Area Guide: The bustling, historic market town of Hertford 

The town lies at the confluence of four rivers - the Bean, Rib, Mimram and Lea - and the riverside setting is a huge part of its appeal for residents.

With a population just shy of 30,000, Hertford is a similar size to Harpenden, but is rather more affordable.

(Image: Danny Loo)

Property   

According to Rightmove, properties in Hertford had an overall average price of £484,467 over the last year. 

Homes currently on the market in and around the town include a four-bedroom end of terrace at Newland Gardens for £725,000 and a three-bedroom detached house for £475,000. 

History  

Hertford has many historic buildings, the oldest of which is the Norman St Leonard's Church, which dates back to the early 12th century.

In the centre of town is Grade I* listed Hertford Castle - where Elizabeth I was a regular visitor - which is situated in beautiful grounds beside the River Lea. 

Only the gatehouse remains of the original Norman building, with Hertford Castle now a popular wedding and corporate hire venue.

The town is a hotbed of history, as Hertford Museum houses more than 100,000 objects, including archaeology, fine art and social history collections, among others.

Hertford is also home to the Addis company archive, which includes the UK's largest collection of toothbrushes. Addis was based in the town for more than 70 years, until the 1990s. 

(Image: Danny Loo)

Schools  

Hertford has many excellent options for primary schools, including Abel Smith School, which was rated 'outstanding' at its most recent Ofsted inspection.

Richard Hale School is rated 'good', while Simon Balle All-through School (rated 'outstanding') teaches children from primary school through to sixth form.

Transport  

Hertford has good transport connections. For drivers, the town is around seven miles east of the A1(M), with Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield just beyond.

There are two train stations in the town - Hertford East, which connects to Liverpool Street, and Hertford North, which has trains to Moorgate.

Food and drink  

Among popular eateries in Hertford are Mr Tanaka's Japanese restaurant, while for a more high end experience there's Lussmanns, which is popular with Herts foodies and also has restaurants in St Albans, Hitchin, Harpenden and elsewhere.

Residents also rave about the Sunday roast at the Millsteam pub beer garden.

 Meanwhile Mudlarks - a charity which supports adults and young people with learning disabilities - has a popular café on Railway Street, which sells vegetarian and vegan food.

Sport and leisure  

Hertford has numerous sports and leisure facilities. Hartham Common is a large open space immediately north of the town centre, flanked by the rivers Beane and Lea.

If you follow the southern edge of the Lea you get to the Hertford Basin and weir, the former of which is a home for several residential boat owners.

Herts Canoe Club is based across the weir, and Hartham Pool and Leisure Centre are just a few minutes away.

Meanwhile the Common has two play areas and a skate park, as well as a cycle route running along its southern edge. 

To the north of the Common are Sele Farm Bowls Club and Hertford Tennis Club, alongside a public tennis court and two 3G football pitches. Regular football matches and training take place at weekends.

Around the edge of Hartham runs a trail with a selection of exercise equipment, while The Warren is a popular area of woodland within the Common, offering fantastic views.

(Image: Danny Loo)

The sprawling 1,000-acre Panshanger Park is to the west of Hertford, and has 200 acres which are open to the public.

Parts of the Grade II* listed open space were landscaped by famous 18th century garden designer Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, and the area is popular with walkers and nature lovers.

The town is also home to the Hertford Theatre, which is due to reopen on August 23 following a refurbishment, and is being rebranded as BEAM.

This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, which has offices in St Albans, Harpenden, Marshalswick and Wheathampstead (Image: Frost's)