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The Scott family lived in what is now called Amwell House, which had extensive grounds including a large garden. Grotto building was fashionable in the mid 18the Century, so when John Scott decided to rebuild the family house and to landscape the garden, he also created the grotto. The grotto extends 67 ft (20m) into a chalk hillside. Above the grotto, on top of the hill, you can also discover the summerhouse, which in the 18th Century would have commanded a wonderful view over Ware. Scott’s Grotto extensively restored in 1990 and is a Grade I listed site. The summerhouse and gardens are Grade II.
Scott’s Grotto is located between numbers 28 and 34 Scott’s Road, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9JQ. It is open from the beginning of April to the end of September from 2pm to 4.40 each Saturday and Bank holiday Monday. Group visits can also be arranged at other times by prior arrangement. Please contact the warden on 01920 464131 for further details. Entrance is free, but a suggested donation of £1 per person would be appreciated.
Visitors are strongly advised to wear flat shoes and to bring a torch. The underground system is unlit and in some places the floor is uneven and the ceilings are low. In the garden there are steps leading down to the grotto and up to the summerhouse. Visitors are requested to stay on the paths leading to the grotto and summerhouse and not to climb the banks. Unfortunately, there is no access foe wheelchair users.
For further information about Scott’s Grotto, please visit www.eastherts.gov.uk/grotto or contact the warden on 01920 464131.