Area Guide: The quaint Hertfordshire market town of Tring

Tring is a pretty town located just outside The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is just on Herts's border with Buckinghamshire.

The commuter town is nestled in the Tring Gap - an aptly named opening in the Chiltern Hills. The town is home to a selection of independent stores, cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as many high street favourites.

History 

Tring dates back to the medieval period, as the area was mentioned in the Domesday Book. 

It has been a market town since 1315, when it was granted a market charter by Edward II. However, settlements in Tring date back even further to the prehistoric period.

The town is home to Tring Park Mansion, which was designed by acclaimed architect Christopher Wren and built for Colonel Henry Guy, Groom of the Bedchamber to King Charles II, in 1692.

In 1872, the manor became home to a branch of the Rothschild family, who have had a considerable influence on the town.

The famous collectors built a private zoological museum in Tring, which has been part of the town's Natural History Museum since 1937.

The mansion is now home to Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, and its 300-acre park is in the care of the Woodland Trust.  

Property 

Tring offers a mix of period homes and more modern properties for potential buyers. These range from the cottages and lodge houses surrounding the former Rothschild estate, to the detached homes perched on the Chiltern slopes.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, such properties do come with a substantial price tag attached.

According to Rightmove, properties in Tring had an overall average price of £537,038 over the last year. 

Homes currently on the market in Tring include a four-bedroom detached house in Station Road for £1,950,000 and a two-bedroom detached bungalow for £635,000 at the Greenway. 

Schools 

Popular schools in the area include Tring School - a Christian secondary school which was rated 'good' by Ofsted at its most recent inspection, and the 'outstanding' rated Goldfield Infants' and Nursery School.

The town is also home to Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, an independent school specialising in acting, dance and musical theatre for seven to 19 year olds.

Sport and leisure 

Tring has countless sports clubs - including football, rugby, hockey and cricket. 

Tring Sports Centre is in the grounds of Tring School and houses a 25m pool, artificial football pitch and multi-purpose sports hall, all of which are open for public use.

The town has plenty of walking routes around the Tring Reservoirs and along the Grand Union Canal, while the Tring Natural History Museum is another popular local attraction.

There's also Tring Local History Museum, which offers an interactive and engaging timeline of the town's history - suitable for both children and adults.

Pendley Manor Hotel is between the station and the town, and is a popular wedding venue. Meanwhile residents and visitors can enjoy Tring Park - which once belonged to Tring Park Mansion - which is a 264-acre open space.

Transport 

Tring is only around 30 miles north of London, and has excellent road and rail links - making it an easy commute from the capital.

The A41 connects the town to the M25 and M1, while trains run from Tring Station to Euston in about 40 minutes.

Food and drink 

The Kings Arms is a local favourite - a traditional pub serving good quality British food and ales. The pub is proudly free of all 'electronic distractions', from gaming machines to TVs. 

Another popular option is Crockers' Chef's Table, which offers "the ultimate in relaxed fine dining". Diners are invited to take a seat at the 15-seat chef's table and watch as their food is prepared in front of them using fresh, seasonal ingredients. 

This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, who have offices in St Albans, Marshalswick, Wheathampstead and Harpenden (Image: Frost's)