The royal hunting trail: kings, tinkers and a lost deer park

Four centuries ago, this corner of England was royal hunting country. James I loved Theobalds, his great palace near Cheshunt, and in 1618 he enclosed Northaw Common to enlarge its park. Here is a day that follows his footsteps.

1. Northaw village green

Start where the royal story begins. King James' Fund, created when the common was enclosed, still supports the parish today. Coffee or an early lunch at the Two Brewers, said to date from 1572.

2. Into the Great Wood

Walk the trails of Northaw Great Wood, once part of the vast woodland that kings and abbots fought over.

3. The King & Tinker

Drive south to Whitewebbs for a pint at the King & Tinker, where James I is said to have drunk, unrecognised, with a travelling tinker.

4. Forty Hall

Finish at the Jacobean Forty Hall and its organic vineyard, built in the same royal century.