Hertfordshire lies between Bedfordshire in the north, Cambridgeshire in the north-east, Buckinghamshire in the west, Essex in the east and central London only twelve miles to the south. The county covers approximately 630 square miles. Hertfordshire Tourist Information centres offer visitors information, help and advice from their centres around the County.  The Chiltern Hills to the north west of the county are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Around half of Hertfordshire has been designated as 'Green Belt' and there are 43 sites of Special Scientific Interest, 1 National Nature Reserve and 15 Local Nature Reserves. Farm land, ancient woodland and river valleys combine to make up the beautiful and varied landscape.  Away from the main roads many old villages remain unspoiled with thatched cottages and leafy lanes.