would like afternoon tea

Stable

yard

in a grand style or want to celebrate a special occasion, try Hanbury Manor, the prestigious country house hotel with a golf course of its own. Take afternoon

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tea in the grand Oak Hall before strolling around some of the 200-acre grounds. Call 01920 487722 or look on www.hanbury-manor.com

Just Desserts in Hitchin is a café with a difference. It only serves sweet dishes which include cakes and a range of sundaes that will leave you drooling. It also has a licence and stays open late into the evening. For full details of the Bridge Street venue call 01462 431661 or look on the website www.just-desserts.info

xclusive shopping at Stable Yard, Hatfield House. Perfect for gifts and presents, the beautifully designed shops have a wide range of tempting items to choose from. Try Ma Battley’s old fashioned sweet shop for confectionery as it used to be. Delicious sweets, chocolates and all those fun things from years ago – flying saucers, aniseed balls, sherbert dabs. Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop has a fascinating range of toy theatres and traditional toys at the Stable Yard branch of their famous Covent Garden Store. If you are looking for beautiful antique furniture try Bushwood Antiques, who specialise in the Regency, Victorian and Edwardian periods. For fun and unusual collectables, Scally Dog has something for everyone. Pictures, ephemera and novelty items jostle for space with arts and crafts pieces in this gem of a shop. For marcasite jewellery and costume jewellery,Tudor Gems is hard to beat. Beautiful silver and marcasite pieces, trinkets and accessories, and fun bangles to jazz up an outfit. If your taste is for

explore precious stones and beautiful enamels, then a visit to Fiona Rae, goldsmith is worthwhile.Visitors can chat to Fiona and maybe commission a perfect piece for a special occasion. The Oak Room is an Aladdin’s cave of delights. Shabby chic, retro, vintage and just gorgeous things wait to be discovered in this exclusive emporium. Gardening is said to be the nation’s favourite pastime. Burston Garden Centre has seasonal plants, sundries and all those things that a gardener just can’t live without. Great for presents for people who are hard to buy for. Van Hage in Great Amwell is so much more than just a garden centre.

They offer stylish prod-

ucts for the home, contemporary gifts and a huge array of unusual seasonal decorations at Christmas and Easter. Cafe VH serves delicious food and drink, snacks, lunches and fantastic cakes throughout the day and it is a great place to go for Sunday lunch but get there early as it gets very busy. For more information on opening times, look on www.vanhage.co.uk The Tortoise Tearoom at North End Farm, Hare Street offers delicious home made cakes, cream teas, light lunches and snacks. The tearoom can be found next door to the Farm Shop. For more information look on

The Hatfield House Gift Shop has a variety of unique souvenirs including exclusive needlework kits inspired by the textiles in Hatfield House. Designer giftware for the ladies includes handbags, umbrellas and toiletries. Gentleman can browse the model kits and military memorabilia. Plus a fantastic range of preserves and stationery.... the choice is endless. Refreshments are available and parking is free of charge. Stable Yard is open Tuesday – Sunday 11 – 5.30 pm and admission to Stable Yard is free from 1st October. See www.hatfield-house.co.uk for more information.

www.thetortoisetearoom.co.uk or call 07765 300801. All the tearoom fayre at Halseys in Hitchin is homemade and locally sourced where possible. On the menu are freshly made soups, light lunches, like home made baked beans on toast and delicious handmade cakes. Look on: www.halseysdeli.co.uk for opening hours.

markets

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These are our regular markets in the county. Watch out for other seasonal markets and events throughout the year, like French markets

Markets

Contact your local Tourist Information Centre (TIC) for further details. See pages 63-64

Tourist information

information

For more information about places to visit, accommodation, events, restaurants, pubs and much, much more, a visit or a telephone call to one of our Tourist Information Centres will provide you with the answers. Trained, professional staff will help you get the most from your visit. i D7 Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stortford Tourist Information Centre 2 Market Square, CM23 3UU Tel: 01279 655831 Email: tic@bishopsstortford.org www.bishopsstortford.org i C5 Hertford Tourist Information Centre 10 Market Place, SG14 1DG Tel: 01992 584322 Email: tic@hertford.gov.uk www.hertford.gov.uk i E4/5 Letchworth Garden City Tourist Information Centre 33/35 Station Road, SG6 3BB Tel: 01462 487868 Email: tic@letchworth.com www.letchworthgc.com i C3/4 St Albans Tourist Information Centre Town Hall, Market Place, AL3 5DJ Tel: 01727 864511 Email: tic@stalbans.gov.uk www.stalbans.gov.uk You will also find tourist information at the following places: i E4/5 Baldock Library Simpson Drive. Tel: 01438 737333 i C2 Berkhamsted Library King's Road.Tel: 01438 737333 i E6 Buntingford Tourist Information Point The Manor House, High Street. Tel: 01763 272222 Email: btc.manorhouse@btclick.com i B6 Cheshunt Library Windmill Lane.Tel: 01992 785592 i B5/6 Goffs Oak Library Goffs Lane.Tel: 01992 785592

information

i C/D3 Harpenden Tourist Information Point Town Hall, Leyton Road. Tel: 01582 768278 i C2/3 Hemel Hempstead Tourist Information Point Civic Centre, Marlowes.Tel: 01442 234222 www.dacorum.gov.uk i B4 Hertsmere Tourist Information Point Borough Council Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood. Tel: 0208 207 2277 Email: customer.services@hertsmere.gov.uk www.hertsmere.gov.uk i E4 Hitchin Town Centre Initiative 27 Churchyard.Tel: 01462 453335 Email: htci@hitchin.net i E4 Hitchin Library Paynes Park.Tel: 01438 737333 i C6 Hoddesdon One Stop Shop 42 Tower Centre. Tel: 01992 785592 i A/B2 Rickmansworth Information Point 3 Rivers House, Northway.Tel: 01923 776611 Email: enquiries@threerivers.gov.uk i F6 Royston Library Market Hill.Tel: 01438 737333 i D/E4/5 Stevenage Central Library Southgate.Tel: 01438 737333 i C1 Tring Tourist Information Point 99 Akeman Street.Tel: 01442 823347 Email: info@tring.gov.uk i B6 Waltham Cross One Stop Shop 123 High Street.Tel: 01992 785592 i D6 Ware Tourist Information Point The Priory Lodge, High Street. Tel: 01920 487848 i B3 Watford One Stop Shop Town Hall.Tel: 01923 226400

useful contacts

How to get here Herts Travel Information from Intalink traveline 0871 200 22 33 (0700 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2200). (Calls from BT Landlines cost 10p per minute, mobile

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and other providersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

charges may vary) www.intalink.org.uk (For timetables, maps, journey planning and breaking news). National Rail Enquiries 24 hours a day,

ain line stations serve Hertfordshire from London including Kings Cross, St Pancras and Liverpool Street. The M1 and the A1(M) run through the county and Stansted Airport is situated to the east with Luton Airport on the northern border. Buses and trains link the towns and there is an extensive network of roads with many idyllic country lanes. Hertfordshire really is something special.

7 days a week. Tel: 08457 48 49 50 www.nationalrail.co.uk

Stop and stay a while, experience, discover, explore and relax.