retiredmartin

July 2024. Royston.

YOU asked for pictured of umbrellas in Hertfordshire market towns. Well, actually, you didn’t, but that’s tough. It’s 10am in Royston and there’s no pubs worth popping in, anyway.

No, seriously, this must be one of the least inspiring non-modern pub towns in the country, on a par with Fareham or Stratford-on-Avon.

But it’s got attractions, oh yes,

and you can read about the caves (Sunday only) and museum here.

But is it worth a visit from Americans who go “I love lil ol’ England !” ?

Before last week, I’d have said “NO !“.

But having finally explored magical King Street and the hidden treasures of Mulberry Court,

with its paintings of horse trainers from up on the heath.

OK, it’s no Lavenham or Ludlow, but it charmed me for a half hour,

and the High Street umbrella festival (on thru’ August) adds a bit of colour I’d missed here before,

without detracting too much from the buildings themselves.

I sent Mrs RM this photo;

she didn’t believe it was Royston, though turn a different corner and find a nightlife scene straight out of the George Michael playbook.

Keg Theakston in the Courthouse, craft fans.

What else can I tell you ?

Nail bars, butchers, Old Skool curry at the Royal Bengal,

and a solid looking parish church at the top of the memorial gardens.

And if you do get bored of Royston’s charms, it’s only 39 minutes to That London.