Pictures of Hemel Hempstead

About Hemel Hempstead

Set in a delightful valley of the Chilterns, formed by the River Gade, the town is noted for its variety of old buildings which include the Norman church dedicated to St.Mary. Tudor cottages and in the old High Street, there are buildings from the 17th and 18th-century, many with bow-fronted shop windows.

A new town was added in 1947, its centre runs parallel to the river Gade, with the old part of the town at its northernmost end. The Grand Union Canal runs to the south, along here boaters will find a wide selection of riverside inns. These can also be reached on foot along a towpath. Once, almost derelict, the canal is now a busy thoroughfare for pleasure craft. Almost all of boats find a stopping place (usually a watering hole) from which to take the time to enjoy a look around the town. The town has many attractive open-air sculptures, one of the most famous is of Honore de Balzac, a French novelist of the 19th-century, it is by French sculptor, Auguste Rodin who was born in 1840 and died in 1917.

Although much of Hertfordshire is now a commuting area, there are still many villages retaining their natural Chiltern charm and atmosphere where peace and solitude can still be found. Hemel Hempstead has much to attract the visitor including high quality hotels, inns and public houses. There is a museum at nearby Tring, with The Ridgeway Path passing just a short distance away.

Places to visit include: The Bridgewater Monument, Ashbridge Estate (NT), see the sculptures in the town or visit St.Mary's Church.