Herts &amp; Beds


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Hertfordshire&#8217;s county town (and historic market town) on the banks of the River Lea has a buzz to rival some North London boroughs, shedloads of indies, picturesque waterside walks, a new-look cultural quarter <em>and</em> its very own castle! Need we say more? Hertford calling!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Oishi-sushi-hertford-from-website.jpg" alt="Oishii sushi " class="wp-image-85408" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Oishi-sushi-hertford-from-website.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Oishi-sushi-hertford-from-website-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/Oishi-sushi-hertford-from-website-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>All tastes are catered for here, from Japanese (try <a href="https://www.oishiihertford.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oishii</a>) to Italian (<a href="https://www.proove.co.uk/restaurants/hertford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proove Pizza</a> is a winner), to contemporary Mediterranean at <a href="https://www.dinnio.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dinnio</a> and <a href="https://www.veysos.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Veysos</a> and Asian Fusion at <a href="https://www.elleskitchenhertford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elle&#8217;s Kitchen</a>. Plus you&#8217;ll find an outpost of local restaurant chain, <a href="https://www.lussmanns.com/restaurants/hertford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lussmanns</a> for sustainable fish, bottomless brunches at the chi-chi <a href="https://www.eatdrinkpeach.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PEACH</a> and modern British dining (with cocktails!) at <a href="https://www.welovethehummingbird.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hummingbird</a>. </p>



<p>For coffee, cake and light bites, you can&#8217;t go wrong with <a href="https://www.coffeelab.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Coffee Lab</a> for a quality cuppa, <a href="https://www.bradanddills.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad &amp; Dills</a> for bagels and the fab <a href="https://mudlarksgarden.org.uk/cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mudlarks</a> – a veggie and vegan café which offers work to people of all abilities. </p>



<p>If it&#8217;s pubs you&#8217;re after, check out <a href="https://theoldbarge.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Barge </a>for riverside pints, the quirky <a href="https://thedogandwhistle.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dog and Whistle</a> for a vibrant events scene and boutique rooms and The <a href="https://www.oldcrosstavern.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Cross Taver</a><a href="http://oldcrosstavern.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">n</a> for real ales (it&#8217;s got its own microbrewery). While if it&#8217;s cocktails you&#8217;re after check out <a href="https://www.thepractitionerbar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Practitioner</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/Womens-society-3.jpg" alt="women's society boutique Hertford" class="wp-image-69055" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/Womens-society-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/Womens-society-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/Womens-society-3-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/02/Womens-society-3-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Women&#8217;s Society Boutique</figcaption></figure>



<p>Hertford does really well when it comes to its concentration of indie boutiques. Find gorgeously curated togs, including ethical and organic clothing at <a href="https://frankieandolive.co.uk/">Frankie and Olive</a>, stylish pieces at <a href="https://womens-society.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Women&#8217;s Society Boutique</a> and lesser known English and Scandi labels at <a href="https://gingerlillieboutique.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gingerlillie Boutique</a>. While vintage mavens need look no further than <a href="https://magpieamore.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magpie Amore</a> and pre-loved dress agency <a href="https://www.mintofhertford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mint of Hertford</a>. </p>



<p>Foodies head to <a href="https://www.thestorehousehertford.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Storehouse</a>, which is packed with free range meat, artisan bread and specialist wines, and there&#8217;s farm shop and butchery, <a href="https://www.foxholesfarm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foxholes</a> just on the outskirts, too. For quirky and kid-friendly gifts try <a href="https://www.eyemindheart.shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eye Mind Heart</a>, or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theshophertford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Shop</a> which is packed with plants and homewares. </p>



