Hemel Hempstead is a Town in the county of Hertfordshire.
Hemel Hempstead is a large town in Hertfordshire, located about 24 miles northwest of central London. It sits within the borough of Dacorum and is part of the Greater London commuter belt. The town has grown significantly in the post-war era but retains a long history that dates back to at least the 8th century.
The original settlement developed around the church of St Mary’s, which was built in the 12th century and still stands today in what is now known as the Old Town. This part of Hemel Hempstead retains a more traditional character, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and independent shops and pubs.
After World War II, Hemel Hempstead was designated as a New Town in 1947 to help relieve housing pressure in London. A modern town centre was planned and built, including wide pedestrianised areas, the Marlowes shopping precinct, and housing developments that expanded the town outward. This resulted in a marked contrast between the old and new parts of the town.
The River Gade runs through the town, along with the Grand Union Canal, which adds scenic interest and provides routes for walking and cycling. Nearby Gadebridge Park offers green open space close to the centre, and the surrounding Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies just beyond the town, offering countryside escapes.
Hemel Hempstead has strong transport links, with a mainline railway station offering fast services to London Euston, and access to the M1 and M25 motorways nearby. It is also close to Luton Airport.
Today, Hemel Hempstead is a mix of historical roots and modern development, with a growing population and continued investment in regeneration and infrastructure. Its combination of commuter convenience, local heritage, and green surroundings makes it a notable town in southern England.
Hemel Hempstead postcode: HP1 1EW
There are great places to visit near Hemel Hempstead including some great cities, villages, lakes, parks, hiking areas, towns, geological features, woodlands, nature reserves, waterfalls, historic buildings, gardens, country parks, ruins, shopping centres, attractions, castles and bluebell woods.
The area around Hemel Hempstead boasts some of the best cities including Letchworth, and St Albans.
There are a number of villages near Hemel Hempstead including Norton, Redbourn, Anstey, Therfield, Chorleywood, Essendon, and Great Amwell.
There are a several good lakes in the Hemel Hempstead area like Norton Pond, Radwell Mill Lake, and Hatfield Forest Lake.
Hemel Hempstead's best nearby parks can be found at Broadway Gardens, and Chorleywood Common.
The area around Hemel Hempstead features a number of interesting hiking areas including Letchworth’s Greenway, and Oughtonhead Common Nature Reserve.
The area around Hemel Hempstead boasts some of the best towns including Hitchin, Bishop's Stortford, Royston, Welwyn Garden City, Baldock, Sawbridgeworth, and Hatfield.
Don't miss Hill End Chalk Pit's geological features if visiting the area around Hemel Hempstead.
The area around Hemel Hempstead features a number of interesting woodlands including Hitchwood, Hatfield Forest, and Ashridge Estate.
Hemel Hempstead's best nearby nature reserves can be found at Oughtonhead Common Nature Reserve, Stotfold Watermill and Nature Reserve, and Chorleywood Common.
The area around Hemel Hempstead's best waterfalls can be found at Oughtonhead Waterfall.
Historic Buildings to visit near Hemel Hempstead include Stotfold Watermill and Nature Reserve, Church of Saint Mary at Hitchin, Wimpole Hall, Wimpole Ruins, Hatfield House, and Rye House Gatehouse.
Don't miss Hitchin Lavender's gardens if visiting the area around Hemel Hempstead.
There are a number of country parks near Hemel Hempstead including Hatfield Forest, Wimpole Estate, Stanborough Park, Pishiobury Park, and Ashridge Estate.
Wimpole Ruins, and Berkhamsted Castle are great places to visit near Hemel Hempstead if you like ruins.
atria Watford is one of Hemel Hempstead's best, nearby shopping centres to visit in Hemel Hempstead.
Hemel Hempstead has some unmissable attractions nearby like Planet Ice Hemel Hempstead, and East Herts Miniature Railway.
There are a several good castles in the area around Hemel Hempstead like Berkhamsted Castle.
The area around Hemel Hempstead's best bluebell woods can be found at Ashridge Estate.
Hemel Hempstead History
There are some historic monuments around Hemel Hempstead:
