Scotts Grotto, Ware: Hours, Address, Scotts Grotto Reviews: 4.5/5
Scotts Grotto
Scotts Grotto
4.5
About
Closed October to April, summer opening only due to hibernating bats. Reopens first Saturday in April.
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4.5
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Dr. John Rudd
Ware, UK108 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
I highly recommend you visit this very historic grotto.
It was built in the mid-eighteenth century at the then Amwell Manor which belonged to the Scott family.
It is the largest shell grotto in the UK.
Now in Scotts Road, houses we're built on the former Manor grounds in the 1960's.
The grotto is a Grade 1 listed building and was refurbished in 1991 and opened by Lord Montague.
It is now held by a Trust.
Well worth a visit, check opening times on it's website. Enjoy.
It was built in the mid-eighteenth century at the then Amwell Manor which belonged to the Scott family.
It is the largest shell grotto in the UK.
Now in Scotts Road, houses we're built on the former Manor grounds in the 1960's.
The grotto is a Grade 1 listed building and was refurbished in 1991 and opened by Lord Montague.
It is now held by a Trust.
Well worth a visit, check opening times on it's website. Enjoy.
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sean888285
Stevenage, UK77 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
Live at Hoe Lane for 8 years but never been there until a niece came to visit us from Republc of Ireland. So we took her there. Yes, do bring touch and wear casual with comfy shoes. Only available on Summer time. Happy to pay £1 per person. Good for children or teenager but not recommend people on wheel chair. We had a great time.
Written November 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ATC147
London, UK116 contributions
Aug 2019
I took my two grandsons to the Grotto one afternoon. It is located in a small wood between houses. There are volunteers available to explain the history of the Grotto. The boys particularly liked wandering the underground passages with torches. I don't think they had any interest in the history they just enjoyed the adventure. This place would be of interest for anyone keen on local history, quirky places or ideas for garden ceramics. Ideal if you wish to pass 30 mins or so in tranquility.
Written September 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Debra M
Redruth, UK221 contributions
Aug 2019
I found this hidden gem after checking out Tripadvisor whilst pet-sitting in Ware. Absolutely incredible grotto. I was amazed by all the shells and stones which were incorporated into the design of the tunnels. There's some seats built into the chamber walls. I went round twice because I was so fascinated.
The two volunteers were very helpful and I learned about the history of this place.
The summerhouse is delightful and pictures on the wall show how it looked way before the housing estate was built! There would have been a beautiful view of Ware. Be sure to take a torch and £1 for the donation box. There's also history guides on sale if you wish to purchase them. Scotts Grotto is open on Saturday afternoons and Bank Holidays. Allow at least half an hour to look around.
The two volunteers were very helpful and I learned about the history of this place.
The summerhouse is delightful and pictures on the wall show how it looked way before the housing estate was built! There would have been a beautiful view of Ware. Be sure to take a torch and £1 for the donation box. There's also history guides on sale if you wish to purchase them. Scotts Grotto is open on Saturday afternoons and Bank Holidays. Allow at least half an hour to look around.
Written August 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jackie W
Chelmsford, UK26 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
What a super place!
Was on a trip to Hertford when this popped up as a place of interest and we dropped in. What a super surprise in the middle of a housing area. Wonderful volunteer staff too who were fonts of information about not only the grotto but the area too. We loved our little journey into this forgotton subterranium gem. It's not big, and it's not flashy, but it is interesting and unique and at £1 donation to enter, one of the cheapest places of interest I have ever been to. Simply loved it!
Was on a trip to Hertford when this popped up as a place of interest and we dropped in. What a super surprise in the middle of a housing area. Wonderful volunteer staff too who were fonts of information about not only the grotto but the area too. We loved our little journey into this forgotton subterranium gem. It's not big, and it's not flashy, but it is interesting and unique and at £1 donation to enter, one of the cheapest places of interest I have ever been to. Simply loved it!
