Browsing local attractions within 8 miles of Romans and Royalty

Welwyn Bypass Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9FG, Tel: 01707 357850, (4 miles, 7kms)

Discover the secrets of the past in a steel vault hidden under the A1 motorway. The last bathwater drained away 2000 years ago but you can see how the Romans took a bath in this unique site.

Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 5NQ, Tel: 01707 287010, Email, (0.1 miles, 0.1kms)

Splendid Jacobean House and Garden in a spectacular countryside setting. Childhood home of Elizabeth I.

Port Vale, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 3AA, Tel: 01992 509596, Email, (6 miles, 10kms)

Contemporary gallery, art, clay and craft workshop, outreach programme. Gifts, refreshments, children's parties and studio space. Tues - Sat 10-4pm, Fri 10-5pm. Admission free.

Town Hall, Market Place, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 5DJ, Tel: 01727 864511, Email, (6 miles, 9kms)

Off Bluehouse Hill, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6AH, Tel: 01727 854051, Email, (8 miles, 12kms)

Seat of the Earl of Verulam, Gorhambury was built in the late 18th century by the architect Robert Taylor. The present building replaced old Gorhambury House built in the 16th century and the home of Francis Bacon.

Ayot St. Lawrence, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9BX, Tel: 01438 820307, Email, (6 miles, 9kms)

The home of George Bernard Shaw from 1906 until his death in 1950 with literary and personal effects on display. 3.5 acre garden.

The Estate Office, Knebworth, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2AX, Tel: 01438 812661, Email, (8 miles, 13kms)

Historic house, home to the Lytton family since 1490. Formal gardens, dinosaur trail, tea-room, country park with adventure playground and miniature railway.

10 Market Place, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1DF, Tel: 01992 584322, (6 miles, 10kms)

Miriam Lane, Off Noke Lane, Chiswell Green, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 3NY, Tel: 01727 869203, Email, (7 miles, 12kms)

Described as "London's own Eden Project", Butterfly World is in Phase II of development as the biggest butterfly experience in the world.

Hertford Heath, Hertford, Hertfordshire, Tel: 01727 858901, Email, (7 miles, 11kms)

Rare Hertfordshire open heathland and 'heathy' pools attract dragonflies, butterflies and heathland birds.

Redbournbury Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6RS, Tel: 01582 792874, Email, (7 miles, 12kms)

An 18thC working watermill with riverside walks. Organic flour and Artisan bread for sale.

Hatfield Campus, College Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, Tel: 01707 285376, Email, (2 miles, 2kms)

Houses various exhibitions representing a wide spectrum of art and design. Exhibitions of national and international significance.

Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 4HN, Tel: 01707 654179, (6 miles, 9kms)

The museum of Potters Bar's history from pre-Roman times up to the present, plus temporary exhibitions which change twice a year. Admission is free.

Salisbury Hall, London Colney, Hertfordshire, AL2 1BU, Tel: 0208 9545080, Email, (4 miles, 6kms)

Aircraft Heritage Centre showing the restoration and preservation of a range of de Havilland aircraft. Also engines, propellers, missiles, memorabilia and storyboard.

Brook Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 5HQ, Tel: 020 8207 7519, (7 miles, 12kms)

Aberford Park was purchased in stages starting in 1888. After the First World War a sewage works was constructed, however, by the 1940/50s this was out of use and the area was used for landfill.

The Royal National Rose Society, Chiswell Green Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 3NR, Tel: 0845 8334344, Email, (7 miles, 12kms)

Situated to the south of St. Albans are the world renowned Gardens of the Rose - and headquarters of the Royal National Rose Society.

Westmill Farm, Westmill Road, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0ES, Tel: 01920 466446, Email, (8 miles, 13kms)

A unique combination of gallery, ceramic/art supplies shop and studios, set in a remodelled leisure complex.

St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK, (6 miles, 9kms)

Set in over 100 acres of beautiful parkland and named after the Roman city of Verulamium on which it stands, Verulamium Park is St Albans' largest and most visited park. A short walk from the town centre, it has something for everyone.