<p>Plus you&#8217;ll find a weekly Saturday market, a Farmers’ Market on the second Saturday of every month and a Street Food market on the fourth Thursday of each month.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Hertford has its own hospital in town as well as a handful of NHS surgeries, plus a private GP surgery, cosmetic and medical clinic, <a href="https://www.gpcarenow.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GP Now</a> and a private dental practice, <a href="https://hertfordshiredentalgroup.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertfordshire Dental Group</a>. You&#8217;ll also find a <a href="https://www.hertfordchiropractic.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chiropractic Treatment Centre</a> and <a href="https://www.thephysioroom.co.uk/">The Physio Room</a> for injuries. <a href="https://aqua-tox.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aqua-tox</a> offers a range of wellness treatments, aesthetics and therapies, whilst at <a href="https://www.thetherapyroomhertford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Therapy Room</a> you can get massage, reflexology and nurtrition advice. <a href="https://www.hertfordbeautyroom.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Beauty Room</a> is more skincare and beauty focused with a range of massage and spa treatments too, but for lashes, brows and spray tans, head to <a href="https://www.beautyspothertford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beauty Spot</a>.</p>



<p>Want to get fit? The <a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/hartham-leisure-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hartham Leisure Centre</a> features a gym, pool, group exercise studios, artificial sports pitches and tennis courts, as well as a four-storey soft play for little ones. You&#8217;ll also find boutique gym, <a href="https://www.talismangym.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Talisman</a>, pregnancy and post-natal fitness club, <a href="https://busylizzy.co.uk/hertford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Busy Lizzy</a> and the fab <a href="https://www.nuyoupilates.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nu You Pilates Studio</a> in the town. Finally for that finishing touch <a href="https://www.maxinporcaro.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maxin Pocaro</a> and <a href="https://www.hertfordhair.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Hair</a> are just two of a wide choice of hair salons in town. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s a really lively events calendar in Hertford, with many (often free!) taking place in and around the castle grounds, from music festival Rock at the Castle, to the annual food and beer fest, Heritage days and pop-up cinema and theatre in the summer months. The council also organise children&#8217;s trails around the town two or three times a year – at Christmas, Easter and Summer – and the popular town Christmas Market and Gala. Find out more <a href="https://www.hertford.gov.uk/events-listings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. You&#8217;ll also find a monthly Saturday farmer&#8217;s market in town, organised nature walks in <a href="https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/panshanger-park#News" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panshanger Park</a>, plus woodlands, a skate park and kids&#8217; play area at <a href="https://gohertford.co.uk/directory/hartham-common/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hartham Common</a>. And you&#8217;ll find tonnes of riverside walking trails and cycle routes <a href="https://gohertford.co.uk/directory/riverside-walks-and-cycling-routes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. There&#8217;s also <a href="https://www.hertfordtownfc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Town Football Club</a>, <a href="https://www.hertfordrfc.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Rugby Club</a>, <a href="https://www.hertfordcricketclub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Cricket Club</a> and <a href="https://www.hertford-hockey.co.uk/">Hertford Hockey Club</a>, if you&#8217;re keen to make your mark in community sport. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p>In terms of green space, the 1,000 acre Grade II-listed <a href="https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/panshanger-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panshanger Park</a> is on the doorstep, with tonnes of walking to be had. The kids will love the the <a href="https://ehmr.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Herts Miniature Railway</a> in nearby Great Amwell and <a href="https://www.pwpark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paradise Wildlife Park</a> which is under 20mins by car. If you&#8217;re feeling adventurous there&#8217;s the fab water park <a href="https://www.h2orampage.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H20 Rampage</a> for summer days. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="917" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/03/Hertford-Theatre-redevelopment-1.png" alt="Hertford theatre new development" class="wp-image-67184" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/03/Hertford-Theatre-redevelopment-1.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/03/Hertford-Theatre-redevelopment-1-300x275.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/03/Hertford-Theatre-redevelopment-1-545x500.png 545w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/03/Hertford-Theatre-redevelopment-1-573x525.png 573w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You won&#8217;t go short of culture here. The town&#8217;s designated cultural quarter includes the new-look Hertford Theatre complex <a href="https://beamhertford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BEAM</a> – a £24m investment including a three-screen cinema, larger auditorium and riverside café – community arts hub <a href="https://www.courtyardarts.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Courtyard Arts</a>, local history treasure trove <a href="https://www.hertfordmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Museum</a>, <a href="https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/library-opening-hours/hertford-library.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Library</a> and the amateur dramatics theatre <a href="https://cops.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Company of Players</a>. You&#8217;ll also find the <a href="https://www.cornexchangehertford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Corn Exchange</a> on Fore Street for live music. </p>



