Area Guide: The Hertfordshire market town of Ware 

With its peaceful riverside setting and rich history - it's easy to see why the 18,000 residents of Ware choose to call the town home.

Ware is just three miles from Hertford, with the River Lea at its heart, and benefits from a mix of excellent amenities.

The town is built on Ermine Street, which was the Roman road between London and Lincoln.

With signs of occupation dating as far back as 4000 BC, Ware is notable for being one of the oldest continuously occupied settlements in Europe.

The town's modern name originates in the Anglo-Saxon period, when a series of weirs were constructed to thwart the escape of Viking invaders fleeing after the defeat of Alfred the Great.

The Lea is therefore responsible for helping give Ware its name, as well as its industry.

(Image: Danny Loo)

Ware was a water travel and brewing town for many years. The town's bargemen were allowed to travel to the River Thames free of charge, and some of Ware's maltings are still standing today.

The town's riverside location makes Ware a popular spot for water-based activities, including boating, fishing and kayaking.

Meanwhile walkers and cyclists are able to make the most of the towpath along the river.

The best-known building in Ware is probably the Grade I* listed Ware Priory, with its whitewashed walls and seven acres of garden.

The Priory was founded in 1338 as a friary, and is now a popular conference and wedding venue, as well as serving as the town council's headquarters.

Ware's parish church- the Church of St Mary the Virgin - dates back to the 14th century and is situated across the road from the Priory.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Ware's parish church, is situated across the road from the Priory and dates back to the 14th century. 

Adjacent to the Priory is Ware Museum, which aims to bring the town's history to life.

Property  

According to Rightmove, The majority of sales in Ware during the last year were flats, selling for an average price of £268,515.  

Homes currently on the market in Ware include a three-bedroom detached property for £799,995 and a fived bedroom detached property for £975,000 at Widbury Lane. 

(Image: Danny Loo)

Travel  

Ware is situated next to the A10, and is about 10 miles north of the M25.

The station offers easy access to the capital for commuters. Connections to London Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale take between 30 and 45 minutes.  

Leisure and sport  

There are regular boat tours which run along the River Lea between Hertford and Ware. Visitors and residents can also wander along the riverside for a picnic at one of the many 18th century gazebos.

The arts centre is located in the Southern Maltings, and offers a range of workshops for arts, dance and music, along with film screenings and four hireable rooms.

A popular attraction for families in Ware is Van Hage garden centre, which is the home of East Herts Miniature Railway.

There are a wide range of sporting activities available in the town. These include the Wodson Park Sports and Leisure Centre - which has an athletics track, an indoor gym and tennis courts.

Ware also has two swimming pools, including the outdoor Priory Lido - which is open during the summer months.

School  

Ware has several primary schools which have received 'good' ratings from Ofsted, and Middleton School was rated 'outstanding' at its latest inspection. 

The town is also home to a couple of 'outstanding' rated secondary schools - the co-ed Chauncy School and Presdales girls' school.

The latter was previously Ware Grammar School, and lists Kim Wilde as a famous former pupil.

(Image: Danny Loo)

Food and drink  

Ware has a bustling high street with a large number of restaurants and bars.

Popular options include The Village Taverna - a Greek restaurant renowned for its warm welcome - and hugely popular fish and chip restaurant The Sea Tree Ware. 

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