Places to see in Ware

There is a lot to see and do around Ware and you'll find here a few of the places to visit and a little of the history behind them.  If you'd like more, why not buy a copy of the Walk about Ware guide from the Ware museum.  Take the time to visit the museum at the same time, it's well worth it.

Scott’s Grotto

The grotto was created in 1762-1766 by John Scott, the Quaker poet and friend of Dr. Johnson. The
grotto is the most extensive in Britain, consisting of six chambers and passages extending 67 feet into the chalk hillside.

Many of the chambers are richly decorated with shells, flints, fossils and other
materials. Scott’s Grotto and its garden, which contains an octagonal summer-house and a garden seat, were restored in 1990 by the Ware Society as agents for the owners, East Herts District
Council.  You can find more details at the Scott's Grotto dedicated website.

Ware Priory

The Priory is one of the finest buildings in the town, set in beautifully kept gardens, and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Founded in 1338 as a Franciscan Friary (the name “Priory” is an 18th century error), it became a private house in 1544 and was given to the town in 1919 by Mrs. Anne Croft, daughter of the maltster, Henry Page. Since then it has been the home of the Ware Town Council (and its predecessor, Ware U.D.C.) and is well used by local organisations in the town.

Place House

Place House, tucked away behind the chippy and the pharmacy on East Street on the right of the yard, was the Bluecoat School from 1685-1761 but behind the 17th century façade is a medieval aisled hall.

It is believed to have been built as the manor house for the lords of the manor in about 1290. Its name comes from ‘Braughing Place’, a 16th century title which indicated that it may have housed the court of the Braughing Hundred. This is well worth a visit and you can find more details on the dedicated Place house website.