Tourism, attractions, restaurants & pubs
City/town information
An evening visit to the 'Old Town' is recommended, the old High Street with a good choice of independent bars and restaurant. A real gem is 'The Old Town Hall' a collection of venues offering live performances by well known artists, comedians and musicians.
Walk to the new town centre north along the canal path.
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Hemel Hempstead
An evening visit to the 'Old Town' is recommended, the old High Street with a good choice of independent bars and restaurant. A real gem is 'The Old Town Hall' a collection of venues offering live performances by well known artists, comedians and musicians.
Walk to the new town centre north along the canal path.
Charming village high street with choice of pubs, restaurants and cafes and some lovely boutique shops. Food and drink at Dallings Cafe & Deli is a bit special or try the Rose and Crown a gastro pub at the far side of the village. Half hour walk south on canal path or 10 minute drive.
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Kings Langley
Charming village high street with choice of pubs, restaurants and cafes and some lovely boutique shops. Food and drink at Dallings Cafe & Deli is a bit special or try the Rose and Crown a gastro pub at the far side of the village. Half hour walk south on canal path or 10 minute drive.
Historic market town with lovely high street and friendly people. The castle ruins are behind the train station. Look out for the tea shop on the 3rd floor of the antique shop, or try 'Here' a great cafe/bar offering great food locally sourced. You can walk to it north along the canal path in a couple of hours, drive in 25 minutes or it's 2 stops on the train.
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Berkhamsted
Historic market town with lovely high street and friendly people. The castle ruins are behind the train station. Look out for the tea shop on the 3rd floor of the antique shop, or try 'Here' a great cafe/bar offering great food locally sourced. You can walk to it north along the canal path in a couple of hours, drive in 25 minutes or it's 2 stops on the train.
Tons of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs in a medieval market town. Book a guided tour of the 1000 year old abbey with a local volunteer guide. 20 minute drive, buses also available.
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St Albans
Tons of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs in a medieval market town. Book a guided tour of the 1000 year old abbey with a local volunteer guide. 20 minute drive, buses also available.
Half hour away with trains every half hour from Apsley train station into Kings Cross St Pancras for transfer to tubes. Apsley Station is 10 minute walk north along the canal path.
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London
Half hour away with trains every half hour from Apsley train station into Kings Cross St Pancras for transfer to tubes. Apsley Station is 10 minute walk north along the canal path.
Sightseeing
Advance booking essential for an unforgettable day out for Harry Potter fans. 10 minute drive. https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIt-DuotnL8AIV-v3VCh0SHwybEAAYASAAEgKSPfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
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Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Studio Tour DriveAdvance booking essential for an unforgettable day out for Harry Potter fans. 10 minute drive. https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIt-DuotnL8AIV-v3VCh0SHwybEAAYASAAEgKSPfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Less than 5 minutes to a well loved nature reserve with many options for local walks. Head for a high point for views over the valley.
Longdean Park
Longdean ParkLess than 5 minutes to a well loved nature reserve with many options for local walks. Head for a high point for views over the valley.
World's oldest mechanical papermill. Great museum showcasing the area's history with paper making. Book a guided tour or a canal boat ride! Walking distance or 5 minute drive away. https://www.frogmorepapermill.org.uk/
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Frogmore Paper Mill
Fourdrinier WayWorld's oldest mechanical papermill. Great museum showcasing the area's history with paper making. Book a guided tour or a canal boat ride! Walking distance or 5 minute drive away. https://www.frogmorepapermill.org.uk/
Spacious ruins of a historic castle, perfect for a picnic. Hidden behind the train station, 2 stops along train line or 25 minute drive. Free entry https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/berkhamsted-castle/
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Berkhamsted Castle
White HillSpacious ruins of a historic castle, perfect for a picnic. Hidden behind the train station, 2 stops along train line or 25 minute drive. Free entry https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/berkhamsted-castle/
A popular collection of picturesque lakes with ample parking, long walks and water sports.
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Rickmansworth Aquadrome
Frogmoor LaneA popular collection of picturesque lakes with ample parking, long walks and water sports.
