The UK is home to countless hidden towns that often see little to no tourist traffic. I love exploring them, whether that’s the Cotswolds or further afield in North Wales. I recently discovered a quaint town in Hertfordshire which has a gorgeous high street and a plethora of eateries.
Among Hertfordshire’s best towns is Tring, a town with natural beauty, remarkable history and outstanding local businesses. It’s truly an underrated destination, just one hour from London, and well worth a visit if you’re nearby or looking to explore new areas.
Situated on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, Tring is a historic market town in western Hertfordshire that has been welcoming visitors for centuries. With a population of just over 12,000, it offers all the character of a traditional English town while also being a popular commuter town.
Although evidence suggests people have lived in the area since prehistoric times, Tring grew in importance during the medieval period after receiving its market charter in the 14th century.
Its location along important coaching routes helped the town to flourish, bringing trade and travellers.
Today, visitors are greeted by elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture lining the high street, which is home to independent retailers, traditional pubs and artisan shops.
Natural History Museum
One of Tring’s biggest attractions is the Natural History Museum at Tring, one of the most extraordinary museums in the UK.
The museum owes its existence to Lionel Walter Rothschild, the eldest son of the famous banking family. From an early age, he developed a passion for animals, collecting specimens from around the world and eventually assembling one of the largest private zoological collections ever created.
In 1892, he opened the museum to the public, displaying thousands of mounted mammals, birds, reptiles and insects collected from every corner of the globe. His collection became internationally renowned, and after his death, it was transferred to the Natural History Museum in London, which continues to operate the Tring Museum today.
The museum was fascinating, with beautiful wooden cabinets housing everything from brightly coloured birds to rare mammals.
Explore the high street
Tring’s broad high street is the heart of the town. Filled with independent boutiques, antique shops, gift shops and cafes, it’s the perfect way to spend a free morning.
The mix of Georgian buildings and colourful shopfronts creates a welcoming atmosphere in the town.
Tring park
Formerly part of the Rothschild family’s estate, Tring Park offers sweeping views across Hertfordshire and the surrounding countryside.
It features woodland walks, open grassland and picturesque viewpoints that make it especially popular with walkers and runners. The Grand Union Canal is also a popular spot for walkers and cyclists.
For a town of its size, Tring boasts an impressive selection of independent cafes, pubs and restaurants, making it a popular destination for food lovers.
Start the day at Black Goo Coffee, one of Tring’s most popular spots. Known for its expertly brewed coffee, the cafe also offers a great food menu.
For a classic British pub experience, the Tufted Duck, formerly the Akeman, offers seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients and a great beer garden. The historic pub serves delicious food, including Sunday roasts.
Italian cuisine lovers often head to Nonna’s, a family-run restaurant known for its freshly made pasta and authentic pizzas.
Tring Brewery is also well worth a visit for beer lovers. The award-winning brewery has been producing traditional ales in the town since the early 1990s, and supplies many pubs across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Ashridge Estate
Just a short drive from Tring lies the magnificent Ashridge Estate, one of the National Trust’s most spectacular countryside destinations. Ancient woodlands, rolling hills and miles of walking trails attract visitors throughout the year. Plus, the food and drink offerings are delicious too.
Whipsnade Zoo
Less than 15 minutes from Tring, Whipsnade Zoo is one of Europe’s largest wildlife conservation parks. Home to elephants, rhinos, lions, giraffes and hundreds of other species, it’s well worth the visit for the entire family.
Berkhamstead
The neighbouring market town of Berkhamstead offers another excellent day out, featuring the impressive ruins of Berkhamstead Castle, attractive independent shops and a vibrant cafe centred around its impressive high street.
