THINGS TO DO
PUBS
THE BULL
Our 'local' in Cottered, just 500m up the main road in the village. A highly regarded gastropub with beautiful gardens.
Dogs are allowed in the garden only
Please note that The Bull closes between their lunch and dinner service, and we highly recommend booking.
FOX & DUCK THURFIELD
If you love the countryside, fine food and the warmest of welcomes; you’ve come to the right place.
Described often as a well-disguised gastropub, the Fox and Duck have evolved to represent, support and enhance its rural surroundings. Located on The Green in a beautiful Hertfordshire village called Therfield. Dog friendly.
THE FOX at ASPENDEN
Great food and lovely beer garden. Particularly lovely in the winter with open fires + cosy tables. The Sunday Roast is very good. Dogs welcome.
7 mile walk, 10 minute drive.
BUSHEL & STRIKE
Set in the beautiful village of Ashwell, Bushel & Strike offer a modern and creative take on the oldest form of cooking, Coal Fire Cooking.
Brits love beer and BBQ and they offer 3 aspects of that - the traditional pub grub, the back-yard burgers & sausages, and the rustic fine dining. Each option has one common ground, all the meat is sourced from paddock to plate.
Dog friendly.
THE SWORD INN HAND
Just around the corner from the West Mill Tearoom. Fabulous food, friendly staff, dog friendly, lovely pub garden.
THE AXE AND COMPASSES
The Axe and Compasses is set in the heart of the stunningly historic village, Braughing. The 16th century pub takes you back in time to the realms of traditional village life through its gallery of pictures, memoirs and antiques, with a very uplifting and contemporary twist. Sourcing all its produce locally and preparing as many foods possible on their premises, it offers a fabulous service for all taste buds and dietary requirements.
Dog friendly
TEA ROOMS
WEST MILL TEAROOM
Absolutely stunning village a 10 minute drive away (the walk is fabulous but
it’s a good 1.5-2 hours, incorporates Aspenden too) quaint village and tearoom.
PEARCES FARMSHOP
Are you are looking for a quick break for a drink, a leisurely lunch, an afternoon picking fruit, your weekly fruit and veg or inspiration for that last minute gift - Pearce's Farm Shop have something to suit all.
Afternoon Tea and fabulous Sunday lunch too.
Dog friendly in the garden
BREWERY TEAROOMS
Voted Hertfordshire's best Independent Tea & Coffee shop 2017.
A 7 minute drive to the village of Walkern - lovely cakes + light linches. There are great walks around Walkern too...
MILL END PLANTS
Small, independent garden centre + tea room just a few minutes away by car.
Lovely homemade cakes. Just a few yards from the Moon and Stars in Rushden.
SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT
CHILFORD HALL VINEYARD
The Chilford Hall Estate has been in the Alper family since 1966. The estate produces high quality red, white, rosé & sparkling wines which have won numerous awards over the years. Why not book a tour & wine tasting during your stay - please book in advance to avoid disappointment.
THE BELGIAN BREWER
BREWERY TOUR
Based in Bishops Stortford. All beers are brewed to traditional Belgian methods – a time consuming process which adds to the complex flavours in the beers. They use top quality ingredients, with no artificial colours or preservatives. All the beers are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.Each step of the process is scrutinised to ensure quality and consistency.
FILE & FORGE JEWELLERY SCHOOL
Located in the rural setting of Hatfield Heath. Emma & Sally are both experienced jewellers & tutors offering a variety of classes & sessions. To find out more head to their website:
TWISTED CELLAR
WINE SHOP TASTING EVENTS
Also based in Bishop’s Stortford stocking a range of labels with a team of expert hydrators will be happy to help you explore their cellar. Whether you are popping in to pick up a bottle to take home, or you are enjoying a bottle (or two) in the shop, pay them a visit. Check out their website for our popular wine tasting events.
THE CHEESE PLATE
For both cheese purchases and as a spot for lunch head to Buntingford. They stock over 200 cheeses and you can sample and be educated - a MUST if you love your cheese!
You will find information on a special offer for Bethnal&Bec guests in your retreat on arrival.
TOURIST STUFF
HENRY MOORE FOUNDATION
The Henry Moore Foundation is a registered charity in England, established for education and promotion of the fine arts — in particular, to advance understanding of the works of Henry Moore.
It operates from two sites, including Perry Green in Hertfordshire
HARRY POTTER WORLD
Warner Bros. Studios Tour – The Making of Harry Potter is a public attraction in Leavesden which is just a 30 minute drive from Bethnal&Bec.
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM DUXFORD
Imperial War Museum Duxford is a branch of the Imperial War Museum near Duxford in Cambridgeshire, England. Britain's largest aviation museum, Duxford houses the museum's large exhibits, including nearly 200 aircraft, military vehicles, artillery and minor naval vessels in seven main exhibition buildings.
www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford
LONDON
Just 25 minutes away on the train, or just over an hour in the car from the nation's capital.
KNEBWORTH HOUSE
This lavish Tudor stately home and gardens hosts massive rock concerts and is open in summertime.
Please check the website for opening season:
CAMBRIDGE
Cambridge is a city on the River Cam in eastern England, home to the prestigious University of Cambridge, dating to 1209.
We are just a 30 minute drive from this beautiful city.