Food scene
John Dickenson was a wealthy paper maker and friend to Charles Dickens. He built our house for his accountant to live in and whilst he was planning his daughters 'coming out' parties she had already fallen in love with this accountant. John Dickenson hurriedly brought forward his daughter's coming out to polite society but it was too late. Once married John Dickenson built Shendish Manor for his daughter and husband to live in. Now a hotel and golf course with restaurants to choose from walking distance from the flat. https://www.shendish-manor.com/
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Shendish Manor Hotel & Golf Course
London RoadJohn Dickenson was a wealthy paper maker and friend to Charles Dickens. He built our house for his accountant to live in and whilst he was planning his daughters 'coming out' parties she had already fallen in love with this accountant. John Dickenson hurriedly brought forward his daughter's coming out to polite society but it was too late. Once married John Dickenson built Shendish Manor for his daughter and husband to live in. Now a hotel and golf course with restaurants to choose from walking distance from the flat. https://www.shendish-manor.com/
Our preferred local. Smart gastro pub with outside seating alongside the canal. 10 minute walk north along canal path and 2 minutes from the train station- popular with commuters on their way home on a Friday. https://www.papermillapsley.co.uk/
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The Paper Mill
Stationers PlaceOur preferred local. Smart gastro pub with outside seating alongside the canal. 10 minute walk north along canal path and 2 minutes from the train station- popular with commuters on their way home on a Friday. https://www.papermillapsley.co.uk/
Nearest pub, friendly place with huge garden with marques etc. On canal side, 5 minute walk. https://redlionhemel.com/
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The Red Lion
Crete Hall RoadNearest pub, friendly place with huge garden with marques etc. On canal side, 5 minute walk. https://redlionhemel.com/
Cafe and farm shop supporting work with special needs. 20 minute walk north off canal path or use vehicle entrance. Outdoor seating. https://www.sunnysideruraltrust.org.uk/
Sunnyside Rural Trust | Hemel Food Garden
Two Waters RoadCafe and farm shop supporting work with special needs. 20 minute walk north off canal path or use vehicle entrance. Outdoor seating. https://www.sunnysideruraltrust.org.uk/
Shabby chic out door cafe alongside canal with wood fired pizza ovens. 20 minute walk north along canal path. http://www.fisherywharfcafe.co.uk/
Fishery Wharf Cafe
Fishery RoadShabby chic out door cafe alongside canal with wood fired pizza ovens. 20 minute walk north along canal path. http://www.fisherywharfcafe.co.uk/
Cute Italian 10 minute walk north along canal path with outdoor seating.
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Calzone
21 Dickinson QuayCute Italian 10 minute walk north along canal path with outdoor seating.
Modern venue, great service, distinctive food with delicious ingredients. Recommended and within walking distance. https://oliveindianrestaurant.co.uk/
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Olive Indian Restaurant
18 Lawn LnModern venue, great service, distinctive food with delicious ingredients. Recommended and within walking distance. https://oliveindianrestaurant.co.uk/
Eat all you like Brazilian BBQ, 5 minute drive. https://www.bullrodizio.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImfWN_dnL8AIV8_3VCh3HbABQEAAYASAAEgLaVfD_BwE
Bull Rodizio
62 London RoadEat all you like Brazilian BBQ, 5 minute drive. https://www.bullrodizio.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImfWN_dnL8AIV8_3VCh3HbABQEAAYASAAEgLaVfD_BwE
Grand and roomy curry house with great service. https://www.k2baltihouse.co.uk/
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K2 Balti House
5 Two Waters RdGrand and roomy curry house with great service. https://www.k2baltihouse.co.uk/
South Indian specialists, great food, lots of fish, plenty for veggies. 'Keralan Tea Shop Snacks' makes for a fun lunch full of talking points. https://thecochinhempstead.co.uk/
The Cochin
61 High StSouth Indian specialists, great food, lots of fish, plenty for veggies. 'Keralan Tea Shop Snacks' makes for a fun lunch full of talking points. https://thecochinhempstead.co.uk/
Chiang Mai Cottage
80 High StGreat Thai food in Hemel Hempstead Old Town.
Quality Thai, Chinese and Malaysian food for eat in or delivery. https://www.bananaleafhemel.co.uk/
Banana Leaf
127-129 MarlowesQuality Thai, Chinese and Malaysian food for eat in or delivery. https://www.bananaleafhemel.co.uk/
Shabby chic tea rooms with a difference in centre of Hemel Hempstead. Staff often people trying to improve their situation - you pay what you think it's worth, cash only! Friendly place, not for profit, dozens of different teas served in china cups and saucer, try the fish finger sandwich! https://www.libertytearooms.co.uk/
Liberty Tea Rooms & Community Hub
12 Bank CourtShabby chic tea rooms with a difference in centre of Hemel Hempstead. Staff often people trying to improve their situation - you pay what you think it's worth, cash only! Friendly place, not for profit, dozens of different teas served in china cups and saucer, try the fish finger sandwich! https://www.libertytearooms.co.uk/
Cafe, bar and delicatessen. Way above average quality food and drink, very popular with locals. On Kings Langley High Street, half hour walk south along canal path. https://www.dallingandco.com/
Dalling & Co.
