Tring’s natural landscape and good links to London make it an ideal place to live for commuting families and retirees alike. Spencer Caminsky found out more…
Today, Tring is a lush market town located in a gap between the Chiltern Hills, known for its natural beauty and good transport links to the capital.
Evidence of Tring dates back to the medieval period, as the area was mentioned in the Domesday Book. However, settlements in the town date back as far as the prehistoric period.
It has been a market town since 1315, when it was granted a market charter by Edward II. Over time Tring’s prosperity grew, and with that came large industries in the area, as well as Tring Park, a mansion constructed there in 1682.
By the 19th century the town was very well-off, benefitted by the Rothschild family moving into Tring Park. These famous collectors built a private zoological museum there, which has been part of the Natural History Museum at Tring since 1937.
Housing
The Chiltern Hills has been classed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (of which there are only 46 in the UK) for years and Tring is one of the area’s main towns.
Tring has a range of housing options, from the cottages and lodge houses surrounding the Rothschild estate, to the detached homes perched on the Chiltern slopes.
For less premium options, there is equally nice terrace housing near the museum on the high street.
Living here can be expensive, however - the average selling price was £464,818 last year, according to Rightmove.
Transport
While the A41 links Tring to the M25 and M1, and in turn Greater London, in 20 minutes, Tring’s status as a commuter town exists due to its accessibility by train to London.
The station is about two miles from town, connecting Tring to London Euston and Milton Keynes Central via the West Midlands Service, the journey to London taking 40 minutes.
Schools
Popular primary schools in Tring include Goldfield Infants’ and Nursery School, which was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted at its last inspection.
The local secondary, Tring School, a is a specialist humanities college with approximately 1,500 students. Despite its daunting size, the school - which also has a sixth form - was ranked ‘good’ by Ofsted.
For those interested in artsier options, Tring is home to the Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, an independent school specialising in drama and dance.
Pop culture
Several interesting figures have called Tring their home, such as John Washington, great-grandfather of George Washington, as well as retired FA and World Cup referee Graham Poll.
Sports and leisure
For sports lovers, Tring has three local football clubs: Tring Athletic, Tring Town and Tring Corinthians, all playing in the Spartan South Midlands Football League. The town also has a youth club, Tring Tornadoes, for boys and girls aged up to 16.
Tring has a rugby club, Tring RUFC, as well as a hockey club and cricket club nearby, the latter of the two playing in the Home Counties Premier Cricket League.
For a more comprehensive sporting experience, Tring Sports Centre can be found in the grounds of Tring School. Open to students and the public, the building has a 25m pool, artificial football pitch and sports hall, which is used for a variety of activities.
Because it is situated in the Chilterns, residents and visitors can take advantage of vast green spaces around Tring. Notable options include Tring Park, the second-largest area of unimproved chalk grassland in the county, and The Memorial Garden. Created to commemorate those who lost their lives in World War Two, this beautiful space hosts a giant redwood, attractive fountains and assorted flower beds.
Tring Reservoirs and the Grand Union Canal offer popular walking routes, while the Tring Natural History Museum is another well-used attraction.
Built in 1889, the museum brings together the collections of Walter Rothschild, and hosts regular exhibitions. There is also Tring Local History Museum on Brook Street, offering an interactive and engaging timeline of the history of Tring for children and adults.
The Tring Brewery is also worth a visit. The local independent brewer was awarded the ‘Best Beer in Hertfordshire 2017’ for its Pale Four American pale ale, and tours are available.
The best places to eat and drink in Tring include The Robin Hood on Brook Street, a 16th century pub offering traditional food, and the Kings Arms on King Street, a favourite among real ale fans.
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