There's another open day planned at historic Hertford Castle this month.

Hertford Town Council will be opening Hertford Castle for visitors to explore and enjoy a guided tour of the Grade I listed building on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 12 noon to 4pm.

Weather permitting, the guided tour will continue outside to explore the beautiful Castle grounds.

Inside the Castle, guests will be guided by volunteers from the Friends of Hertford Castle through The Downshire Suite and Robing Room before heading down to the basement, which features themed rooms such as ‘dungeons’ and the ‘Victorian kitchen’.

Volunteers will be on hand to impart their historical knowledge of Hertford Castle and answer questions.

This year, Hertford Town Council also welcomes the Hertford Arts Hub, who will be showcasing the life and work of local, internationally renowned artist Alan Davie in the Mayor’s Parlour.

Hertford Castle Guided Tours posterHertford Castle Guided Tours poster (Image: Hertford Town Council) Entry to the event is free, although donations to the Mayor of Hertford’s chosen charities, Hertford & District Guides and Citizens Advice East Herts, are welcomed.

Sign up is possible on the day, but to avoid disappointment visitors are invited to sign up and book a time slot in advance, via the Hertford Town Council website at https://www.hertford.gov.uk/events-listings/hertford-castle-open-day-guided-tours-1/.

The building is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs, prams or anyone with restricted mobility due to spiral staircases.

There will also be refreshments available to purchase and visitors can learn about Hertford Castle Greenspace Renewal, a National Lottery Heritage Funded Project; with information and activities hosted on the lawn, including a ‘BioBlitz’ — encouraging the public to hunt and record different species of plants, animals and fungi.

The Hertford Castle Open Day date coincides with a free ‘Sensory Trail’ taking place in the town centre and Castle grounds during October half term.

Running from Saturday, October 26 to Sunday, November 3, 2024, the trail is part of the Hertford Castle Greenspace Renewal Project and is designed to engage different senses.

It is especially suited to children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

Hertford ‘Sensory Trail’ Hertford ‘Sensory Trail’ (Image: Hertford Town Council)

Trail leaflets can be picked up from the Hertford Town and Tourist Information Centre or downloaded from the Hertford Town Council website at https://www.hertford.gov.uk/events-listings/hertford-castle-town-centre-sensory-trail-1/

The chair of Hertford Town Council’s development and leisure committee, Councillor Ann Woodward, said: “The Friends of Hertford Castle are passionate about the history of the Castle. 

"This is a great opportunity for everyone to come and find out more about the special building which has sat at the heart of our town for centuries.

"We are delighted that the BioBlitz and Sensory Trail will also be available — providing some free fun for children of all ages for the half term break.”