Tring – a guide for visiting this Hertfordshire town in 2023
Hertfordshire is packed with interesting towns and villages, and Tring is certainly one of our favourites. This lovely market town perched on the edge of the Chiltern Hills is ideally placed for both outdoor adventures and modern amenities, making it a very popular place to live and visit. We wanted to publish a guide about Tring for anyone hoping to visit in 2023, let's get into it:
Where is Tring?
We should start by specifying where Tring actually is - the town is in West Hertfordshire, 30 miles North-West of London. This location makes it quite a popular commuter town for people working in the capital. Tring is well-connected to the rest of the UK, with good road and rail links to London and other major cities.
What is there to see and do in Tring?
Despite the relatively small size of the town, you've got quite a bit to see and do in and around Tring. Here are some of the highlights:
Natural History Museum
Once the private museum of Lionel Walter, the Natural History Museum at Tring is now open to the public and is a must-visit location during your time in the town. You might not think that you could visit such an amazing museum in a small place like Tring, but that's exactly what makes this museum so special. You''ll find some amazing collections here, including one of the finest collections of stuffed mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects anywhere in the UK. It's really the animal exhibitions which are the standout here, and the collection of preserved animals from across the world is quite amazing. Learn more and plan your trip here - nhm.ac.uk
College Lake
If you're a fan of birdwatching, then heading to College Lake is an absolute must. At this nature reserve, you'll find an amazing collection of water birds, as well as plenty of hides to view them discreetly from. The area is 67 hectares in size, and experts estimate that more than 1,000 different wildlife species can be found here, which is astounding. If you just want to visit and keep an eye out for wildlife then that's a great way to spend a few hours here, but we'd recommend following the circular Wildlife Walk which is just 2 miles in length and very well signposted. You'll also find a great visitor centre and a Bee Centre which provides lots of interesting information about bees that kids will no doubt find fascinating. Learn more here - bbowt.org.uk
Tring Park
Recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Tring Park is a really special area to visit. This is one of the largest areas of unimproved chalk grassland in the county, and the variety of natural elements to explore is amazing. You'll find mixed broadleaf woodland and plenty of grassland, all of which can be explored via waymarked routes. The grand Tring Mansion is also fascinating to see - this Grade II building is stunning. There is plenty to explore and discover at this historic park, learn more here - woodlandtrust.org.uk
Tring Local Museum
It might not be as large as the National History Museum, but the Tring Local Museum is still really interesting and well worth a visit, particularly if you want to learn about the local area. The museum also regularly hosts events and workshops, offering visitors the chance to engage with the exhibits in a more interactive way. With knowledgeable and friendly staff on hand to guide visitors, Tring Local Museum provides an informative and entertaining experience for people of all ages. Learn more here - tringlocalhistorymuseum.org.uk
Tring Farmers Market
Every 2 weeks, you'll find the excellent Tring Farmers Market held at Tring Market Place right in the centre of town. This is an excellent place to shop for locally produced, fresh and delicious food. With a wide variety of stalls offering everything from organic vegetables and fruits to artisanal cheeses, meats and baked goods, the market is a food lover's paradise. The market provides an opportunity for consumers to directly connect with the producers, fostering a sense of community and transparency in the food chain. In addition to supporting local businesses and farmers, shopping at the Tring Farmers Market also promotes sustainable and ethical food production practices. Learn more here - tringfarmersmarket.co.uk
Ashridge Estate
Just 15 minutes by car from Tring you'll find Ashbridge Estate, a National Trust owned area which is very special. With more than 5,000 acres of woodland, grassland, and parkland to explore, the estate is perfect for exploring. Ashridge House is stunning to look at, as is the Grade II listed Bridgewater Monument. You could easily spend hours here and we highly recommend you do, learn more here - nationaltrust.org.uk
Puddingstone Distillery
This award-winning craft gin distillery is just 5 minutes drive from the centre of town, and is well worth a visit for gin lovers. The distillery offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the art of gin-making and sample some of the finest gins produced in the region. Visitors can take a tour of the impressive distillery, which includes a behind-the-scenes look at the production process and a tasting session of the various gin blends on offer. The distillery also hosts regular events, such as gin-tasting sessions, cocktail-making workshops, and distilling masterclasses, making it an ideal destination for anyone interested in the world of craft spirits. The staff members are really friendly, and of course there is plenty of gin to take home with you. Learn more here - puddingstonedistillery.com
Finn H
Finn is the editor of You Well and has been writing about travel, health, and more for over 10 years.