Driving in Hertfordshire

Have you ever considered taking a driving holiday in the UK? Here at St. Albans Car and Van Hire – and yes we might be slightly biased, as it’s our home county – but we believe taking a driving trip around Hertfordshire would be lovely! With so many wonderful places to visit, it would be something different from the norm, to hire one of our cars and take a leisurely drive around the county, seeing some of Hertfordshire’s finest attractions.

You could start your trip at Childwickbury, where you can see the magnificent Childwickbury Manor - owned by film director Stanley Kubrick, who produced the films The Shining, Full Metal Jacket and Eyes Wide Shut. The Childwickbury Estate is open to the public twice a year, with the Childwickbury Arts Fair in July, and Christmas Market. Why not plan your driving trip around these times for a chance to look round the estate!

Also open to the public for special days and events, is Tyttenhanger Park – an estate given to the Albiny family by William the Conqueror around the 1100s, with a stately home fit for a king – in fact, once visited by King Henry VIII in 1528!

If you enjoy estates, parks and gardens, then a visit to Napsbury Park should be on the cards, as it is listed by English Heritage as a Grade II historic park and garden, with largely untouched parkland. There is also North Mymms Park - a wonderfully unspoilt parkland area, with an Elizabethan mansion set within. There are a number of set walks, where you can take in the beautiful scenery, with streams, fields, woodlands, lanes, paths and kissing gates. And if it’s walking and rambling you enjoy, then Rabley Heath’s close proximity to the picturesque countryside, means it’s a paradise for the avid walker, cyclist, or even those who just enjoy a day out in the peace and quiet and fresh air. Not far away, are the Chiltern Hills – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – a great chance to explore the wonderful, picturesque countryside which is in proximity to the area of Oaklands. There is also Colney Heath, well known for its variety of plantlife and five habitats – wet heath, river, woodland, grassland, and acid heath.

Not far from Welwyn Garden City is the lovely village of Ayot St. Peter – famous for having four churches, one of which is St. Peter’s – a beautiful and important Arts and Crafts church designed by J.P. Seddon. And if it’s a bit of history you’re after, the Markyate area with its ghostly tales about the Wicked Lady and her horse, is perfect for a bit of ghoul and ghost hunting!

If you’re maybe looking for something a little more challenging, why not visit the New Greens area and the Pioneer Skate Park – a great day out for the kids (and adults), with an indoor area with ramps to suit all abilities, as well as an outdoor area with two mini ramps.

And these are just a few things to get you started! There are many places to visit in Hertfordshire, and a driving trip would be the perfect way to take them all in – we hope we see you for a visit soon!