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Royston
Herts & Beds
Royston in the North of Hertfordshire, close to the boundary with Cambridgeshire, grew from the crossing of two ancient routeways; the Icknield Way and Ermine Street. The town’s name derives from Roisia's Cross, a cross placed by the intersection of the two roads. By the 14th century the town had become known as Roisia’s Town and Roiston. Royston has much to attract the modern visitor including a range of popular shops and some stunning historical buildings. The Museum features changing exhibitions, memorabilia relating to the town’s history and is home to the Royston Tapestry, which depicts scenes of interest from the town’s past. Work has been continuing since 1991 and the finished embroidery, in the style of the Bayeux Tapestry, will be 110 feet long. Therfield Heath, a stunning open space on the edge of Royston, is the last flourish of the Chiltern Hills and is a great place for a walk or to let the children have a run and let off steam. The annual Kite festival takes place on the heath in August.
EAT • DRINK • STAY Dish
A friendly, chic restaurant housed in the gorgeous setting of the former ‘Old Courthouse’ right in the heart of Royston town centre. It has a ‘grand’ feel and a buzzing atmosphere and serves delicious, uncomplicated food using locally sourced fresh food. Fish Hill 01763 247722 Thai Rack @ The Glass House Popular Thai restaurant, with excellent, friendly service. Kneesworth Street 01763 250488 The Old Bull Inn Hotel The building dates back to the 16th Century and the hotel is full of character, with 11 en-suite bedrooms. Home-made and freshly prepared food is on offer in the comfortable and spacious bar area, and there’s a very popular Carvery on Sundays. High Street 01763 242003
Magnolia House Rooms are furnished to a high standard and the guest house is just ten minute’s walk to Royston station. Melbourne Road 01763 246675 The Chequers A charming 15th Century Coaching Inn with a perfectly balanced blend of contemporary design and traditional architecture. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu of home cooked food using locally grown produce, and there are eight carefully crafted guest bedrooms. High Street 01763 244788 The Banyers of Royston Set in a historic house, the rooms at The Banyers are individually decorated with hand-crafted furniture and luxury fabrics. Beldam Restaurant offers fine dining in elegant surroundings. The menu features world wines, modern British cuisine and local produce. There’s also a bar and an outdoor terrace. Melbourn Street 01763 242110 The Green Man Historic pub serving good beer, a range of snacks, with regular live music. Market Hill 01763 248006
Royston Cave is a strange and fascinating artificial cave that is completely unique in Europe. It was discovered in 1742, carved out of the chalk in the centre of Royston underneath the crossroads. The cave walls are covered with carvings and there has been much speculation about their origins. There is evidence that the cave may have been used by the Knights Templar, who founded the nearby town of Baldock. Another theory is that the cave was early prison, or a cell for anchorites from an Augustinian Priory. The carvings depict the crucifixion, the holy family and several saints, among them St Katherine, St Laurence and St Christopher. The cave is also the site where two significant ley lines cross. Open: from Easter Saturday to the last Sunday in September. Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays: 2.30-5pm. Wednesday (August only): 2.30-5pm. Last admission: .pm. Melbourn Street. www.roystoncave.co.uk (01763 245484) S.L Sabrina Royston pride themselves on offering fabulous bridal, prom and evening wear in a wide range of fabrics, timeless designs and at an amazing price. For your special occasion, whether you are looking for something formal or informal, classic or contemporary, you will be able to find your dream dress here. All of the beautiful dresses are exclusively designed and made for them by using carefully chosen fabrics like luxury satin, flowing silk chiffon, elegant organza and taffeta. All designs can be custom made for you to ensure it fits you perfectly on your big day and tailored to work with your colour scheme, meaning the dresses are as unique as the occasion itself. Market Hill 01763 244526 www.sl-sabrina.co.uk
Close to Royston, Wimpole Hall is a magnificent country house and part of the grandest working estate in Cambridgeshire. Intimate rooms contrast with beautiful and unexpected Georgian interiors, including Soane's breathtaking Yellow Drawing Room and wonderful plunge bath. The fascinating basement corridor offers a glimpse into life below stairs. Stroll around the colourful parterre garden and wander through the Pleasure Grounds to the walled garden, abundant with fruit, vegetables and herbaceous borders. At Home Farm, contrast the traditional farmyard with the noisy modern piggery and cattle sheds. Stride out across the landscape park, among the rare-breed cattle, and imagine the previous owners planning their visions of grand avenues and spectacular vistas. Arrington, nr Royston 01223 206000
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www.eastevents.co.uk
Royston has a small traditional market on Saturdays and Wednesdays and a farmers’ market the first Sunday of every month selling locally sourced produce and a ‘mini’ farmers’ market on the third Saturday of each month.