Victorian Water Tower guidebook
Sightseeing
For walks, footpaths and cycle routes on our doorstep, please speak to me or download the app Footpaths. I can also email you some of my favourite walks for you to follow.
We have jus discovered this enchanting small hamlet in the middle of nowhere, actually it is quite close to Baldock, another quaint market town.
I can honestly say this has the highest number of thatched roof picture perfect cottages I've seen in the area and it's a really lovely place to get to by car and then explore the country walks around there.
Rushden
We have jus discovered this enchanting small hamlet in the middle of nowhere, actually it is quite close to Baldock, another quaint market town.
I can honestly say this has the highest number of thatched roof picture perfect cottages I've seen in the area and it's a really lovely place to get to by car and then explore the country walks around there.
Walking distance. Imposing Georgian Manor House with stunning grounds and circular walks accessible from Benington village. You can start your walk from the Tower, reach the middle of Benington Village with its charming pond and very old cottages and enter the grounds of Walkern Hall for a stroll. This is one of those walks that is more dry underfoot. Wellies are still my go to just in case!
Also check out the National Garden Scheme for the days in which the Walkern Hall opens its gardens and grounds.
Walkern Hall
Walking distance. Imposing Georgian Manor House with stunning grounds and circular walks accessible from Benington village. You can start your walk from the Tower, reach the middle of Benington Village with its charming pond and very old cottages and enter the grounds of Walkern Hall for a stroll. This is one of those walks that is more dry underfoot. Wellies are still my go to just in case!
Also check out the National Garden Scheme for the days in which the Walkern Hall opens its gardens and grounds.
Walking distance and when these Gardens are open at various point in the early spring and summer, they are really worth a visit.
If you visit in February you will see snowdrops like no other. They are huge and carpet sways of banks and gardens.
They are also open during the summer months on and off, and judging by the size of their borders, summer display should be spectacular.
Chilli Festival takes off in the summer. You will need to check their website for the exact weekend.
Benington Lordship Gardens
Walking distance and when these Gardens are open at various point in the early spring and summer, they are really worth a visit.
If you visit in February you will see snowdrops like no other. They are huge and carpet sways of banks and gardens.
They are also open during the summer months on and off, and judging by the size of their borders, summer display should be spectacular.
Chilli Festival takes off in the summer. You will need to check their website for the exact weekend.
Stunning and rather eccentric. You can choose to visit the House or take a walk in the grounds. It has a well stocked gift shop and as a family we have enjoyed their coffee and restaurant.
You will need a car to get to it, although it should only take you 15 minutes depending on traffic.
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Knebworth House
Old Knebworth LaneStunning and rather eccentric. You can choose to visit the House or take a walk in the grounds. It has a well stocked gift shop and as a family we have enjoyed their coffee and restaurant.
You will need a car to get to it, although it should only take you 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Fancy a flying visit to Cromer Mill, you will need to check out their opening times. Very pretty and immersed in nature.
Cromer
Fancy a flying visit to Cromer Mill, you will need to check out their opening times. Very pretty and immersed in nature.
I'm thinking wild swimming here! This is a great place where you can do this and enjoy two rivers coming together in Hertford.
The website that you might need to copy and paste
https://smudgedpostcard.com/outdoor-swimming-hertfordshire/ tells you exactly where to go to get the best experience. Don't ask me though as this is the last thing I would do!
Hartham Common
I'm thinking wild swimming here! This is a great place where you can do this and enjoy two rivers coming together in Hertford.
The website that you might need to copy and paste
https://smudgedpostcard.com/outdoor-swimming-hertfordshire/ tells you exactly where to go to get the best experience. Don't ask me though as this is the last thing I would do!
We are so luck to only be 30 minutes away from this amazing and truly inspiring place. You will visit the grounds with the artist's imposing and huge sculptures, his numerous studios dotted in the grounds and his actual home. I fell in love with his 'modern' sitting room full of objects and accessories most precious to him.
It now also houses a large research centre and gift shop. A great day out!
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Henry Moore Foundation (Henry Moore Studios & Gardens)
We are so luck to only be 30 minutes away from this amazing and truly inspiring place. You will visit the grounds with the artist's imposing and huge sculptures, his numerous studios dotted in the grounds and his actual home. I fell in love with his 'modern' sitting room full of objects and accessories most precious to him.
It now also houses a large research centre and gift shop. A great day out!
House, Garden and Parkland are a sight to be seen. A full calendar of events from bird of prey displays to Living crafts and garden shows is available on their website.
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Hatfield House
Great North RoadHouse, Garden and Parkland are a sight to be seen. A full calendar of events from bird of prey displays to Living crafts and garden shows is available on their website.
Within 45 minutes you should get to Wrest Park and it will reward you with super views and experiencing three centuries of landscape gardening.
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Wrest Park
Within 45 minutes you should get to Wrest Park and it will reward you with super views and experiencing three centuries of landscape gardening.
City/town information
It will take you just under an hour to get to Saffron Walden.
I was surprised by how pretty this town it. It has tons of indie and interesting shops as well as the English heritage house Audley End House. we have started spending some time to get to know this town. It really has a nice feeling!
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Saffron Walden
It will take you just under an hour to get to Saffron Walden.
I was surprised by how pretty this town it. It has tons of indie and interesting shops as well as the English heritage house Audley End House. we have started spending some time to get to know this town. It really has a nice feeling!
You will need a car to get to Hertford but it shouldn't take you more than 20 minutes. It is such a charming historic town, with a Farmers' Market every 2nd Saturday in the month featuring produce from the local area. Lots of foodie places and indie shops.
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Hertford
You will need a car to get to Hertford but it shouldn't take you more than 20 minutes. It is such a charming historic town, with a Farmers' Market every 2nd Saturday in the month featuring produce from the local area. Lots of foodie places and indie shops.
Who wouldn't love a trip to Cambridge. If you are drawn by history, culture and city buzz, Cambridge is under 1 hours away from here by car. Don't forget to book your punting tour!
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Cambridge
Who wouldn't love a trip to Cambridge. If you are drawn by history, culture and city buzz, Cambridge is under 1 hours away from here by car. Don't forget to book your punting tour!
In 45 minutes you can be immersed into Roman History or visit prominent art shows at the Gallery. Mix it up with a stroll through the cobbled George Street and finish with the imposing Cathedral with stunning park land.
You will not be surprised to know that St Albans has a vibrant food scene from food stalls on Market days (Wednesday and Saturdays) to a great choice of restaurants. Our favourite must be Tabure with its modern Turkish food cooked right in front of you.
You might need to book here for lunch too.
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St Albans
In 45 minutes you can be immersed into Roman History or visit prominent art shows at the Gallery. Mix it up with a stroll through the cobbled George Street and finish with the imposing Cathedral with stunning park land.
You will not be surprised to know that St Albans has a vibrant food scene from food stalls on Market days (Wednesday and Saturdays) to a great choice of restaurants. Our favourite must be Tabure with its modern Turkish food cooked right in front of you.
You might need to book here for lunch too.