Hertfordshire sits just north of London, close enough to feel the capital’s pull, but far enough away to maintain a distinctly English calm. It is a county of market towns, stately homes, rolling countryside and leafy commuter villages, where people have long escaped the city in search of cleaner air, bigger gardens and slightly less frantic train stations.
It may not offer dramatic landscapes or grand declarations, but Hertfordshire does quiet charm rather well.
Stately homes, grand gardens and carefully clipped hedges
For a relatively compact county, Hertfordshire is generously supplied with grand houses. Hatfield House, once home to Queen Elizabeth I, remains a spectacular example of Jacobean architecture, with grand state rooms and formal gardens that feel just the right amount of impressive.
Nearby Knebworth House adds a slightly gothic flair, with turrets, towers, and sprawling parkland that has hosted everything from royalty to rock concerts — an unexpected but oddly fitting combination.
The gardens of Capel Manor and the Water Gardens at Hemel Hempstead offer further green spaces for those who enjoy perfectly arranged flowerbeds with their afternoon strolls.
Market towns that still feel like market towns
Hertfordshire’s towns retain much of their historic charm. St Albans is the star attraction, with its magnificent cathedral (technically an abbey, but cathedral will do), Roman remains at Verulamium, and a fine collection of medieval streets, pubs and markets that have been running for several centuries.
Hertford, Hitchin, Harpenden and Berkhamsted offer tidy town centres, farmers’ markets, and high streets that manage to balance independent shops with just the right number of coffee chains.
Quiet lanes, rolling hills and very tidy countryside
Hertfordshire’s countryside may not rise to dramatic peaks, but it offers a pleasant mixture of gentle hills, wide fields and wooded lanes where the occasional deer might pause to observe your progress. The Chiltern Hills spill into the west of the county, offering fine walking, handsome villages and views that stretch out across surprisingly empty landscapes for somewhere so close to London.
The Ashridge Estate, managed by the National Trust, offers miles of ancient woodland, open commons and wide tracks where families, cyclists and ambitious dog walkers roam happily.
Canals, rivers and a bit of watery wandering
The Grand Union Canal threads its way through parts of Hertfordshire, its towpaths perfect for easy walking or very slow cycling. Narrowboats glide past at a pace that encourages polite nods and small waves, while the odd kingfisher flashes across the water just long enough for you to miss the perfect photo.
The River Lea meanders gently through the county too, adding riverside walks and waterside pubs for those who feel one good stroll deserves a decent lunch afterwards.
Film sets, studios and familiar-looking villages
Thanks to its proximity to London, Hertfordshire has quietly become a bit of a film star itself. Elstree and Leavesden Studios have hosted everything from Star Wars to Harry Potter, while countless television dramas have made good use of the county’s tidy villages and stately homes.
It is entirely possible to stroll through a country lane or village green and experience a faint sense of déjà vu, even if you cannot quite place the film.
Where England gently blends town and country
Hertfordshire may not offer wild landscapes or headline-grabbing attractions, but it manages to balance town and country in a way that feels distinctly comfortable. After a few days here, you begin to understand why so many people have quietly settled in for the long term – it offers quite a nice version of life.
Top 10 reasons to visit Hertfordshire
- St Albans Cathedral
A jewel of Norman architecture, this cathedral has over 900 years of history, Roman mosaics nearby, and the longest nave in England. - Hatfield House
A stunning Jacobean mansion once home to Queen Elizabeth I, with beautifully landscaped gardens and Tudor history woven into every corner. - Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
A must for fans, this immersive experience in Leavesden takes you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films with sets, props, and butterbeer. - Picturesque market towns
From Berkhamsted with its Norman castle ruins to Hitchin’s medieval streets and lively markets, Hertfordshire’s towns brim with character. - The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Rolling hills, beech woodlands, and scenic walking trails make Hertfordshire’s slice of the Chilterns perfect for walkers, cyclists, and countryside escapes. - Knebworth House and Gardens
Famous for its turrets, Gothic style, and legendary rock concerts, Knebworth also has family-friendly dinosaur trails and adventure playgrounds. - Roman history in Verulamium
Explore Britain’s Roman past at the Verulamium Museum and park, where mosaics, city walls, and artefacts tell the story of ancient St Albans. - Grand stately homes and gardens
Beyond Hatfield and Knebworth, Hertfordshire is dotted with gems like Shaw’s Corner (home of George Bernard Shaw) and the gardens of Capel Manor. - Peaceful canals and countryside walks
The Grand Union Canal, River Lea, and endless footpaths offer waterside strolls, pubs along the towpath, and tranquil escapes. - Easy access from London
Just 20 minutes from the capital by train, Hertfordshire makes for an easy day trip or a weekend break that blends city proximity with rural calm.
