Broxbourne: Riverside Nature and History

Broxbourne offers several clearly defined points of interest for planning a trip: a rare remnant of a floodplain meadow, paths along various waterways, and buildings bearing traces of history from several centuries. If you’re looking for a hotel in Broxbourne, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay—whether it’s nature around the wetland, a waterside route or the history of individual buildings.

Nature around Silvermeade

Silvermeade is one of only four remaining remnant floodplain meadows in Lee Valley Regional Park and is also an important refuge for the highly endangered European water vole. This makes it a place where both a distinctive landscape and the habitat of a threatened species take centre stage. The one-mile Water Vole Trail is a circular route through the wetland around Silvermeade. Visitors interested in wetlands and water voles will find a direct connection to both here.

The trail starts at the car park at Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows; its starting point is five minutes from Broxbourne railway station. It’s worth checking train services before travelling. Also check path conditions and access before your visit, as both can change. Broxbourne Woods is Hertfordshire’s only National Nature Reserve, adding another notable nature designation to consider when planning a stay.

Paths along the New River and River Lee Navigation

The New River runs through Broxbourne. It was built between 1608 and 1613 by Sir Hugh Myddelton, with financial support from King James I, to bring drinking water from springs near Ware to London. Today, paths along this waterway meet a history connected with London’s water supply.

The section of the New River Shared Path built in Broxbourne is open to cyclists and pedestrians; the Broxbourne section connects Cozens Lane West with the Wormley playing fields. Check current path conditions before your visit. The New River Footpath is a public footpath from which historic buildings and attractive open spaces can be viewed.

The route of the River Lee Trail is different: it first follows the New River, while the return journey runs along the towpath of the River Lee Navigation. For more activities in Broxbourne, LVCC by Lee Valley Boats offers bicycle hire; Lee Valley Boat Centre offers day boat hire. If you plan to hire equipment, check the current details with the relevant provider beforehand.

Building history across the centuries

The mill at Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. The surviving remains include a 16th-century brick floor and the window frames of a two-storey miller’s house from the 19th century. Traces of the past therefore range from a medieval reference to structural elements from a much later century.

The building history of St Augustine’s Church in Broxbourne also spans different periods: the church was completely rebuilt and extended in the 15th century, around 1460. Its font, however, dates from the late 12th century. Perrior’s Manor in Broxbourne is associated with a 13th-century aristocratic residence.

Rye House Gatehouse is located in Hoddesdon. It is considered the only surviving remnant of a fortified manor house built of brick in the 15th century. The gatehouse is listed as a Grade I building and is considered a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Discover more destinations: Bayford, Rickmansworth, Waltham Cross, Ardeley, Borehamwood, Harpenden, Watford, Datchworth

For the wider travel guide: Hertfordshire.