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Hertfordshire is a county in eastern England located just north of London. Because it is close to London it is known as one of the Home Counties (counties that are around London but do not include London). It is predominantly sub-urban but still has quite a lot of countryside to see as well. This, combined with its proximity to London, makes Hertfordshire popular for both commuters and tourists. While it is very handy for day trips to London it is also a great place to visit in its own right with plenty of attractions for visitors.
The city of St. Albans is one of the top attractions in Hertfordshire. The settlement dates back to pre-Roman times and later became known as the Roman city of Verulamium. It was later renamed again in honour of the first British Christian martyr, St. Alban. While the modern town itself is predominantly Georgian there are plenty of Roman remains for the interested visitor to visit. One particular highlight is the Verulamium Museum which has on display colourful Roman mosaics as well as plenty of other artefacts that have been dug up around the city.
A visit to St. Albans wouldn’t be complete without visiting St. Albans Cathedral – sometimes referred to as St. Albans Abbey. The cathedral sits right within the town and looks over the city – you’ll be able to see it as you explore the town. The cathedral has an interesting range of architectural styles and you can even see pieces of Roman brick used in the walls. Tours can be booked on selected days (check the website) where you can hear more about the history as well as climbing up into the tower for amazing views of the surrounding countryside as well as a close-up look at the bells. Afterwards you can go for a walk in the gardens and grab some food at one of the many places to eat nearby.
Another great place to visit in Hertfordshire is Hatfield House and gardens. Built in 1607 by the 1st Earl of Salisbury, Hatfield later became Elizabeth I’s childhood home. Surrounded by 52 acres of formal gardens as well as woodland it is the perfect place to spend a day relaxing and exploring. The house itself is decorated with a Tudor and Jacobean interior with plenty of oak panelling, plasterwork, tapestries and stained glass. You can pre-book a tour or just walk around at your own speed, knowledgeable guides are on hand in most rooms to help you get the most from your visit and audio guides are also available. Hatfield House and its gardens are open only at select times of the year so check the website before visiting to avoid disappointment.