Scotts Grotto
Scotts Grotto
5
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Closed October to April, summer opening only due to hibernating bats. Reopens first Saturday in April.
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5.0
65 reviews
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TiredTrotter
Hertfordshire, UK379 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
A remarkable curiosity and a powerful reminder of what this part of England was once like before it was swallowed up by suburbia. The grotto itself is small and doesn’t take long to tour, but you might find yourself taking more time to hear expert commentary from the very knowledgeable and approachable guides, who I understand are volunteers. The gardens above are not exactly magnificent (and are nowadays flanked by rather unprepossessing houses), but they are quiet and pleasant, and contain both a roundhouse with paintings of the area in Scott’s time, and the remains of an old tree that he once cherished. An unusual and memorable experience to visit here.
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharryayr
Bedfordshire, UK92 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
We saw this online and thought we would check it out..
What a magical place this is! It doesn’t take very long to go around (10-15mins) but it really is worth it. If you are visiting Ware then do stop by.
What a magical place this is! It doesn’t take very long to go around (10-15mins) but it really is worth it. If you are visiting Ware then do stop by.
Written 11 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RJenkins
London, UK2 contributions
Jun 2022
Alan was very informative, the grotto is truly something never seen and to think that it was built in the 1700s is remarkable. The shells do ad a certain sea side feeling to the grotto. It is truely magical.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr. John Rudd
Ware, UK115 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 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris D
Hertfordshire, UK17 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
Scott’s Grotto is a hidden little Gem in the twin of Ware. The story behind its construction is fascinating..,. This place used to be unlit when I was a child visiting , however now there is lighting in the reception area and you still need a torch when venturing in to the tunnels. The place kept my 6 year old son entertained for hours... although it large in size you can spend between an hour and two in here and in the grounds.
Written 9 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rlglenn652
Westcliff-on-Sea, UK122 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 21 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 3 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debra M
Redruth, UK225 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 25 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sweenpole2001
London, UK25 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Went here a few times as a kid and was by far one of the most memorable school trips from junior school!
Written 19 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yorkeys
Broxbourne, UK40 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Scott's Grotto is a wonderful hidden gem in Ware. It is definitely worth a visit if you live in or are visiting Ware.
Make sure to check the opening dates has times before you go as these are limited - Certainly worth a visit though.
Make sure to check the opening dates has times before you go as these are limited - Certainly worth a visit though.
Written 9 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingSCOTTS GROTTO: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Scotts Grotto
- Scotts Grotto is open:
- Sat - Sat 14:00 - 16:30
- Hotels near Scotts Grotto:
- (0.30 mi) Premier Inn Ware hotel
- (0.22 mi) Ware Holiday house. Luxury, fully serviced short term accommodation
- (0.31 mi) The Brewery Tap
- (0.32 mi) The Lodgings
- (2.21 mi) Number One Port Hill
- Restaurants near Scotts Grotto:
- (0.34 mi) The Village Taverna
- (0.24 mi) Neelakash
- (0.29 mi) The Sea Tree Ware
- (0.30 mi) Casa Lua
- (0.32 mi) The Punch House Pub