Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Cambridge, England and East Hertfordshire, England
England is known for its rolling countryside, charming villages and bustling cities, making it the perfect destination for a road trip. Starting from Cambridge, England and heading east towards East Hertfordshire, there are numerous must-see locations and hidden gems to uncover. One of the highlights of the journey is the halfway point Letchworth, HRT, where many interesting sights can be found.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Hatfield House
Hatfield House is a Jacobean mansion and garden in Hatfield, Hertfordshire that dates back to 1611. Famous visitors such as Queen Elizabeth I and Charles I have visited this grand estate. The house is open to the public and houses many treasures including paintings, antiques and textiles. The gardens are also a breath-taking sight with fountains, statues and a famous knot garden.
Interesting Fact: Hatfield House has been seen in many films and TV shows such as Wonder Woman, The King's Speech and The Crown.
2. Wimpole Estate
Located just outside of Cambridge, Wimpole Estate is a beautiful country estate that combines stunning natural landscapes with a rich and fascinating history. The estate includes a grand country house, a working farm, gardens, woodland and parkland. Visitors can enjoy activities such as walking, cycling and horse-riding, or visit the on-site café and shop.
Interesting Fact: The Wimpole Estate has an impressive collection of over 10,000 books, collected over the centuries by the family who lived there.
3. Knebworth House
Knebworth House is a beautiful country estate, located just outside Stevenage, Hertfordshire. The house itself dates back to Tudor times, but has been rebuilt and renovated numerous times. The estate is popular for its gardens, dinosaur trail and adventure playground. The house is also a popular wedding venue and has hosted many famous musicians such as Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd.
Interesting Fact: Knebworth House was used as the filming location for the 2019 film, Rocketman, which tells the story of Elton John.
4. Hitchin Lavender
Located just outside Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Hitchin Lavender is an idyllic lavender farm that offers a relaxing and picturesque experience. Visitors can stroll through the fields of blooming lavender, wander through the wildflowers or visit the on-site café. The farm also offers events such as yoga and outdoor cinema.
Interesting Fact: Hitchin Lavender is a popular photoshoot location and has been featured in many magazines and advertisements.
5. Audley End House and Gardens
Audley End House and Gardens is a stunning mansion that dates back to the 17th century, located in Saffron Walden, Essex. The mansion is open to the public and houses an impressive collection of paintings, furniture and silverware. The gardens are also a must-see sight, featuring a parterre, a walled kitchen garden and a bridge that spans a tranquil lake.
Interesting Fact: Audley End House has been used as a filming location for many TV shows and films, including the popular period drama, Downton Abbey.
Conclusion
The road trip from Cambridge, England to East Hertfordshire, England is a picturesque journey that showcases the natural beauty and historical richness of the area. With stunning estates, farms and gardens, visitors can enjoy activities such as strolling through fields of blooming lavender, exploring grand country estates or enjoying a leisurely walk through a tranquil park. The journey takes around 2 and a half hours one way, making it a perfect day trip or a weekend getaway.