20 Attractions to Explore Near The Nickey Line

A once immense mansion constructed in 1563-8 by the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, Sir Nicholas Bacon. A prolific builder, Sir Nicholas spent many years expanding and adapting the residence - the showpiece of which was undoubtedly an elaborate and expensive porch adorning the entrance. The house was built partly from bricks taken from the old Abbey buildings at St Albans, then in process of demolition following the Benedictine priory's dissolution some 25 years earlier.

Redbournbury Mill is a fully restored 18th century working watermill on the River Ver just north of St Albans. The mill produces and sells stoneground organic flour, with the adjacent bakery producing a variety of bread from the mill’s organic flours.

Home to one of the tallest church spires in Europe, this historic church once played host to King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. . Built more than 850 years ago, St Mary’s is topped by one of the highest spires in Europe and is said to house secret tunnels. The building is cruciform in shape, with a chancel (the first part to be built), a nave, south and north transepts, and a tower. A spire, one of the tallest in Europe, was added in the 14th century with a total height of 200 feet.

Gadebridge Park is an urban park in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire,Situated on the northern edges of Hemel Hempstead and is Dacorum's principal park. The park is divided into two main areas, separated by the Leighton Buzzard Road, with a total area of about 32 hectares. It has a large interactive play area suitable for a wide age range. It boasts a host of features, including climbing frames, slides, swings and so more.

This new indoor recreational facility is in the heart of the local Bennetts End community in Hemel Hempstead and provides 10,500m² of floorspace made up of 7,400m² of indoor ski slopes, 2,300m² of amenity space and 800m² of retail space on a site of approximately 2.99ha. Hosting a range of skiing and snowboarding lessons for adults and children from 3 years old, lift passes, freestyle sessions and the ultimate sledging experience there is something for everyone to have a great day out!

Frogmore Paper Mill is the world’s oldest mechanised paper mill, the birthplace of paper’s industrial revolution. Now operated by a conservation charity, Frogmore is both a working paper mill and a heritage visitor experience. There was a small, but very interesting, museum where, when on a tour, you are able to make a sheet of paper.

The Roman Theatre of Verulamium was built in about 140AD it is the only example of its kind in Britain, being a theatre with a stage rather than an Amphitheatre. Initially, the arena would have been used for anything from religious processions and dancing, to wrestling, armed combat and wild beast shows. The theatre differs from the typical Roman theatre in being built on a site that is only slightly sloping, and in its plan.

One of the beautiful museums which were filled with ancient treasures and some of the finest mosaics outside of the Mediterranean. You can explore the wonders of Roman life, immerse yourself in recreated Roman rooms and admire the craftsmanship of the intricate large-scale mosaics on display. A large portion of the Roman city remains unexcavated, being now park and agricultural land, though much has been built upon.

Verulamium Park is set in 100 acres of beautiful parkland close to the city centre and is a popular attraction throughout the year with wide range of facilities. The Park is named after the Roman City of Verulamium on which it stands. The City walls and outline of the London Gate can still be seen. Verulamium Museum displays hundreds of remarkable objects that have been excavated from the ground. A main feature of the Park is the ornamental lake.

Rothamsted Park is a huge 56-acre public park adjacent to the world-famous Rothamsted Experimental Research Centre, which includes a sports centre, a paddling pool and an indoor swimming pool, the park is much loved for its wide-open spaces which provide opportunities for walking and relaxation. There is also a popular children’s play area and the District’s only purpose-built skateboard Park.

St Albans Cathedral is the Shrine to Britain's first saint, is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. The building’s amazing mixture of architectural styles bears witness to the many centuries of its life, first as a monastic Abbey and now as a Cathedral. The church, although legally a cathedral, differs in certain ways from most of the other cathedrals in England. It is also used as a parish church, of which the Dean is rector. He has the same powers, responsibilities, and

St Albans' Clock Tower is the only surviving medieval town belfry in England and is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. the tower had a mechanical clock, which would have been a very rare and expensive piece of machinery at the time. The Clock Tower is 19.6 metres (64 ft) high, and has 5 floors including the roof.

Amaravati is a Theravada Buddhist monastery situated at the eastern end of the Chiltern Hills in south-east England. It is near the Hertfordshire village of Great Gaddesden. Its chief priorities are the training and support of a resident monastic community, and the facilitation for monastic and lay people alike of the practice of the Buddha's teachings. It was located in an iconic location and is famous in this area.

Frithsden Vineyard is a boutique English vineyard and winery set in the foothills of the Chilterns. It is situated a few miles north of Berkhamsted, near the beautiful Ashridge Estate. The vineyard runs a terrace cafe from March to mid-November, Weds-Sun 11am - 5 pm. You can also book tours and tastings and from June-August the vineyard has special evenings where you can have a short tour, tasting, and then enjoy a meal.

Luton Hoo Estate is a traditional privately owned Country Estate that continues to trust in its history and values. A traditional Estate that once included one of England's finest stately homes. Today, the Estate boasts an arable farm (with environmentally-friendly systems incorporated within its techniques), parkland, residential properties, commercial units, a historic model farm and a local food hub.

Woodside Animal Farm in Slip End Village, near Luton, is a great day out. Plenty of Animals on show and lots to see and do, including a Fun Fair and Crazy Golf. It has exotic animals to see and feed. Children are encouraged to get 'touchy-feely' with many, including rabbits, goats, chicks and ducklings. It proves to be an ideal environment for group and educational visits.

Heartwood Forest is an extraordinary and special place that has transformed a vast area of former farmland in London’s greenbelt. It is home to over half a million new saplings, stunning ancient woodland, a native arboretum and a community orchard. Incredibly, it takes just 12 years to turn bare land into flourishing native woodland, complete with a diverse range of wildlife and towering trees.

Berkhamsted Castle was first built as a timber motte-and-bailey castle in the late 11th century. One of the most important early Norman castles. The castle was surrounded by protective earthworks and a deer park for hunting. The castle became a new administrative center of the former Anglo-Saxon settlement of Berkhamsted.

Osborne is the palatial former holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, located on the Isle of Wight. Relax in the open air as you wander rolling acres of the magnificent Osborne estate. Step inside to explore the sumptuous ground floor staterooms that were used to entertain heads of states, princes, and princesses. Admire the ornate architecture, furnishings, and fine art collection and discover Victoria and Albert’s personal taste, style, and passions.

Ashridge House is a spectacular, award-winning wedding venue in leafy Hertfordshire, which was the former royal residence to King Henry VIII and home to his daughter Princess Elizabeth I. It has beautiful heritage function spaces perfect for each element of your wedding meaning that your guests will be continually wowed by their spectacular surroundings. Today, Ashridge is home to Hult International Business School's Ashridge Executive Education program, as it has been since 1959. The estate is