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Hemel Hempstead
Written by Rhea Alex on July 15, 2020 Share on

Best Things to Do in Hemel Hempstead (Hertfordshire, England)

There are a wide array of activities when it comes to some of the best things to do in Hemel Hempstead. The entire region is filled with some great fun attractions that tourists are sure to love and enjoy during the course of their trip. Regardless of whether you’re travelling with kids, are a couple out on your honeymoon or are just on a fun family trip; Hemel Hempstead has so much to offer every single time. 

It was right after the Second World War that the entire region of ‘Hemel Hempstead,’ was called to answer of the UK’s much needed extra housing needs and thus this new town – which was once only a small little settlement alongside the River Gade, has today become home to about 90,000 people and counting. 

The very core of the entire town is said to be found in the ‘Marlowes,’ lands, right across the eastern banks of the Gade. It’s right here that tourists are sure to find some of the greatest of shopping centres and some of the best things to do in Hemel Hempstead, as well. The entire region is filled with a plethora of tourists and locals, flooding the place in the hope to find something new and exciting along the way. 

For those of you who would like to take it a step higher and add a little more personality to your visit. The ‘Old Town,’ located towards the northern part of the region could just be what you’re looking for. The entire place is filled with timber-framed houses, a number of classic amenities – the ‘Old Town Hall Theatre,’ is just one of them, little passageways and so much more. This has got to be one of the best things to do in Hemel Hempstead.

Hemel Hempstead
Image Credit – Wikimedia Commons

So if you’re looking for a rather old school or classic kind of vibe, this has got to be the place for you. When it comes to some amazing walks, with some stellar views, the ‘Hemel Hempstead,’ alongside the ‘Grand Union Canal,’ offers tourists some spectacular walking pathways that you’re sure to love. Located on the eastern flank of the Chilterns, these walkways are some of the most relaxing paths you’d have ventured out on, during the course of your visit.

Tourists could also opt for a romantic setup, something like that of a vineyard tour and experience a world that’s entirely different to what you’ve been exploring and thereby be part of some of the best things to do in Hemel Hempstead. Located just about a few minutes from the central town, the vineyards take tourists down the memory lane, as they witness some of the greatest sights in history. The ‘Tudor mansion,’ a once luxurious piece of property that housed the likes of Elizabeth I, being only one among the many. 

The kind of places you’d want to visit and the areas you’d like to explore entirely depends on the kind of vacation that you’re looking for. Regardless of what’s on your list, you can rest assured that ‘Hemel Hempstead,’ has above and beyond all that you’re looking for.

The place is filled with attractions that are out of the ordinary and are sure to blow your mind away. So go ahead and explore some of the best things to do in Hemel Hempstead. We’ve listed some of the attractions we think you’re going to love, so make sure to read the blog and make the most of your vacation.

Best Things to Do in Hemel Hempstead

1. Old Town

Though the entire region of ‘Hemel Hempstead,’ has been commonly referred to as ‘New Town,’ after the end of the Second World War. What most people do not remain the fact that the town also received a charter from Henry VIII, dating all the way back to the year 1539 and has ever since been of great historic significance as well. It’s along the ‘High Street,’ that the town has one of the finest historic centres you’ll find. 

Old Town
Image Credit – Wikimedia Commons

Tourists are in for a sight that they’re truly going to marvel at, with York stone and granite pavements welcoming them and paving their way. The ‘High Street,’ has been traced back by a number of historians, to about two long rows filled with a number of listed buildings. These buildings date back all the way back to the ‘Tudor,’ era though most of them are of half-timber. This, in turn, has made it undoubtedly the best things to do in Hemel Hempstead.

Tourists can also explore the innumerable streets filed with some of the finest galleries, antique shops, design shops, pubs, upmarket cafes and some amazing international selection of restaurants, as well. If you’re a foodie and would love some amazingly delicious food, this street is right where you should be headed towards. 

Also popularly recognised as one of the ‘prettiest streets in Hertfordshire,’ the ‘High Street,’ most definitely finds itself filed with tourists, hoping for just a bit more. Travellers have found themselves making their way back to the ‘Gadebridge Park,’ ‘St Mary’s Church,’ and ‘Old Town Hall Theatre,’ – all of which have continued to top the best things to do in Hemel Hempstead.

2. Gadebridge Park

The ‘Gadebridge Park,’ has been regarded as one of the largest public spaces you’ll find that surrounds Dacorum Borough. This place makes for a rather interesting region wherein tourists can explore and experience some amazing family and quality time with each other. Located alongside the very banks of the ‘River Gade,’ and towards the northern side of the ‘Hemel Hempstead’s Old Town,’ the ‘Gadebridge Park,’ is definitely one of the best things to do in Hemel Hempstead.

Gadebridge Park
Image Credit – Wikipedia

The whole area of the park is spread across about eighty acres of land and is filled with a large number of facilities, that tourists can avail and enjoy. Tourists can find prim walled gardens, children’s playgrounds, cycle and walking paths, skate parks and so much more. It makes for the ideal location for some amazing family time and some special memories, as well. 

3. Grand Union Canal

The ‘Grand Union Canal,’ has been recognised as the ‘longest single canal,’ in the whole of the United Kingdom and is considered to be the perfect amalgamation of the olf and new waterways, that eventually merged in the year 1929. Stretching across about 137-miles, the ‘Grand Union Canal,’ is one of the best things to do in Hemel Hempstead, as it forms the sole link between London and Birmingham, a link that has been of great significance and importance over the years. 

Grand Union Canal
Image Credit – Wikimedia Commons

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