Pictures of Hoddesdon

About Hoddesdon

Hoddesdon is an ancient market town located in a spacious area of Hertfordshire close to its boundary with Essex. It lies between Hatfield and Harlow, with easy access to Hertford and to a couple of the shire's lovely rivers.

The town has a pleasant, easy atmosphere and because it has such a rich variety of fine, well preserved buildings, the centre of Hoddesdon is a designated conservation area.

Most of the town's "showpiece" buildings are grouped around the historic Clock Tower which was erected in 1835 on the site of the Chapel of St. Katherine which dates from the 14th century. In the Clock Tower there is a bell presented to the Chapel in 1510. The main shopping area springs out from this central focal point. It is also here you will find pleasant pubs and inns, one - The White Swan, lies right on the main street, this is an attractive Grade II Tudor style timber-frame building hung with colourful flower filled hanging baskets, and although the interior has been restored it still maintains much of its original character.

Another pub, Rye House lies in a lovely riverside location with a garden reaching down to riverside moorings for boats. Rye House dates from 1443 and despite refurbishment, retains much of its former charm and timeless atmosphere of yester-year.

To the east of the town lies the Lee Valley Park, an extensive landscape popular for walking, boating, water-sports, and for cycling. Close-by is a popular destination for children - Paradise Wildlife Park, a zoo dedicated to keeping animals in as near to natural habitats as possible.

Near to the entrance of Lee Valley Park is the gateway to Rye House, a fascinating 15th century building with an adjacent RSPB Nature Reserve.

With plenty to offer the visitor Hoddesdon is a pleasant place for anyone to "tarry" for a while in order to explore the many delightful market town's and country villages of both Essex and Hertfordshire.