Local places to visit in North Herts

North Herts is a large and mostly rural district characterised by undulating hills and much agricultural activity.

As with all our ‘local places to visit’ these are free and open all year round.

Therfield Heath

This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and local nature reserve on the chalk escarpment west of Royston.

A large area of around 143 hectares, the heath is home to ancient barrows, and in springtime, the Pasque flower, a rare species native to Hertfordshire.

From the top of the heath on a clear day there are spectacular views north and west into Cambridgeshire.  Click here to find out more.

Oughtonhead Common

Located just west of Hitchin, Oughtonhead Common is a Green Flag awarded ancient grazing common. There are beautiful views and diverse flora and fauna.

The Common has plenty of paths, some of which are wheelchair accessible, and a river walk that follows the River Oughton before it joins with the River Hiz further downstream.  More information and a map are available.

Wain Wood

This ancient woodland of about 19 hectares is located in the attractive countryside near Preston. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and host to many butterfly species including the purple hairstreak and the speckled wood, as well as bluebells in the springtime.

‘Bunyan’s Dell’ gets its name from 17th century preacher John Bunyan, who delivered sermons in the wood to congregations numbering in the thousands.  There is more information on Wikipedia.