[spb_column col_sm=”8″ padding_horizontal=”0″ width=”2/3″ el_position=”first”] [spb_text_block animation=”none” animation_delay=”0″ simplified_controls=”yes” custom_css_percentage=”no” padding_vertical=”0″ padding_horizontal=”0″ margin_vertical=”0″ custom_css=”margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px;” border_size=”0″ border_styling_global=”default” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
Ware – A Historic Town
Our hometown of Ware is a beautiful place full of rich history. Although it is relatively small (ranked 555th biggest in the UK with a population of just under 19,000) there is plenty to see and do, from the scenic river walks to its coffee shops and pubs. While you’re visiting our showroom, why not explore and see what you can find?
The History of Ware
Ware has been a settlement since around 4,000 BC and is one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. The name Ware comes from the word “weir.” These were built to stop invading Vikings from escaping back in Anglo-Saxon times. Back in the 1600s The New River was constructed to provide fresh water to London.
Many interesting historical events have taken place here through the years, including Thomas Fust being burned at the stake, an attempted assassination of Charles II in 1683, and the Ware Mutiny.
The Great Bed of Ware is now displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Shakespeare mentioned this in his play Twelfth Night, and it is reportedly big enough to fit 4 couples!
Walking along the canal you can see old Gazebos. These are not the metal-framed polythene ones we know today, but summerhouse-like structures overhanging the river. These date back to the 18th Century and are the only ones to still survive in a group.
Things to Do
Ware has a great selection of shops on the High Street, including pubs, cafes, hardware stores, craft shops, an art shop and more. You can also find the Library and Museum at the far end by the Priory.
Just on the outskirts of Ware is Three Lakes, a site featuring outdoor activities such as archery and high ropes, a restaurant, a golf course, fishing lakes, a plant nursery, remote control car race track and shop and more besides. On a sunny day the restaurant’s garden is a beautiful place to sit with views across the fishing lakes and beyond.
On the other way into and out of Ware is Van Hage, a large garden centre which has stunning Christmas displays and seasonal attractions; during the winter months a temporary ice rink is constructed, and a circus is present in the summer. Inside you will find the expected flora and fauna as well as a cafe, clothing, toys, gifts and games. Walk through the back of the building to find a petting zoo, miniature railway and Ventura Wildlife Park (extra charges apply).
Scotts Grotto can be found near the college, and is a bizarre and fascinating construction. The tunnels stretch into the chalk hillside by over 65ft and are decorated with stones, shells and coloured glass. For opening times please click here.
Community Groups
As a small town Ware has a real sense of community and there are lots of groups and clubs for residents to partake in. The Ware Ukulele Group performs locally and is welcoming to players of any age and ability. Wordsmiths can get inspired and recite their works at Ware Poets. Ware Wine and Beer Circle is for enthusiasts to taste and discuss various tipples. There are plenty of sports clubs to keep you busy too, including football, lawn bowls, swimming, jogging and snooker.
Come and visit!
If you are planning on visiting us why not make a day of it? With plenty to see and do Ware is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day. If you can’t quite make your mind up our staff are happy to recommend attractions and eateries too!
Find us on Marsh Lane, Ware, SG12 9QH, just opposite the post office.
Footnote: Wood Bros is not affiliated with the businesses and groups listed above.
Stay in Touch
Subscribe to our newsletter to find out about events, offers and news.
[contact-form-7 id=”46922″ title=”Newsletter Sign Ups Sept 2019″]
[/spb_text_block] [/spb_column] [spb_column col_sm=”4″ padding_horizontal=”0″ width=”1/3″ el_position=”last”] [spb_image image=”50149″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” caption_pos=”hover” remove_rounded=”yes” fullwidth=”no” overflow_mode=”none” link_target=”_self” lightbox=”no” intro_animation=”none” animation_delay=”200″ width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”][/spb_image] [spb_image image=”50150″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” caption=”The Great Bed of Ware” caption_pos=”below” remove_rounded=”yes” fullwidth=”no” overflow_mode=”none” link_target=”_self” lightbox=”no” intro_animation=”none” animation_delay=”200″ width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”][/spb_image] [spb_image image=”50151″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” caption=”Ware Gazebos” caption_pos=”below” remove_rounded=”yes” fullwidth=”no” overflow_mode=”none” link_target=”_self” lightbox=”no” intro_animation=”none” animation_delay=”200″ width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”][/spb_image] [spb_image image=”50153″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” caption=”The view at Three Lakes” caption_pos=”below” remove_rounded=”yes” fullwidth=”no” overflow_mode=”none” link_target=”_self” lightbox=”no” intro_animation=”none” animation_delay=”200″ width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”][/spb_image] [spb_image image=”50154″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” caption=”Scott’s Grotto” caption_pos=”below” remove_rounded=”yes” fullwidth=”no” overflow_mode=”none” link_target=”_self” lightbox=”no” intro_animation=”none” animation_delay=”200″ width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”][/spb_image] [spb_image image=”50297″ image_size=”full” frame=”noframe” caption=”Ware Ukulele Group” caption_pos=”below” remove_rounded=”yes” fullwidth=”no” overflow_mode=”none” link_target=”_self” lightbox=”no” intro_animation=”none” animation_delay=”200″ width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”][/spb_image] [/spb_column] [spb_column col_sm=”12″ padding_horizontal=”0″ width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [spb_recent_posts display_type=”standard” carousel=”yes” item_columns=”5″ item_count=”10″ category=”All” offset=”0″ posts_order=”DESC” excerpt_length=”20″ fullwidth=”no” gutters=”yes” button_enabled=”yes” pagination=”yes” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [/spb_column]