<p>Then there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.hertford.gov.uk/events-listings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Castle</a>, yep, an actual castle, right in the middle of town. Not only is it a beautiful venue which can be hired for weddings, but it also plays host to all sorts of local (and often free) festivals and events throughout the year, from open air cinema and heritage days to Christmas markets, art exhibitions and a brilliant festival programme including Rock at the Castle, Hertford Food and Drink Festival and Cars at the Castle. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>You&#8217;re looking at a cool £493,523 &#8211; the average house price oveer last year. Terraces fetch around £460,000 and semis just under £620,000, but it&#8217;s to be expected in location with such a lot to offer across the board. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Hertford-Knight-Frank-1000x667.jpg" alt="Former rectory in Hertford" class="wp-image-85250" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Hertford-Knight-Frank-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Hertford-Knight-Frank-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Hertford-Knight-Frank.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former Rectory with 7 beds in the heart of town. <a href="https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/st-andrew-street-hertford-hertfordshire-sg14/bst170230" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market with Knight Frank for OIEO £2m.</a> </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>There are plenty to choose from, including Outstanding options, <a href="https://childbasepartnership.com/nursery/river-view-day-nursery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">River View Day Nursery</a>, <a href="https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/harthampark" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Busy Bees at Hartham Park</a>, <a href="https://www.abelsmith.herts.sch.uk/nursery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abel Smith Nursery</a> and <a href="http://busylizziesatsimonballe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Busy Lizzies at Simon Balle School</a> (which also provides Breakfast and After School Clubs). Good options include <a href="http://www.tinytoeshertford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tiny Toes Day Nursery and Pre-School</a>, <a href="http://www.righttracknursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Right Track Children&#8217;s Nursery</a>, which is based at the station for easy drop offs if you&#8217;re commuting, and <a href="https://www.millmead.herts.sch.uk/mill-meads-ducklings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ducklings Nursery at Mill Mead Primary School</a>. <a href="https://ashbournedaynurseries.com/locations/ashbourne-day-nurseries-at-hertford-hertfordshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashbourne Day Nurseries</a> is another town centre option.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.abelsmith.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abel Smith Primary</a> is Ofsted rated Outstanding, as is <a href="https://www.simonballe.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Balle All-Through School</a>. While <a href="https://www.millmead.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mill Mead Primary</a>, <a href="https://www.stjosephs255.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Joseph&#8217;s Catholic Primary</a>, <a href="https://www.hollybush.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hollybush Primary</a> and <a href="https://wheatcroft.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wheatcroft Primary</a> are all rated Good. If you&#8217;re looking at independents, <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-josephs-park-hertingfordbury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Joseph&#8217;s in the Park</a> and <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/duncombe-day-school-hertford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duncombe</a> cater for up to 11s and <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/haileybury-hertford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Haileybury</a> is the nearest option for Secondary. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Hertford has its own <a href="https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/our-brewery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brewery</a>, which is owned by family run pub group McMullen&#8217;s (known locally as Mac&#8217;s). Called The Whole Hop Brewery it&#8217;s based on Old Cross in the town centre and while it doesn&#8217;t usually offer public tours, look out for chances to take a peek for special events, such as Father&#8217;s Day tours and open days.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Commuting to London? Hertford is served by two train stations, both with direct lines into the capital. Trains from Hertford North will take you in to Moorgate and Kings Cross in 45 – 55 mins while Hertford East trains go direct to Liverpool St in just under 50 mins. </p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live">Top 300 Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


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