20-22 High StCafe, bar and delicatessen. Way above average quality food and drink, very popular with locals. On Kings Langley High Street, half hour walk south along canal path. https://www.dallingandco.com/
Old pub in Kings Langley, very popular with locals, smart with good food and lots of options for vegan/vegetarians. Outdoor seating. Better to book first. Half hour walk along canal tow path. https://www.roseandcrownkingslangley.co.uk/
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The Rose and Crown
60 High StOld pub in Kings Langley, very popular with locals, smart with good food and lots of options for vegan/vegetarians. Outdoor seating. Better to book first. Half hour walk along canal tow path. https://www.roseandcrownkingslangley.co.uk/
Very popular waffle house in old water mill near Roman Verulamium. Sweet and savoury waffles with flavours you won't have tried before. No need to book. https://www.wafflehouse.co.uk/
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The Waffle House
Saint Michael's StreetVery popular waffle house in old water mill near Roman Verulamium. Sweet and savoury waffles with flavours you won't have tried before. No need to book. https://www.wafflehouse.co.uk/
Shabby chic cafe/bar offering well prepared locally sourced food. Just off Berkhamsted High Street. Perfect for brunch, watch out for their gin nights too. http://www.hereberkhamsted.co.uk/
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Here
28-30 Lower Kings RdShabby chic cafe/bar offering well prepared locally sourced food. Just off Berkhamsted High Street. Perfect for brunch, watch out for their gin nights too. http://www.hereberkhamsted.co.uk/
Sweet little café serving coffee, crepes, waffles, sandwiches and breakfast. Newly refurbished and very reasonably priced. 5 minute walk around the corner next to Tesco. http://amyscafe.net/
Amy's Crepes & Sandwiches (&Coffee, Tea, Smoothies)
1 The DenesSweet little café serving coffee, crepes, waffles, sandwiches and breakfast. Newly refurbished and very reasonably priced. 5 minute walk around the corner next to Tesco. http://amyscafe.net/
Neighbourhoods
There are dozens of free walking leaflets searchable by length, season, views, woods, accessibility or region from the Chiltern Society https://chilternsociety.org.uk/free-walks-leaflets/
Chilterns
ChilternsThere are dozens of free walking leaflets searchable by length, season, views, woods, accessibility or region from the Chiltern Society https://chilternsociety.org.uk/free-walks-leaflets/
The Ashridge Estate consists of 5,000 acres of woodland, chalk downlands and lush meadows managed by National Trust. You can walk for miles and see a variety of wildlife such as Fallow deer and Muntjacs as well as the more common, foxes, badgers, squirrels etc. There's shop at the visitor centre, as well as toilets and outdoor cafe, which serves hot meals all day long. If you need help when you arrive you will find a helpful volunteer on the reception desk who can point you in the right direction. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate
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Ashridge House
The Ashridge Estate consists of 5,000 acres of woodland, chalk downlands and lush meadows managed by National Trust. You can walk for miles and see a variety of wildlife such as Fallow deer and Muntjacs as well as the more common, foxes, badgers, squirrels etc. There's shop at the visitor centre, as well as toilets and outdoor cafe, which serves hot meals all day long. If you need help when you arrive you will find a helpful volunteer on the reception desk who can point you in the right direction. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate
Attractions
Historic venue in Hemel Hempstead Old Town, a collection of venues offering live performances by well known faces in comedy, drama, music and dance. https://www.oldtownhall.co.uk/
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The Old Town Hall Arts Centre
High StreetHistoric venue in Hemel Hempstead Old Town, a collection of venues offering live performances by well known faces in comedy, drama, music and dance. https://www.oldtownhall.co.uk/
Hemel Hempstead's real snow slope. Ski, snow board or toboggan only 10 minutes drive from flat. https://www.thesnowcentre.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxNmQho_J8AIV4ujtCh2LdAZwEAAYASAAEgI1ZvD_BwE
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Das Schneezentrum
Saint Albans HillHemel Hempstead's real snow slope. Ski, snow board or toboggan only 10 minutes drive from flat. https://www.thesnowcentre.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxNmQho_J8AIV4ujtCh2LdAZwEAAYASAAEgI1ZvD_BwE
Skate park, climbing and bouldering, 15 minute drive from flat.
https://thexc.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjwnPOEBhA0EiwA609ReT7_L07N-CsjCnYEQKV1okViYziJyRXuM9ohOUMeOUoQKs0RsvnMQhoCdNMQAvD_BwE
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XC
Skate park, climbing and bouldering, 15 minute drive from flat.
https://thexc.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjwnPOEBhA0EiwA609ReT7_L07N-CsjCnYEQKV1okViYziJyRXuM9ohOUMeOUoQKs0RsvnMQhoCdNMQAvD_BwE
Fun golf driving range with a difference. Waits can be long with no booking for non-members. To avoid queuing turn up early for a numbered ticket then go have dinner and return at your time slot.
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Topgolf Watford
Bushey Mill LaneFun golf driving range with a difference. Waits can be long with no booking for non-members. To avoid queuing turn up early for a numbered ticket then go have dinner and return at your time slot.
Amazing place allow a day or two to take it all in (a ticket allows admission for a year). Top secret site of the World War Two enigma code breakers and world's first computer. Museum with interaction and demonstrations. Guided tour recommended, restaurants and cafe available. Direct train available from Apsley Station. https://bletchleypark.org.uk/
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Bletchley Park
Sherwood DriveAmazing place allow a day or two to take it all in (a ticket allows admission for a year). Top secret site of the World War Two enigma code breakers and world's first computer. Museum with interaction and demonstrations. Guided tour recommended, restaurants and cafe available. Direct train available from Apsley Station. https://bletchleypark.org.uk/
Church
Soul Survivor Watford
5-7 Greycaine RdYou're welcome to join us wherever your at on your spiritual journey.