Situated in the picturesque county of Hertfordshire, this former agricultural village has become an upmarket commuter town that prides itself on its warm community spirit and village feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sandwiched between the beautiful city of St Albans and the large town of Luton, at the centre of Harpenden is a valley which the town is named after. \u2018Herpe dene<\/em>\u2019 means \u2018the military path through the valley\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With verdant countryside still in abundance, Harpenden is now a prosperous commuter town of around 30,000 residents that retains a pleasing sense of countryside charm. In fact, locals are often heard to say they are \u201cgoing to the village\u201d when referring to the attractive high street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Offering every type of property imaginable, you can find charming, red-brick Victorian and Edwardian homes to lavish, contemporary new-builds that are designed with families and communal living in mind. Aside from the lush green parks and countryside vibe, the number of outstanding state schools in Harpenden are also a big draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thinking about making the move? Here are a few more reasons that Harpenden might be for you. Ideally placed for commuters, Harpenden residents can reach London St Pancras International in less than half an hour by direct train, Gatwick Airport in an hour and 10 minutes and Luton Airport Parkway in just six minutes. Those living in Harpenden can also make use of train links to Luton and Bedford in the north, and services extending beyond central London, to Brighton, Wimbledon and Sutton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Close to the M1, travelling by car is also an easy option for getting around the local area. Junction 9 provides access to Redbourn and Dunstable and Junction 10 to Luton and Luton Airport. The A1 and M25 are also nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are four main bus routes<\/a> passing through Harpenden, with 59 bus services transporting commuters to Luton, St Albans, Watford, Redbourn and South Hatfield. There is also a charity-run community bus service called the Harpenden Hopper<\/a>, which is a \u2018hail and ride\u2019 service operating in various parts of the town five days a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearest stations: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A family-oriented area, Harpenden is home to several state primary schools, including Crabtree Junior School, High Beeches Primary School and Roundwood Primary School, which were all rated as \u2018outstanding\u2019 by Ofsted<\/a> at their last inspections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The three \u2018outstanding\u2019 state secondary schools in the town; St George\u2019s (a day and boarding school) Roundwood Park and Sir John Lawes, are also a big draw for people considering moving to the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Private schools<\/a> are also excellent in Harpenden and include Aldwickbury School for boys, St Hilda\u2019s School for girls (with a co-educational nursery), and The King\u2019s School, which teaches \u2028boys and girls from pre-school to Year 11.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of further education, along with numerous colleges<\/a>, the nearest university to Harpenden is the University of Hertfordshire<\/a> \u2013 one of the top 200 universities in the world<\/a> \u2013 whilst many of the top UK universities can be found in London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New mums can socialise with other local mums<\/a> in Harpenden at a variety of baby and toddler groups which include music classes, baby sensory classes and messy play. The Hoop<\/a> app is ideal for searching all kids\u2019 activities within Harpenden, whilst Mush<\/a> is the easiest way to connect with mums or mums-to-be in the area. A small town with lush green spaces<\/a> and a famous 238-acre Common, Harpenden offers an eclectic selection of leisure facilities and amenities. Perfect for families and couples, there are plenty of places to visit and lots of entertainment for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Batford Springs Local Nature Reserve<\/a>, alongside the River Lea, makes a lovely day out with the children where they can marvel at the colourful flora and fauna, paddle in the river during the warmer months, and play in the park. Lydekker Park<\/a> has received two Green Flag awards and its three acres of nature conservation are ideal for walks and feeding the ducks, whilst the park also hosts events and festivals throughout the year. Organised treasure hunts are extremely popular with local children and provide great fun for the family<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avid cyclists and walkers can stretch their legs and clock up some miles on the Nickey Line \u2013 a disused railway line \u2013 which extends nine miles towards Redbourn, whilst the National Cycle Network<\/a> will take you to Luton. Meanwhile, adrenaline-junkies flock to Rothamsted Park<\/a>, with its amazing variety of amenities: a skate park, a zipline, tennis courts, football courts, playgrounds, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, cricket facilities and a leisure centre. The Harpenden Carnival and Highland Games<\/a> are also held in the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the town centre, Bowers Parade Sensory Garden provides respite from browsing the fabulous collection of chain and independent shops, and the town\u2019s numerous greens and pretty tree-lined paths contribute splashes of colour and pleasant scents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Delectable dining options<\/a> in Harpenden are aplenty, with big-name favourites like Prezzo and Strada, as well as quaint coffee shops, cafes, independent restaurants, juice and milkshake bars, cosy inns and local gastropubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is also a local sports centre<\/a> with a gym, fitness classes, spa and swimming pool. Parents can enjoy a workout in peace by dropping the kids at the onsite cr\u00e8che too if they wish. A Fairtrade town<\/a> reminiscent of a traditional village, Harpenden regularly hosts community initiatives and events in keeping with its village feel. These include outdoor cinemas on the common, buzzing summer<\/a> and Christmas<\/a> carnivals, street food festivals, monthly farmers\u2019 markets and the popular Classic Car Show<\/a> in July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Harpenden Public Halls<\/a> is an entertainment venue that is affectionately known as the hub of the community. Opened in 1938, the Public Halls were refurbished in the late 1980s as a memorial to Eric Morecambe who had lived in Harpenden and often referred to the town in his comedy sketches. In the 1960s, famous faces such as Van Morrison and Rod Stewart also graced the floors. Today, local club and society events are held, along with youth theatre productions, dance classes, antiques fairs, wedding receptions and conferences \u2013 not forgetting the Harpenden Gang Show<\/a>, which has been performing every year since 1949 and is the world\u2019s longest continuously running variety Gang Show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a flavour of Harpenden\u2019s history, although now filled in, people can discover the heritage of the town\u2019s four WW2 air raid shelters. Interesting interpretation boards and 3D images of the shelters are on display around the town. Sports-lovers, meanwhile, can watch Harpenden Cricket Club in action on Harpenden Common, where it has played for more than 150 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Harpenden is a low-crime area, where the local police and the community work together to keep the town safe. Neighbourhood surgeries are held weekly in the town, so residents can discuss local policing issues and receive crime prevention advice. There are also dedicated Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) officers based at Harpenden Police Station.More information on specific crime and policing in Harpenden can be found at https:\/\/www.police.uk\/hertfordshire\/F01\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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