We asked you for your list of things that you must do in Royston…
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Visit Royston Cave
Royston Cave is unique in Europe and still largely unexplained. The age of the Cave is uncertain but it is a man-made cavern in the shape of a beehive, with a small aperture at the top for ventilation. It’s most remarkable feature is an extensive range of wall carvings representing the Crucifixion, the Holy Family and several saints, among them St Katherine, St Laurence and St Christopher.
The latest research carried out by Philip Lankester, retired curator at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, indicates that, in his opinion, the carvings couldn’t have been made prior to 1350 which makes it less likely that the Knights Templar had a hand in the carving.
The Cave remains a mystery and a visit to see for yourself and make up your own mind is a must.
Royston Cave
www.roystoncave.co.uk
Walk on the Heath
Therfield Heath is situated to the west of Royston, and extends for almost 2½ miles, covering an area of some 420 acres. Walks here are delightful no matter what the season and the landscape varies from open chalk grassland to areas of coniferous and broad leaf woodland. The Bronze age burial tumili and the Stone Age Long Barrows make the landscape even more fascinating.
Drink Cocktails in Ad Hoc
Set in The Old Court House on Fish Hill’s recently renovated Market Square. Ad Hoc offers classy cocktails in elegant surroundings. On Friday nights from 5 – 8pm cocktails are two for one…
Ad Hoc Bar & Kitchen
www.adhocbarandkitchen.com
Fly a Kite
Royston’s Annual Kite Festival is certainly not the only time you can see kites flying on the wide open spaces of the Heath. Whether you have a single string traditional model or a whizzy complicated stunt kite you can almost always guarantee enough of a breeze to have some fun.
The Heath Sports Club
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Go Sledging
One again the Heath is the venue for this Bucket List suggestion. On snow days the it’s place to be! Climb up One Hill and then hurtle back down on a sledge grinning widely! A cup of hot chocolate to warm up afterwards at The Heath Sports Club is a must!
The Heath Sports Club
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View Pasque Flowers
This nationally scarce species, of which there are only 19 known populations in the UK, most of which are critically small, blooms on the Heath on Church Hill at Easter time. Other rare plants to look for include the Spotted Cats Ear, Bastard Toadflax, Wild Candytuft and Lesser Meadow Rue. Several species of Orchid grow on the Heath, and it also harbours many different mosses, lichen and fungi.
The Heath Sports Club
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The Heath Conservators
www.conservators-of-therfield-heath.org.uk
Visit Royston Museum & Art Gallery
Royston & District Museum & Art Gallery sits at the heart of the Royston community and celebrates the wonderful stories of the town and its people. Housing regularly changing Art Exhibitions and fascinating exhibits including the Royston Crow Archive and the Royston Tapestry it places Royston in context as a historical market town.
Royston Museum & Art Gallery
www.roystonmuseum.org.uk
Play Golf
The course is a Par 70, 6,042 yard, 18 hole course with practice facilities and tuition available to all and visitors can play any day of the week.
Arguably you will not find a fairer test of your golfing skills. With two par 3s over 220 yards and a couple of driveable par 4s, no two holes are alike. Royston is per shot as long on average as most par 72s. The course will never cease to delight the enthusiastic golfer.
Royston Golf Club
www.roystongolfclub.co.uk
Run Royston in Blue
Since 2012 when Royston in Blue first created a wave of Blue across the Heath in late June fund raising for Teenage Cancer Trust, this event has grown into one of Royston main calendar fixtures. The 5km event is open to everybody and the emphasis is very much on fun – be prepared to be moved by the atmosphere on race day!
Royston in Blue
www.roystoninblue.co.uk
Visit Royston Craft Market
Wonderful Craft Fairs are held in the Town Hall with high quality, contemporary crafts for sale. Support local artisans, buy unique gifts or attend a workshop. There is a tea shop too in case you are need of refreshments!
Royston Craft Market
Facebook: roystoncraft
Watch a Film at The Picture Palace
Royston’s Community Cinema “ The Picture Palace” is an fantastic asset to the town. Run by volunteers it opens its doors on Fridays, Saturdays and some Sundays. Look out for the monthly Children’s Saturday Matinees!
Royston Picture Palace
www.roystonpicturepalace.org.uk
Go to a Folk Night at The Bull
Royston Folk Club is held at The Old Bull Inn on the second and last Fridays of each month. It showcases an eclectic and entertaining musical mix of both trad and contemporary folk and is very popular.
Royston Folk Club
www.roystonfolk.org
Listen to the Town Band
Royston Town Band can proudly boast of serving the town during three centuries, as it was founded in the mid-1800’s. At a time when the population of Royston was less than 3,000, such an organisation was regarded as an integral part of local life. Today it plays at many local events throughout the year and is much loved.
Royston Town Band
Facebook: roystontownband
