Start in St. Albans, which has been shaped by over 2,000 years of history, from Roman Verulamium to the magnificent cathedral. South from here is Borehamwood ´Britain´s very own Hollywood´ with its film/television studios. Or head north into rich rolling countryside to visit Welwyn´s 3rd C. Roman baths, the gothic fantasy of Knebworth House and George Bernard Shaw´s former home at sleepy Ayot St. Lawrence. Nearby Stevenage is Britain´s first New Town.
Watford is Hertfordshire´s largest town, a busy centre for shopping and entertainment. Follow the historic Grand Union Canal to Hemel Hempstead´s charming old town, the 11th C. castle at Berkhamsted, and pretty Tring with its zoological museum. The Ashridge Estate offers 4,000 acres of rolling countryside and ancient woodlands to explore.
To the east of the county is the Lee Valley Park, a lovely area of lakes and green open spaces - excellent for bird-watching. Visit Ware´s shell grotto, the county town of Hertford with its castle and antiques shops, magnificent Hatfield House (Queen Elizabeth I´s childhood home) and Bishop´s Stortford, birthplace of Cecil Rhodes. Head north past picturesque villages to explore the world´s first garden city at Letchworth, to go antique hunting in the handsome old market towns of Baldock and Hitchin, and to visit Royston´s gardens and unusual cave.