Living in Ware

Ware is widely recognised for its community-driven ethos and strong local identity. Residents benefit from a variety of annual and seasonal events, most notably the Ware Festival and the iconic Ware Dickensian Evening at Christmas, which attract visitors from across Hertfordshire and beyond.

The Southern Maltings serves as a community hub, providing arts workshops, exhibitions, and music events. The historic riverside, plentiful parks, and nearby Lea Valley Walk offer outdoor spaces for walking, cycling, and social gatherings. The town also supports several local sports clubs, including Ware FC and rowing and cricket clubs, adding to the sense of community spirit.

Ware’s social life is enhanced by a host of active volunteer groups, neighbourhood watch schemes, and residents’ associations, ensuring that newcomers quickly feel part of the town’s fabric.

Crime rates in Ware are generally considered lower than those in many comparable towns and cities in Hertfordshire and the wider South East. The town benefits from a visible police presence and a strong emphasis on neighbourhood policing and community safety initiatives.

Ware’s quieter residential areas, such as those near the river and the outskirts towards the countryside, tend to have the reputation of being especially safe. Central Ware does see the typical small-town mix of anti-social behaviour or minor thefts associated with nightlife and busy weekends, but serious incidents are infrequent.

The local Safer Neighbourhoods Team works with residents, schools, and local businesses, engaging in regular awareness campaigns and organising community drop-ins to address concerns and maintain openness with the local population.

Parking in Ware is generally straightforward, with several council-managed car parks located near the town centre, including spaces behind the high street and near the train station. On-street parking is available in many residential areas, though some streets close to the centre operate resident permit schemes to manage demand from commuters and shoppers.

Traffic congestion is moderate, typically experienced during peak hours on the A1170 and in the centre during school drop-off and pick-up times. The A10 dual carriageway is immediately accessible, providing direct links to major towns and the M25 for onward journeys. The A414 is also conveniently close, linking to Harlow and Welwyn Garden City.

Nearby towns and cities by road:

• Hertford – approx. 10 minutes via A119 (3 miles)
• Harlow – approx. 23 minutes via A414 (13 miles)
• Bishop’s Stortford – approx. 25 minutes via A120 (17 miles)
• Stevenage – approx. 27 minutes via A602 (16 miles)
• London (M25) – approx. 30 minutes via A10 (21 miles)

Ware offers an appealing selection of food, drink, and nightlife options for residents and visitors. The High Street and riverside are home to a mix of independent cafés, vibrant coffee shops, and traditional pubs—some, such as The Waterside Inn and The Saracens Head, enjoy riverside locations and historic charm.

The town supports a number of family-friendly restaurants, as well as takeaways serving a range of international cuisines, from Italian to Indian and Thai. Ware’s weekly market also provides fresh produce and specialty foods from local traders, adding to the area's foodie credentials.

Nightlife in Ware is varied but relaxed, with a handful of lively bars, local pubs hosting quiz nights and live music, and community theatre performances at the Southern Maltings venue. The social scene caters to a broad demographic, tending towards intimate venues rather than large clubs, making it popular with locals seeking friendly, welcoming atmospheres.

School quality: Ware is well served by popular primary and secondary schools, such as Chauncy School and Presdales School, both known for strong Ofsted ratings and supportive environments for children.

Parks and green space: The town features several well-kept parks, including the expansive Ware Priory grounds, King George V Playing Fields, and the scenic River Lea path, ideal for family walks and outdoor play.

Childcare: Ware has a variety of nurseries, childminders, and after-school care providers, with options to suit both working parents and those seeking more flexible arrangements.

Safety: Ware is considered a safe town, with strong community policing and active neighbourhood watch schemes contributing to peace of mind for parents.

Family activities: The town is home to swimming pools, youth centres, holiday clubs, and recreational sports teams, offering plenty to keep children and families entertained year-round.

Pet-friendly living in Ware is facilitated by a wealth of riverside walks, accessible green spaces, and countryside on the doorstep. The Lea Valley and nearby nature reserves offer popular routes for dog walking, while central parks welcome pets with open spaces and dog bins provided.

There are multiple local veterinary practices and pet shops in Ware and the surrounding area, ensuring resident animals are well cared for. Many pubs and cafés also allow dogs in certain areas, and local landlords are generally receptive to well-behaved pets, particularly in houses with gardens.

Ware’s general attitude towards pets is positive, with community groups often organising fundraising events or social dog walks and pet-friendly events throughout the year.

Ware is particularly well-placed for commuters and those seeking convenient transport connections. The town is served by Ware railway station, which lies on the Hertford East branch of the West Anglia Main Line. There are regular direct trains to London Liverpool Street, with journey times typically around 45 minutes, and to Hertford East, just 7 minutes away.

Local bus services connect Ware with neighbouring towns, including Hertford, Bishop’s Stortford, and Harlow, as well as smaller surrounding villages. The A10 road bypasses Ware and provides swift north-south road connections, while the A414 links the town east-west towards Harlow and Welwyn Garden City.

The nearest major airport is London Stansted Airport, just 15 miles away and around 35 minutes by car, making both international and domestic travel easily accessible. Longer journeys to London Luton Airport and London City Airport are also straightforward via nearby motorways and trains.

Typical commute times:

• London Liverpool Street – 45 minutes by train
• Hertford – 7 minutes by train, 10 minutes by car
• Bishop’s Stortford – 25 minutes by car
• Harlow – 23 minutes by car

Ware provides a diverse selection of educational establishments, making it attractive to families with children of all ages. Primary schools in the area include St. Mary's Church of England Primary School (Ofsted rated 'Good', 2015), Kingshill Infant School (Ofsted rated 'Good', 2022), and St Catherine’s Church of England Primary School (Ofsted rated 'Good', 2019). These schools have strong reputations for providing supportive learning environments.

At the secondary level, Chauncy School stands out, holding an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating from 2017, and frequently praised for its academic results and student wellbeing. Presdales School is another popular choice, a girls’ secondary with a 'Good' rating from Ofsted as of 2022, also admitting boys to its sixth form. Both schools serve Ware and nearby areas.

The area is also home to Richard Hale School in nearby Hertford (mixed secondary, Ofsted 'Good' 2019), which draws students from Ware. For further education, Hertford Regional College is situated just outside the town, offering a wide range of vocational and academic courses for post-16 education.

While there are no universities within Ware itself, its rail and road links make commuting to University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield or central London institutions entirely feasible, opening further educational opportunities for residents.