Last-minute hotel deals in Hertfordshire

Popular London locations this summer:

• Olympic Park
• The Mall
• Eton Dorney Rowing Lake
• Wembley Stadium
• Royal Artillery Barracks
• Wembley Arena

Find out more about Hertfordshire

Just north of London but feeling delightfully distant from the big-city bustle, Hertfordshire has the whole escape-to-the-country thing down to an art. Expect rolling green fields, historic towns with plenty of charm and cosy corners worth uncovering.

Whether you’re here for a chilled-out weekend or planning to dive into some of the local history, places like Hitchin and Ware are just the ticket. Hitchin comes loaded with independent cafés and shops ideal for coffee-sipping and trinket-sourcing, while riverside Ware offers a slower pace, like lazy walks along the River Lea, accompanied by narrowboats and perhaps a waterside pub lunch.

Where to stay in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire isn’t short on comfy spots to kick back, from slick boutiques to grand country estates. Sopwell House, near St Albans, is all spa luxury and soft robes, ready to pamper you into blissful relaxation. St Albans itself has some seriously nice hotels, perfect for wandering to the magnificent cathedral or mooching through boujee boutiques.

If elegant English charm is your cup of tea, Pendley Manor in Tring will hit the spot, especially in summer when outdoor theatre takes centre stage on the lawn. Fancy something a bit more contemporary? Check out Letchworth Garden City, with its hotels offering a dash of modern style, plenty of greenery and cultural attractions close by.

Hitchin delivers on the cosy factor, with charming guesthouses nestled conveniently close to inviting eateries and quirky cafés, not to mention some buzzing pubs. Ware, meanwhile, dishes up riverside stays perfect for evening meals enjoyed al fresco while boats drift leisurely past.

Top things to do in Hertfordshire

• Get cultural at St Albans Cathedral. It's suitably grand without being stuffy. Afterwards, stroll through Verulamium Park, where Roman ruins casually pop up in the grass.
• Make tracks to Hitchin’s popular market. Here, antiques and handmade goodies tempt you into some wallet-opening.
• Nature lovers should leg it over to Ashridge Estate near Tring. Its woodland strolls feel like the real-life definition of peacefulness.
• History buffs, Hatfield House awaits. It’s as gorgeous as it is historic, wrapped in gardens made for leisurely exploring.

Insider tips for visiting Hertfordshire

• Secure yourself an afternoon tea spot at Sopwell House. Fluffy scones, homemade treats, and garden views. You won’t regret it.
• If you’re at Pendley Manor, check out their outdoor Shakespeare performances. Even if the Bard isn’t usually your thing, a glass of something bubbly under the stars certainly should be.
• In Ware, hire a kayak or narrowboat on the River Lea. It’s the perfect way to float your worries downstream (temporarily, at least).
• Catch a film at Broadway Cinema in Letchworth. This restored Art Deco beauty shows classics and contemporary favourites – popcorn mandatory.
• Seek out one of Hertfordshire’s many farm shops, for homemade jams, fresh pastries and local cheeses. Because snacks always make the best souvenirs.