Hertford Castle Christmas Market
Visitors can wander the castle grounds transformed into a festive market filled with stalls offering homeware, crafts, jewellery, and gifts. Along with holiday shopping, attendees can sample food and drink, enjoy live entertainment, and go on fairground rides.
What to Expect
Traditional Christmas market stalls, food, and rides in historic castle grounds.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Hertford Town Council
Food & Drink
Visitors can enjoy food and drink at the market.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and festive shoppers
Vibe
Traditional and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free to attend; donations to the Mayor of Hertford’s Charity Appeal Fund are welcome.
- Hours: Friday 3.30pm–8pm; Saturday 11am–6pm; Sunday 11am–5pm.
- Parking: There is no public parking at Hertford Castle, including disabled parking; public car parks are nearby. More information and a map are linked.
- Accessibility: Accessible toilets are available inside the castle and via an accessible portable unit by the Ashley Webb Shelter.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead and owners are asked to pick up dog waste and put it in the provided bins.
Tips & Advice
- Come by train or bus, because Hertford North and Hertford East stations are a short walk away and there is no public parking at the castle.
- Leave buggies and dogs at home if you're also going to Friday's Town Gala, because crowds are expected in the town centre.
- Ask a volunteer if you need the accessible toilets or baby-changing facilities, because these are inside the castle rather than out on the grounds.
- Consider a donation to the Mayor of Hertford's Charity Appeal Fund, which this year supports CHIPS Playscheme and Herts Mind Network.
- Look for St John Ambulance on the main lawn if anyone needs first aid during your visit to the market.
Special Events & Promotions
- On Friday the separate Hertford Town Christmas Gala runs in the town centre, with carollers on Parliament Square, live music in Salisbury Square and the Christmas Lights Switch-On with the Mayor.
- Local businesses are running special promotions and offers during the Gala and across the weekend.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there besides shopping?
There's food and drink, fairground rides and live entertainment all weekend, alongside stalls selling homeware, crafts, jewellery and gifts.
Where should I park?
There's no public parking at the castle, including disabled parking. There are several public car parks nearby. Hertford North and Hertford East stations are a short walk away, and buses run to The Wash and Hertford bus station.
How do I get into the castle grounds?
Walk in through any pedestrian gate: Castle Street, St Andrew Street Car Park, the Main Castle Gate off The Wash, or the Moat Garden on Castle Street.
Where are the toilets?
Portable toilets, including an accessible unit, are beside the main lawn on the footpath by the Ashley Webb Shelter. Accessible toilets and baby changing are inside the castle; ask a volunteer for access. Public toilets are next to Wetherspoons at The Wash.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Dogs must stay on a lead at all times, and owners are asked to pick up after them and use the bins provided.
More Christmas Events Near Hertford
More Christmas Events near Hertford
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.