The Sword Inn Hand

“Welcoming travellers since the 14th century”

LOCATION

BUNTINGFORD, HERTFORDSHIRE

Recommended by
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Our View

This old inn provides an excellent stopping off point halfway between London and Cambridge. Inside are the original oak beams, flagstone floors and open fireplace; outside is a large garden and pretty patio. There’s a varied selection of real ales from the likes of Woodforde's and Timothy Taylor, and fresh produce is delivered daily for a good selection of bar snacks. A typical evening menu might include black pudding Scotch egg.

The Sword Inn Hand
Westmill, BUNTINGFORD, SG9 9LQ

Features

Children
  • Children welcome
  • Children's portions
Facilities
  • Free Wifi
  • Garden
Opening times
  • Open all year

About the area

Discover Hertfordshire

As Hertfordshire is so close to London, many of its towns have become commuter havens. St Albans, less than 19 miles (30km) from the capital, has retained its distinctive character, along with many historic remains. The Roman city of Verulamium is situated in a nearby park, and excavations have revealed an amphitheatre, a temple, parts of the city walls and some house foundations. There are also some amazing mosaic pavements.

The abbey church at St Albans is thought to have been built on the same site where St Alban met his martyrdom in the 3rd century. The abbey was founded in 793 by King Offa of Mercia, and contains the saint’s shrine, made of Purbeck marble. Lost for years, it was discovered in the 19th century, in pieces, and restored by the designer of the red telephone box, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. The abbey also contains some wonderful medieval wall paintings. Nicholas Breakspear was born in St Albans, the son of an abbey tenant. In 1154 he took the name Adrian IV, and became the first, and so far only, English pope. Another famous son of Hertfordshire was Sir Francis Bacon, Elizabethan scholar and Lord High Chancellor, born in Hemel Hempstead in 1561.

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