Herts &amp; Beds


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



<p>With a peaceful canal setting and a stunning Grade-I listed Priory at its heart, Ware is a charming, leafy town and a great place to live. Stroll through the high street and you’ll discover cute indie shops, lively bars and good restaurants. There is a market square, and the historic maltings has been turned into a creative and cultural hub, hosting live music, film nights, dance events, art workshops and more. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/TheMixer.jpg" alt="The Mixer" class="wp-image-92610" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/TheMixer.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/TheMixer-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/TheMixer-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/TheMixer-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/TheMixer-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/TheMixer-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Mixer</figcaption></figure>



<p>Family bakers <a aria-label="Simmons (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.simmonsbakers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simmons</a> does great coffee and cakes, as does <a href="https://www.coffeelab.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ware Coffee Lab</a>. For sublime sourdough head to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/proto_artisan_bakery/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proto Artisan Bakery</a>, and check out <a href="https://www.frenchandday.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">French and Day</a> for dreamy deli goodies – and more good coffee. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jacobysware/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blend Wellness</a> offers yoga with a side order of health food in its café; <a href="https://www.enotecazero.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enoteca </a>is a slick wine bar and restaurant; and head to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jacobysware/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jacoby’s</a> for pub food and live music. The vintage-themed <a href="http://www.themixer-ware.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mixer</a> is great for cocktails and DJ sets, and for pizza, try <a href="https://www.fuocos.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fuoco&#8217;s</a> or <a href="https://www.zero-ristorante.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zero</a>. Fancy pub grub with a riverside view? The <a href="https://www.classicinns.co.uk/watersideinnware" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waterside Inn</a> and <a href="https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/saracenshead" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Saracens Head</a> have got you covered. </p>



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



<p>There are some great little indies in Ware and first stop to while away an hour or three is <a href="https://www.booknookshop.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOorHChdUXO1Ku4W0m5emBkP_Js6ngzokSAMiWLf-8lgCJKrl1L7A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Book Nook</a>.  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lyonette_opalandiris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Opal &amp; Iris</a> sells cute gifts; so does <a href="https://www.andbydonnareeves.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&amp; by Donna Reeves</a>, but this is much more than just a shop – there is a working studio offering art and craft workshops for adults and kids alongside a retail space packed with curated gifts, artwork and items for the home. For fresh blooms and bouquets check out the gorgeousness of <a href="https://thesagegardenltd.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sage Garden</a> and <a href="https://www.dandelyons.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dandelyons</a>. </p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/stngs-hanbury-manor-marriott-hotel-and-country-club/experiences/golf/spa-fitness-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Spa at Hanbury Manor</a>, just north of Ware, offers massages and facials alongside a state-of-the-art fitness centre with indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Head to the high street for a choice of nail bars and hairdressers; we like <a href="https://minthair.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mint</a>, <a href="https://www.hairandbeautyplace.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hair &amp; Beauty Place</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oakenandbliss/reels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oaken &amp; Bliss.</a></p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1072" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Southern-Maltings.jpg" alt="Southern Maltings" class="wp-image-73329" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Southern-Maltings.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Southern-Maltings-800x572.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Southern-Maltings-1000x715.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/Southern-Maltings-735x525.jpg 735w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Ware is a fairly small town with around 19,000 residents and a great community spirit. There are plenty of ways to get involved in local life with festivals all year round including Rock in the Priory, an open-air music festival in Ware Priory gardens in July; a classic car and acoustic music event held in the town square in August; and an annual fireworks display. The <a href="https://southernmaltings.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Maltings</a> is a community arts space and hosts loads of events, workshops and exhibitions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p>Kids will love the the <a href="https://ehmr.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Herts Miniature Railway</a> at Blue Diamond garden centre, and <a href="https://www.h2orampage.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H20 Rampage</a> is a fab water park where older children can burn off excess energy. Also check out <a href="https://inflatacity.co.uk/">Inflata </a><a href="https://inflatacity.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C</a><a href="https://inflatacity.co.uk/">ity</a>, a new indoor inflatable activity centre. Ware is a great spot for nature lovers with <a href="https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/amwell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amwell Nature Reserve</a> and <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/rye-meads/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RSPB Rye Meads</a> a stone&#8217;s throw away. For a peaceful walk in nature, stroll round the manicured gardens at <a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fanhams Hall</a>, followed by a traditional afternoon tea, natch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</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/2/2025/07/WarePriory.jpg" alt="Ware Priory" class="wp-image-91482" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/WarePriory.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/WarePriory-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/WarePriory-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ware Priory</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.southernmaltings.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Maltings</a> is the town&#8217;s creative hub, with exhibitions, live music, workshops and more. And the town puts on a good array of arts festivals including <a href="https://waretowncouncil.gov.uk/events/ware-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ware Festival</a> in summer, which involves a carnival parade, decorated boats, raft races and live music, and Ware&#8217;s the Film in October, celebrating art house movies with screenings at various venues. There are more events at the Ware Drill Hall and in the grounds of <a href="https://warepriory.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ware Priory</a>. Feeling creative? Head to <a href="https://www.artshedarts.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artshed Arts</a> for workshops for all ages. </p>



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



<p>This is prime commuter land and it doesn&#8217;t come cheap. For a semi in Ware, you&#8217;re looking at around £500,000, but there are lots of cool apartments and terraces available for around £300,000. Perfect if you&#8217;re downsizing or looking for a commuter crashpad.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</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/2/2025/09/Wareproperty.jpg" alt="Ware property" class="wp-image-92567" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Wareproperty.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Wareproperty-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Wareproperty-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://elliotheath.co.uk/property/45-amwell-end-ware-sg12/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4-bed detached house, £1.1m</a></figcaption></figure>



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



<p>There&#8217;s a good choice of school nurseries and independents, including <a href="https://leasideunderfiveskindergarten.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leaside Kindergarten</a>, Angels at Play, <a href="https://www.riversidenurserysch.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Riverside Nursery School</a> and <a href="https://orchardhousepreschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orchard House Preschool</a>, all rated Good by Ofsted. </p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.kingshill.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kingshill Infant School</a> is Ofsted rated Outstanding, plus there is a &#8216;Good&#8217; Catholic primary and a couple of CofE schools in the town. For secondary, <a href="https://presdales.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Presdales College</a> and <a href="https://chauncyschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chauncy School</a> are both rated Outstanding.</p>



<p>Great independent Preps in the area include <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-josephs-park-hertingfordbury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Joseph’s in The Park</a> in Hertingfordbury, <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/heath-mount-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heath Mount</a> in Watton-at-Stone (which goes to age 13) and <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-edmunds-college-ware/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Edmund’s College</a>&nbsp;(Prep and Senior). Other excellent Senior options include <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/heath-mount-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bishop&#8217;s Stortford College</a> and <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/haileybury-hertford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Haileybury</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</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/2/2025/05/wareLido-1000x667.jpg" alt="Ware Lido" class="wp-image-90270" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/wareLido-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/wareLido-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/wareLido.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.warepriorylido.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ware Priory Lido</a> is a delight. It&#8217;s had a complete refurbishment and now has excellent changing facilities, a 30-metre pool plus a smaller teaching pool. The pool is heated in the summer and open year round &#8211; you can even swim on Christmas day. </p>



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



<p>There is a station with easy access to the capital – connections to London Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale take between 30 and 45 minutes.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Ware

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