Ware Tourist Information

Ware, lies to the east of the county, a few miles north-east of Hertford.

The settlement, pre-dating the Romans, grew up at the stragically important junction of the ancient thoroughfare Ermine Street and the navigable River Lee (or Lea).

Between 1400 and 1700 Ware town prospered as a coaching town but when this trade declined the town began to thrive from the production of malt. In the 19th century its transport links were improved by the construction of the Lee Navigation.

For 500 years until 1994 Ware was a England's premier malting town.

The town's facinating past is illustrated at the Ware Museum at The Priory Lodge. One of the museum's future projects is to recreate the famous 'Great Bed of Ware'. This vast four-poster bed, dating from Ware's coaching years, is now the centrepiece of the British Galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

One of Ware's claims to fame is that it was here in 1553 that Lady Jane Grey was declared Queen. The town has many historic buildings including The Priory founded in 1338, St Mary's Church rebuilt in 1380, old coaching inns and 18th century riverside gazebos.

The town's most intriging attractions is Scott's Grotto, a Gothic garden building constructed in the 1760s by the poet John Scott.

Today has a good selection of small shops and has a street market every Tuesday. Although mainly a residential town Ware also has an industrial area and the town's major employer, Glaxo Wellcome, has an important manufacting site on the outshirts of the town.

What to see - Ware Tourist Attractions

  Activities

Ware Museum The Priory Lodge, 89 High Street, Ware SG12 9AL
Rebuilt in 2001, this independent museum has a permanent exhibition on the town's history. Features a World War II command bunker, history of the malting industry and a major display of Roman archaeology.   Ware Museum information

Scotts Grotto between 28 and 34 Scotts Road, Ware
Constructed in the 1760s by the poet John Scott, this Gothic garden building consists of a series of interconnecting chambers and tunnels lined with flints, fossils, shells, glass, stones and minerals.   Scotts Grotto information

Where to stay in Ware

Call our Hotel Telephone Reservations Line: 0870 4786316

Hotels

Marriott Hanbury Manor Hotel & Country Club 5*

Ware SG12 0SD MAP This 17th-century country house is in huge gardens. It is now a 5-star luxury hotel with its own golf course, an award-winning restaurant and a spa with pool, sauna, gym and steam rooms. The Marriott Hanbury Manor Hotel & Country Club is in the Hertfords... More Information and Book ... prices based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days - Use the dates box to check prices for the dates of your stay. Prices from: £ 116 a Room a LivePriceTM

The Roebuck Hotel 3*

Baldock Street Ware SG12 9DR MAP Situated in Ware, overlooking the old market town, the friendly and comfortable Roebuck Hotel welcomes all guests. This 3-star hotel is within a short journey of both London and Cambridge and has many local tourist sites nearby. Part of the Forestdale H... More Information and Book ... prices based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days - Use the dates box to check prices for the dates of your stay. Prices from: £ 75 a Room a LivePriceTM

Feathers Inn 3* Guest accommodation

49 Cambridge Road, Wadesmill Ware SG12 0TN MAP Situated in the pretty Hertfordshire village of Wadesmill, this beautifully preserved 17th-century coaching inn now combines modern comforts and facilities with traditional charm. The charming restaurant and traditional bar are at the heart of the Feath... More Information and Book ... Price Guide:  Prices From £39 a Room

Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and other Hotels

Fanhams Hall Hotel

Fanham Hall Road Ware SG12 7PZ MAP Set in stunning gardens a mile from Ware, Fanhams Hall is a relaxing hotel with good service and some stylish new courtyard bedrooms. Fanhams is a listed Jacobean building 18 miles from Stansted Airport. It has plenty of parking and meeting rooms. There... More Information and Book ... Price Guide:  Prices From £50 a Room

Around The Ware Area

Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:
Hertford (2.33 miles) Hoddensdon (3.59 miles) Broxbourne (4.57 miles) Harlow (6.56 miles) Welwyn Garden City (7.52 miles) Cheshunt (7.56 miles) Waltham Cross (8.74 miles) Waltham Abbey (8.82 miles) Hatfield (8.94 miles) Bishops Stortford (8.97 miles) Stevenage (9.60 miles)