Hemel Hempstead

What is Hemel Hempstead Like? 

Nestled at the foot of the Chiltern Hills within the Gade Valley, Hemel Hempstead is a town of hidden gems. Dating back to the 8th Century, Hemel Hempstead saw a great deal of expansion after the Second World War to help home our troops after they came home. These days, it’s a town of two faces. The New Town centre, built in the 1960s, is the heart of the modern high street face of Hemel Hempstead. 

But, just around the corner, you’ll find the far more ancient Old Town offers the cobbled streets, nooks, crannies, and independent shops you’d expect from a market town. 

With a fantastic selection of good schools and a location just 20 minutes from London by train, Hemel Hempstead is perfect for those working in the capital who want to raise a family. Jarman Park is home to a concentration of fantastic activity centres that can see you skiing, indoor caving, or sprinting around the 400m athletics track. 

With green spaces galore, excellent transport links, and plenty to do, some of the best highlights of Hemel Hempstead include: 

• The cobbled streets of historical Old Town, filled with independent shops, hidden gems, and a monthly market provide a beautiful retail refuge. 
• New Town offers a more modern town centre, with high street brands and the Marlowes Shopping Centre to satisfy any craving for urban living. 
• Jarman Park is home to a fantastic variety of activity centres such as The Snow Centre, extreme sports at XC, or the athletics track. 
• The arts are well represented in Hemel Hempstead, with the Old Town Hall hosting theatre, film, and a gallery. Couple that with the Hemel Hempstead Theatre Company and you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Bars, Restaurants and Nightlife 

Hemel Hempstead offers a fantastic range of places to eat, drink, or enjoy an evening’s entertainment. 

The Cochin Restaurant offers delicious south Indian cuisine in a friendly, welcoming restaurant with staff that work hard to ensure you enjoy every moment of your visit. If you’re not sure what to order, the staff will use their expertise to recommend just the right dish. Combined with a cosy atmosphere, you’ll be sure to come back again and again. 

Meat lovers will adore Villas Brazil, where a choice selection of meats are slowly roasted and hand-carved at your table for an authentic Brazilian experience. You can control just how much meat is brought to your table with a double-sided card that either invites more or gives you time for a breather! 

If you’re looking for somewhere to have a drink and a meal, head to the Bell Bovingdon. A family-run pub with traditional log fires and cosy low ceilings, it’s the perfect place to go for a cosy drink or a quintessentially British roast dinner. In warmer months, head outside into the garden terrace and soak up the sun. 

The Marchmont Arms describes itself as a premium pub, bar, and restaurant. The building used to be a stately home resting on the outskirts of Hemel Hempstead, but has since been converted into a stylish, spacious pub that boasts a huge range of beers, wines, and spirits. It also has a dedicated restaurant area which is popular with residents. 

There’s so much happening at The Old Town Hall that you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy. Sitting on the High Street of Old Town, the building is a beautiful structure from the 1850s that has been lovingly crafted into a theatre that hosts comedy, drama, music, and even film. There’s even a gallery that hosts art from local artists. 

Leisure Centres and Outdoor Activities 

Whether you want a traditional workout or something a little different, there are plenty of options in Hemel Hempstead. 

However you’re looking to get moving, Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre is bound to have the answer. The gym is packed with state-of-the-art stations that include both cardio and resistance equipment, and the fitness studio hosts a huge range of classes suitable no matter where you are on your fitness journey. Swimmers can choose between indoor and outdoor pools, and there’s a kid’s paddling pool too. There’s also an artificial football pitch, squash courts, and a sports hall. 

For something a little different, visit Jarman Park. It’s home to the Snow Centre, which boasts slopes as large as 160m where you can ski or snowboard. The emphasis is placed on lessons, but you can also make a “freestyle” visit and make the most of the slopes at your own pace. Or try the extreme sports facility at XC. Featuring a 14m climbing wall, an extreme sports skate park, indoor caving system, bouldering and high ropes, the XC offers a fantastically fun way to get active while trying something different! Finally, Jarman Park Athletics track offers a full 400m running track, and you can enjoy activities such as long- and triple-jump, hammer, discus, javelin, shot put, high jump and pole vault. There’s even a full 11-a-side football pitch too. 

For something a little more relaxed, golfers will be drawn to Little Hay Golf Complex, which welcomes keen amateurs or seasoned players alike. Set within the beautiful Chiltern hills, Little Hay offers a superb 18-hole course as well as putting greens, a pitch and putt course, and a 23-bay driving range. 

History of Hemel Hempstead

The roots of Hemel Hempstead can be traced as far back as Roman times. Traces of the town’s Roman past can be seen to this day, including a well-preserved burial mound in the Highfield area.

It began to rise in prominence in the mid-to-late 18^th century, owing to its key position on the shortest route between the capital and the industrial heartland of the Midlands. The important Sparrows Herne Turnpike Road and Grand Junction Canal both ran through Hemel Hempstead, while the London and Birmingham Railway came to town in 1837. When the Midland Railway also built a branch line, the town became increasingly popular with London commuters, prompting the development of new villas and houses.

After World War II, the government found itself struggling to rehouse London residents and businesses who lost their properties during the Blitz. One of the solutions was the development of several nearby “new towns”, including Hemel Hempstead. This led to the construction of new homes in the Adeyfield area, followed by an overhaul of the town centre.

Redevelopment of the town centre as envisaged by architect Geoffrey Jellicoe was largely finished by 1962, after which a series of expansion plans were drawn up. Jellicoe’s vision for the town revolved around creating a series of village-style residential areas, each with its own shops, pubs and services – a system that can still be seen today.