Ware

Ware, in northern Hertfordshire (in the East Hertfordshire district), had a population of 19,000 in 2011.

Ware can be reached by car or bus from the A10 road, which borders the south and west of town, and by rail.

Ware can be easily traversed by car and even by walking. Arriva runs bus service inside Ware and to surrounding communities.

Ware has many listed buildings by Historic England, many timber framed, four grade I, fifteen grade II* and 181 grade II, including the remains of a 14th-century friary, now the local council offices and a conference centre called The Priory and Fletcher's Lea. Restoration work has shown that it dates from the 13th century. Opposite the priory is the large 14th-century parish church of St. Mary. It is known for its elaborate font with large carved stone figures.

• 🌍 Riverside gazebos (along the north bank of the Lee Navigation). The town is also famous for its many 18th-century gazebos, several of which have been restored. 

Some of the buildings along the High Street date back to the 14th century. Ware used to have many coaching inns and passageways between some shops lead to their stables. Many of these passageways also have former maltings. Crib Street has a good sequence of timber framed buildings which have been restored since the 1970s.

• 🌍 Scott's Grotto, 28/34 Scotts Rd,SG12 9JQ, ☏ +44 1920 464 131. Apr-Sep: Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays 2-4:30PM. Grade 1 Grotto created by the Quaker poet John Scott in 1794. A series of interconnected chambers, extending 67 ft (20 m) into the chalk. Described by English Heritage as one of the finest grottos in the country. £2. (updated Mar 2024)
• 🌍 The Ware Museum, 89 High St, ☏ +44 1920 487848. Tu W Sa 11AM-4PM; Su 2-4PM; M Th F closed. The museum is partially housed in the former Priory Lodge and partly inside a Second World War Command Bunker used to co-ordinate local defences and respond to air-raids. The museum contains many interesting items from the history of Ware, including Roman archaeology, exhibits relating to the Second World War and Allen & Hanburys pharmaceuticals. There are also a number of exhibits for children and many special activity days throughout the year. (updated Jan 2017)
• 🌍 Bluecoat Yard, SG12 9HL, ☏ +44 1992 504 331. In Bluecoat Yard is Place House, Ware's oldest extant surviving building. It dates from the early 14th century, with additions in the 16th and 17th centuries, and was once Ware's Manor House. It has a crown post roof. (updated Jun 2021)

• 🌍 RSPB Rye Meads, Hoddesdon. Spot common tern, kestrel, owls and kingfisher at this bird reserve in the lush green Lee Valley. (updated Jun 2023)

• 🌍 Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, 17 High St, SG12 9BP, ☏ +44 1920 462 314. 10AM-5PM (closed W). Dedicated to nostalgic sweets (updated Nov 2020)

• 🌍 Beefeater, Marsh Ln, SG12 9QB, ☏ +44 1920 459 859. noon-10PM. (updated Nov 2020)
• 🌍 Jacoby's, Churchgate House, 13-15 West St, SG12 9EE, ☏ +44 1920 469 181. M-Sa 9AM-10PM, Su 9AM-6PM. Mexican restaurant in 2nd oldest building in Ware. (updated Nov 2020)

• 🌍 Premier Inn Ware hotel, Marsh Ln, SG12 9LQ (Next to the Beefeater), ☏ 0333 003 3405 (domestic). (updated Nov 2020)
• 🌍 Fanhams Hall, Fanhams Hall Road, SG12 7PZ (Take Fanhams Hall Road out of Ware), ☏ +44 1920 460511. Built as a manor house, it has 77 hotel rooms and a dining hall. Weddings and parties can be booked. Fanhams Hall has extensive gardens on the grounds. Pricing for various services vary, but tend to be expensive. (updated Aug 2015)

• 🌍 Public Toilets, 9, 18 Priory St, SG12 9DB. (updated Jun 2021)

• To the north Puckeridge then Buntingford, 10 miles, along the A10.
• To the south Hoddesdon along the A10.
• To the west Hertford, 3 miles.