Written August 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK1,593 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
If it had not been for trip advisor I would not have known about Scott's Grotto.
It's signposted from outside the college on the road between Amwell and Hertford.
The Grotto is only open on Saturday and bank Holiday Monday afternoons so parking is not a problem as you can park on the streets in the surrounding area however I would imagine during the week you would struggle to find a parking space.
There are stewards in the grotto and summer house who are available to answer any questions.
I would definitley recommend you bring a torch although the stewards do have torches if you don't have one.
The grotto is separated into different rooms and all are decorated with sea shells, pieces of flint and other rocks.
It's a very magical place and would recommend it to anyone who loves something a little different!
It's signposted from outside the college on the road between Amwell and Hertford.
The Grotto is only open on Saturday and bank Holiday Monday afternoons so parking is not a problem as you can park on the streets in the surrounding area however I would imagine during the week you would struggle to find a parking space.
There are stewards in the grotto and summer house who are available to answer any questions.
I would definitley recommend you bring a torch although the stewards do have torches if you don't have one.
The grotto is separated into different rooms and all are decorated with sea shells, pieces of flint and other rocks.
It's a very magical place and would recommend it to anyone who loves something a little different!
Written May 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JaneLotriet
London, UK16 contributions
Sep 2016 • Family
Went into Scotts Grotto on Ware Heritage day this weekend past. I found the guides to be knowledgeable and keen to impart their wisdom, they were approachable but not too in your face. The grotto itself is small and doesn't take long to go around but it's an interesting structure that has stood the test of time. After hearing about how it was going to be knocked down and built over before a decision to save it was made, I was all the more grateful to be able to experince it. It is a good all-weather activity and we found a lovely pub at the end of the road (to the right on the main road - Rotal Oak) to get a well deserved drink after the hill climb. Lots of steps so sadly my elderly aunt couldn't partake.
Written September 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Corinne S
Hertford, England, United Kingdom4 contributions
Apr 2015 • Family
Built for John Scott an eighteenth century poet the grotto is an important part of Ware's local history. Total visit time for us turned out to be just over 30mins, however we have been before, if it's your first visit you may take a while longer. The children enjoyed exploring the underground grotto which is decorated with shells & flint. The largest of the under ground rooms is the Council chamber and this is the most highly decorated of all the chambers. It is dark in the grotto so you will need to take a torch. Above the grotto there is a summer house further up on the plot of land. It has a large cavernous hole dug out beneath it. I have been fortunate enough to peer down this hole several years ago, however on our most recent visit we were told that this is no longer allowed. I expect this is due to the fear that someone may fall in. A point that I feel is important to note is that you need to be able bodied to get around the grotto and up to the summer house due to uneven ground and steep inclines. £1 donation entry for adults is requested & entrance is free to children.
Written April 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rlglenn652
Westcliff-on-Sea, UK115 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
What a wonderful place this is! It's small, but for a grotto it's a good size. It takes about 15 minutes to walk round, but make sure you sit down whilst inside and appreciate the history and work gone into this gem. A wonderful place!
Written September 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mel
11 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
This is such a fantastic little place to spend half an hour or so. Every time I have been I love it, it's just different and yet quite eerie. Would recommend to all, but if you struggle with walking and such, maybe not a great place as it is tight and you do need to be careful with your footing in parts.
Written July 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scotts Grotto
- Scotts Grotto is open:
- Sat - Sat 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
- Hotels near Scotts Grotto:
- (0.30 mi) Premier Inn Ware hotel
- (0.31 mi) The Brewery Tap
- (2.21 mi) Number One Port Hill
- (0.32 mi) The Lodgings
- (1.45 mi) Fanhams Hall Hotel
- Restaurants near Scotts Grotto:
- (0.24 mi) Neelakash
- (0.34 mi) The Village Taverna
- (0.30 mi) Casa Lua
- (0.29 mi) The Sea Tree Ware
- (0.34 mi) Manolya