Best natural monuments around North Mymms include ancient woodlands, chalk streams, and historical earthworks. The area, a civil parish in Hertfordshire, England, features a landscape with notable natural attractions. These sites offer ecological significance and tranquil beauty, providing opportunities for exploration and appreciating the local environment. Visitors can discover diverse natural features and historical elements integrated into the landscape.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around North Mymms.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
This bridleway takes you to and from Shaw's Corner (National Trust)
0
0
The ghost of Geoffrey De Mandeville, Earl of Sussex and Hertfordshire and Constable of the Tower of London has been haunting the Moat since the 12th Century. He was arrested for treason and hid his treasure down a very deep well which he guards. Many have tried to find the well but so far none have succedded
2
0
The moat’s main use was probably defensive. One use of the lodge would have been to detain individuals who had broken the harsh forest laws. The moat would also have helped to drain the site, been used for rubbish disposal and possibly for keeping fish.
1
0
Poor quality excavations in the late 1880s and again in 1923 suggested that the lodge was quite substantial, with rubble masonry walls and glazed floor tiles in some rooms. The name Camlet remains a mystery. It first appears in local records in 1440 AD. The moat was originally crossed by a wooden drawbridge, the base frame of which was lifted in 1923 and recorded in 1949. A small piece found recently was dendro-chronologically dated to c.1357.
1
0
Stocking Spring Woods is situated between the villages of Ayot St Peter's and Ayot St Lawrence in Hertfordshire. It's a beautiful place to walk through, especially in springtime, when you can enjoy a stunning display of bluebells.
1
0
As you walk through Trent Country Park, you might not be expecting to come across a medieval moat. But that's exactly what you'll discover. Probably built in the 14th century, there was once a lodge here that may have been used to detain those who broke forest laws. There was a wooden drawbridge to cross the water.
1
0
Thought to have been a key defence for the Iron Age Catuvellauni tribe against the invading Romans, Devil's Dyke is an impressive earthwork to the east of Wheathampstead. At 49 feet (15 m) deep, 131 feet (40 m) wide and 1,500 feet (460 m) long, it would have been a huge undertaking when constructed. This scheduled ancient monument is a delight to explore all year round. However, May is perhaps the best time to discover its charms, when the ground is carpeted by bluebells.
2
0
Visitors to North Mymms frequently enjoy exploring Sherrardspark Wood Local Nature Reserve, known for its ancient woodland and well-maintained paths. Another highly regarded spot is Devil's Dyke, Wheathampstead, an impressive historical earthwork. Gobions Wood Nature Reserve is also a favorite, especially for its spring bluebells and diverse fungi.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. Sherrardspark Wood Local Nature Reserve offers good parkland with many trees and well-maintained walkways, making it ideal for family strolls. Gobions Wood Nature Reserve is another excellent choice, providing beautiful woodlands that are enjoyable for all ages, particularly during spring for bluebells.
North Mymms is characterized by its ancient woodlands, such as Gobions Wood Nature Reserve and Sherrardspark Wood Local Nature Reserve. You'll also find ecologically significant chalk streams like the Mimmshall Brook, and unique trees such as The Pendulous Elm, which is centuries old. The area offers a blend of tranquil natural beauty and diverse habitats.
Absolutely. Devil's Dyke, Wheathampstead is a scheduled ancient monument, an impressive Iron Age earthwork with significant historical context. Another site with historical roots is Camlet Moat, a medieval moat within Trent Country Park, believed to have once held a lodge and even has local ghost stories associated with it.
The spring months, particularly May, are highly recommended for visiting natural monuments like Gobions Wood Nature Reserve and Devil's Dyke, Wheathampstead, when bluebells and wood anemones carpet the woodlands. Autumn is also beautiful, especially in Gobions Wood, for its diverse fungi displays. The well-maintained paths in places like Sherrardspark Wood Local Nature Reserve make them enjoyable year-round.
Yes, North Mymms offers various hiking opportunities. For example, you can find easy loops like the "Gobions Lake – Gobions Wood Nature Reserve loop from North Mymms" or moderate trails such as the "Mimmshall Brook – Charming Garden Shed loop from Brookmans Park." You can explore more hiking routes in the area by visiting the Hiking around North Mymms guide.
Yes, there are several cycling routes. Sherrardspark Wood Local Nature Reserve is located at the western end of a traffic-free section of the Ayot Greenway, which is part of Sustrans Route 57. For more options, you can check out the Road Cycling Routes around North Mymms and Cycling around North Mymms guides.
Gobions Wood Nature Reserve is an ancient woodland renowned for its spectacular spring displays of bluebells and wood anemones. It's also a haven for fungi, with 558 species recorded, including rare ones. The reserve retains remnants of 18th-century 'pleasure gardens,' adding a historical layer to its natural beauty, and offers tranquil, well-marked paths for exploration.
Devil's Dyke, Wheathampstead is both a natural and historical monument. This impressive earthwork, 49 feet deep and 1,500 feet long, is thought to have been a key defense for the Iron Age Catuvellauni tribe against the invading Romans. It is a scheduled ancient monument, offering a glimpse into ancient history amidst its natural setting.
Yes, the area is home to remarkable trees, including The Pendulous Elm. This ancient tree is centuries old and is a significant natural feature within the local landscape. Its sheer size and age make it a captivating sight for visitors.
While specific public transport routes to each monument may vary, North Mymms is accessible by train to nearby stations like Brookmans Park or Potters Bar, from which local bus services or walking routes can connect you to various natural sites. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on reaching specific locations.
Yes, many of the natural monuments and surrounding areas offer opportunities for circular walks. For instance, there are routes like the "Gobions Lake – Gobions Wood Nature Reserve loop from North Mymms" which allows you to explore the woodland and return to your starting point. These loops are great for experiencing the natural beauty without retracing your steps.
Visitors frequently praise the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. They enjoy the vibrant bluebell displays in spring, the diverse fungi in autumn, and the well-maintained paths that make places like Sherrardspark Wood Local Nature Reserve accessible. The blend of ancient woodlands, picturesque chalk streams, and historical sites like Devil's Dyke offers a rich and varied experience.
Parking availability varies by location. For popular sites like Sherrardspark Wood Local Nature Reserve and Gobions Wood Nature Reserve, there are often designated car parks nearby. For other areas, roadside parking might be available, but it's always recommended to check local signage and regulations before your visit.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around North Mymms: