Discover the Top 5 Abandoned Places in Hertfordshire: explore eerie, historic locations perfect for urbex enthusiasts and lovers of mystery.
Hertfordshire, with its charming countryside, historic estates, and close ties to London, also holds a variety of abandoned places that capture elements of its past. From old hospitals and military bunkers to grand mansions, these locations reveal a haunting side of the county’s heritage. Here are 5 of the most captivating abandoned places in Hertfordshire for urban explorers and history enthusiasts.
1. Harperbury Hospital
Originally opened as a mental health facility in the 1920s, Harperbury Hospital was used for several decades before it was mostly abandoned in the early 2000s. The remaining wards, treatment rooms, and corridors lie empty and decaying, with peeling paint and overgrown grounds. Known for its eerie atmosphere and stories of paranormal sightings, the hospital’s abandoned buildings offer a haunting look into the history of mental health treatment in Hertfordshire.
2. The Old Shenley Hospital
Shenley Hospital was built in 1934 as a psychiatric hospital and later used as a general hospital before it was decommissioned in the 1990s. Although parts of the site have been repurposed, many of the original buildings remain untouched, with empty wards, derelict hallways, and broken windows. The old hospital serves as a reminder of Hertfordshire’s medical history and has attracted those interested in exploring its haunting, forgotten structures.
3. Balls Park Mansion (Abandoned Sections)
Balls Park Mansion is an 18th-century manor house with stunning Jacobean architecture and expansive grounds. Although part of the estate has been preserved, some sections of the mansion remain in disrepair, with empty rooms, decaying woodwork, and faded plaster walls. The mansion’s abandoned sections are a haunting reminder of its aristocratic past, capturing the elegance and eventual decline of historic country houses.
4. The North Mymms Bunkers
Hidden beneath the Hertfordshire countryside, the North Mymms Bunkers were built during World War II as part of a secret network of bunkers designed to protect against potential invasions. Though rarely accessible, the underground rooms, decaying machinery, and echoing halls provide a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s wartime preparations. The bunkers are a favorite for history buffs interested in exploring the forgotten remnants of World War II in Hertfordshire.
5. Tyttenhanger House (Abandoned Sections)
Once a grand mansion dating back to the 16th century, Tyttenhanger House is partially abandoned, with several of its outbuildings and parts of the main house left to decay. The property’s overgrown gardens, ivy-covered walls, and broken windows create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, making it a compelling site for those interested in Hertfordshire’s aristocratic history and architectural heritage.
