Tring offers two different perspectives through its museums: Tring Local History Museum presents the history of the town and its immediate surroundings chronologically; the Natural History Museum at Tring houses the private collection of Lionel Walter Rothschild. There is also historic church architecture and trails in Tring Park. If you’re looking for hotels in Tring, you can first consider whether local history and collections or time outdoors should shape your stay more.

Local History, Collections and Architecture

At Tring Local History Museum, the history of Tring and its immediate surroundings is presented chronologically through objects, images and documents. The collection comprises more than 3,000 objects relating to the history of the town and its local community, and it may continue to grow. Items on display include two pictorial Tring Tiles from the 14th century and two fragments from the V&A collection, shown on loan. Loan arrangements may change; check before your visit whether the exhibits are still on display.

The Natural History Museum at Tring displays the private collection of Lionel Walter Rothschild, the 2nd Baron Rothschild. He lived from 1868 to 1937. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; last admission is at 4:00 pm. Check opening hours before travelling. Free self-guided trails encourage children to ask questions and talk about animal features. These are self-guided trails, not an indication that a guided programme is available.

The Church of St Peter and St Paul in Tring offers a different architectural highlight: it contains fabric dating from the 13th century. Its layout includes a three-aisled nave and a square-ended chancel. This means a stay can include both natural history and local history collections, as well as a specific example of medieval church architecture.

Park Trails and Nature Around Tring

In Tring Park, you can choose between trails with different distances and estimated times. The 1.6-kilometre King Charles Ride is a bridleway and also part of the Ridgeway National Trail. A walking trail in the park is rated moderate, is 3.5 kilometres long and takes approximately two hours; along the way, it offers views of ancient monuments and the restored Rond Point. The two descriptions therefore offer different points of reference for planning your time, without assuming a walking time for the King Charles Ride.

There are also six guided walking and cycling routes through the Chilterns landscape around Tring. Maps and printouts are available for these routes; individual route details may change. Tring Park includes one of the largest areas of unimproved chalk grassland in the county. This area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Nearby, College Lake has signposted walking trails and a seasonal Wildlife Discovery Trail. Its seasonal nature is worth bearing in mind when planning. Alongside the trails in the park, there are therefore options nearby that you can visit depending on the time of year.

Market and Getting There

Tring Farmers' Market offers a wide range of locally produced food and drink, as well as refreshment stalls. It complements the cultural and landscape highlights with a focus on local produce. Check the relevant market dates before visiting if you want to make the market a fixed part of your travel plans.

In the area around Tring, Tring railway station is 2.5 miles away and can be reached via a footpath along the canal. Path conditions may vary; check the route before setting out. Opening hours, seasonal offerings and path conditions can help you tailor your plans to the visits you have in mind.

Discover more destinations: Elstree, Wigginton, Little Gaddesden, Ardeley, Little Berkhampstead, Harpenden, Waltham Cross, Hertingfordbury.

For the main travel overview: Hertfordshire.