Hertfordshire is an English county lying just north of London, and it makes a practical and pleasant base for a visitor who wants to see something of the English countryside without travelling far from the capital. Its character is a mix: busy commuter towns close to the city, quieter market towns further out, and open countryside in between.
What to expect
The county is best approached as a series of places rather than a single destination. Its towns differ in feel, and a day or two spent moving between them gives a fair sense of the area.
- St Albans is the county's best-known historic market town, with an old centre to explore on foot.
- Commuter towns close to London offer good rail links and a more suburban atmosphere.
- Countryside stretches across much of the county, suited to walking and a slower pace.
Planning a visit
Hertfordshire suits a visitor who enjoys wandering rather than ticking off sights. Many of its attractions are simply the streets, the landscape and the feel of market towns, so unhurried days work well. Because it sits so close to London, it is easy to combine with a stay in the capital, either as a day trip or as a change of scene for a few nights.
Visitors should allow for the mix of places they want to see, since distances between towns and villages are not always short, and public transport works best along the main routes. A little planning around which towns to prioritise will make the most of a trip.
