Brocket Hall Walks
This circular walk takes you along the public footpaths surrounding Brocket Hall in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. You'll pass around the beautiful estate, passing Lemsford and Cromer Hyde with woodland and country trails to enjoy.
You can also visit the estate for afternoon tea though you must reserve in advance. See the link for more information. In the park there's nice walks along the Broadwater Lake and the River Lea with a fine 18th century Palladian bridge to cross on the way. The estate is also good for wildlife with Buzzards and Red Kites to look out for.
Part of this route uses a section of the Lea Valley Walk. You could extend your walk by following the waymarked trail west towards Wheathampstead. Head south east and you will soon come to the Lemsford Springs Nature Reserve.
Postcode
AL8 7XG - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Brocket Hall Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Brocket Hall Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Brocket Hall OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Brocket Hall Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
There's a lovely dining area at the hall where you enjoy a delicious afternoon tea.
Dog Walking
The woodland and country trails surrounding the estate are a pleasant place for a dog walk.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Pick up the Welwyn Garden City Walk and you could visit more of the area's highlights including Sherrardspark Wood, the Ayot Greenway and the 126 acre Stanborough Park. The waymarked Welwyn Garden City Centenary Walk also passes the site.
Just to the north west of the town you will find the noteworthy village of Ayot St Lawrence. The village is notable for its connections with the playwright George Bernard Shaw and is the site of Shaw's Corner, his old residence. There's also a ruined 12th century church and a lovely pub which dates from the 14th century to see here. Near here there's Codicote where you can visit the nearby Hoo Park and enjoy some pretty bluebell woods and a rather fine old bridge over the River Mimram. The village is also very attractive with several timber framed buildings and a historic 16th century pub to admire.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Hertfordshire Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Brocket Hall. Built in 1760, replacing an earlier buildings of 1239 and 1430.
A swan takes off from The Broadwater, an artificial lake on the River Lea, with Brocket Hall behind. Brocket Hall was built by James Paine in 1760, although there had been two previous buildings on the site, the first dating from 1239. It was the home of two Prime Ministers, Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston, who died at Brocket in 1865 while in office. It was later the home of the Baronets Brocket, the third Baronet converting it into a hotel, which is its current use. It is grade I listed.
Palladian bridge at Brocket Hall. The Paine Bridge, viewed above the weir across the River Lea which forms The Broadwater. The bridge dates from 1772-4 and was built by James Paine, who also built Brocket Hall, visible through the main arch.
Viewed from the footpath that winds its way through the estate grounds.
Clockhouse Building
Hall Grounds. This stately home is used for functions. There is also a golf course in the grounds.