Area Guide: The bustling, historic market town of Hertford

The town lies at the confluence of four rivers - the Beane, Rib, Mimram and Lea - and its riverside setting is a huge part of its appeal for residents.

Hertford is a similar size to Harpenden - with a population just shy of 30,000 - but is rather more affordable.

Property  

According to Rightmove, Hertford had an overall average price of £507,768 over the last year. The majority of sales in Hertford in the past year were terrace properties. 

Homes currently on the market in and around the town include a four-bed, detached house in Bullocks Lane for £1.5m, a three-bed terrace house in Willis Grove for £610,000 and a two-bed apartment at Constables Way for £315,000. 

History 

There are many historic buildings in Hertford, the oldest of which is the Norman St Leonard's Church, which dates back to the early 12th century.

In the centre of town is Grade I* listed Hertford Castle, which sits in beautiful grounds by the River Lea, and where Elizabeth I was a regular visitor.

Only the gatehouse remains of the original Norman building, which is now a popular wedding and corporate hire venue.

The town is a hotbed of history, as Hertford Museum houses more than 100,000 objects - including archaeology, fine art and social history collections, among others.

Hertford is also home to the Addis company archive, which includes the UK's largest collection of toothbrushes. Addis was based in the town for more than 70 years, up until the 1990s.

Schools 

The town has many great options for primary schools, including Abel Smith School, which was rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted at its last inspection. 

Richard Hale School is rated 'good', while Simon Balle All-through School ('outstanding') teaches children from primary school age through to sixth form. 

Transport 

For drivers, Hertford is around seven miles east of the A1(M), with Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield just beyond.

The town has two train stations - Hertford East, which connects to Liverpool Street, and Hertford North, which has trains to Moorgate.

Food and drink 

Popular eateries in Hertford include Mr Tanaka's Japanese restaurant. For more of high end dining experience there's Lussmanns - a Herts foodie favourite.

Local residents rave about the great Sunday roast at the Millsteam pub beer garden. Meanwhile Mudlarks - a charity support adults and young people with learning disabilities - has a popular café on Railway Street, which sells veggie and vegan fare.

Sport and leisure 

There are lots of sport and leisure facilities in Hertford. Hartham Common is a large open space immediately north of the town centre, flanked by the rivers Beane and Lea.

Following the southern edge of the Lea leads to the Hertford Basin and weir, the former of which is a home for several residential boat-owners.

Herts Canoe Club is based across the weir, with Hartham Pool and Leisure Centre just a few minutes away.

The Common has two play areas and a skate park, as well as a cycle route running along its southern edge.

Sele Farm Bowls Club and Hertford Tennis Club are to the north of the Common, alongside a public tennis court and two 3G football pitches. Football matches and training regularly take place here at weekends.

A trail runs around the edge of Hartham with a selection of exercise equipment, while The Warren is a popular area of woodland within the Common which offers fantastic views.

To the west of Hertford is the sprawling 1,000-acre Panshanger Park, 200 acres of which are open to the public.

Parts of the Grade II* listed open space, which is popular with walkers and nature lovers, were landscaped by famous 18th century gardener Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

The town is also home to the Hertford Theatre, which is currently closed for a multi-million pound revamp, and is due to reopen in phases from spring 2024.

This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, who have offices in St Albans, Marshalswick, Wheathampstead and Harpenden (Image: Frost's)