Balls Park is a private property which is not accessible to the public, but there are plenty of walks in the area. The mansion is located in the centre of the old college campus and was built by Sir John Harrison in 1640 during the reign of Charles I. The mansion is situated in over 100 acres of attractive parkland which is currently being developed for attractive housing on the outskirts of the market town of Hertford with its fine, old buildings. The grade I listed Hertford Castle which was a Royal Palace for 300 years is located in attractive gardens on the site of a Norman castle - the mound and the remains of the 12th century flint/stone curtain walls can still be seen. The town centre has many Georgian shop-fronts, delightful old pubs such as the Salisbury Arms, dating from Medieval times and decorated with lavish plasterwork.  The Shire hall was where Darcy first met Elizabeth in Austen's Pride & Prejudice and W E Johns who wrote the Biggles adventures grew up in the town.  Narrow-boats are a common sight on the Lee Navigation. There are many good walks along the rivers and canals in and around Hertford and there is a great cafe culture in the town.