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Local attractions close to Ponsbourne Park, include:
Capel Manor Gardens
Capel Manor Gardens and estate provide a colourful and scented oasis surrounding a Georgian Manor House and Victorian Stables. It offers a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes at Greater London's only specialist College of Horticulture, Floristry, Garden Design, Animal Care and Countryside Studies.
Hatfield House
Hatfield House was built by Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury and Chief Minister to King James I, in 1611. This celebrated Jacobean house, which stands in its own Park, has been in the Cecil family ever since, and is now home to the 7th Marquess of Salisbury. The State Rooms are rich in famous paintings, fine furniture, tapestries and historic armour. Superb examples of Jacobean craftsmanship can be seen throughout Hatfield House, such as the Grand Staircase, with its wealth of lively detail carved in wood, and the rare stained glass window in the private chapel.
Knebworth House
One of England's most beloved stately homes, Knebworth House is famous worldwide for its rock concerts and as the home of Victorian novelist Edward Bulwer Lytton - author of the words "The pen is mightier than the sword"
Waltham Abbey
The Abbey at Waltham was the last in the country to be dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540. There had been a church on the site for hundreds of years, although the building had been rebuilt several times. A settlement existed here in Saxon times, but the earliest recorded history of the town dates back to the reign of King Canute when a member of the royal court, Tovi the Proud, brought a miraculous stone crucifix from his estate in Somerset to Waltham. From this is derived the old name for the district, Waltham Holy Cross.
Royal National Rose Society
Founded in 1876 to promote the growing of roses, provide information and help to rose growers across the country. At this time the Society was largely a club for the benefit of the select few who grew roses to show, rather than for the benefit of the wider rose growing public. During the Society’s existence it has grown in stature and reputation and is now generally regarded as the leading Rose Society in the world. The “Gardens of the Rose” at Chiswell Green in Hertfordshire offer stunning displays of tens of thousands of roses, both old and new, complemented by companion plants.
Verulamium Park
Set in over 100 acres of beautiful parkland, Verulamium park, purchased from the Earl of Verulam in 1929 by the then City Corporation of St Albans, is a popular attraction throughout the year. Named after the Roman City of Verulamium on which it stands, the City walls and outline of the main London Gate can still be seen. Visit Verulamium Museum with its hands on discovery areas and hundreds of remarkable objects and learn about everyday Roman life in this major Roman City.
Paradise Wildlife Park
Set in the heart of Broxbourne Woods, this attractive park is a great place to discover exotic animals from all over the world including lions, tigers, pythons, monkeys and zebras. Other attractions include adventure land playground, a woodland railway and crazy golf. |
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