Harpenden

Harpenden is a town in Hertfordshire near the border of Bedfordshire. It is between and near to the city of St Albans and Luton. Primarily a residential community, in the outside of the London commuter belt, but if passing through, there are interesting sights and pleasant places to be enjoyed in this town.

Harpenden is built around 🌍 Harpenden Common. , the prime area of Harpenden, with the High Street and Station to its north and Southdown to its south.

Get in

By Bus

Route 307 from Redbourn. Route 321 from Watford to Luton via St Albans. Route 610 from Luton to Potters Bar calling at: Wheathampstead, Hatfield and Brookmans Park.

By car

Harpenden is equidistant between St Albans and Luton by J10 of the M1 5 mi (8.0 km) via the A1081 [formally called the A6] the London to Bedford road. The nearest motorway is M1 J9 near Redbourn.

By train

🌍 Harpenden station is served by First Capital Connect from London St Pancras and Luton Airport Parkway. First Capital Connect also serves Gatwick Airport, with direct journeys only operating at certain times. At times of limited direct services, it is possible to change at London St Pancras onto another First Capital Connect service northbound towards Bedford.

Get around

Local bus companies operate services around the town and connect Harpenden to Luton, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and other nearby towns, but the most advisable way to navigate Harpenden is on foot.

If you have a lot of luggage or a number of people travelling in your party then booking Harpenden Taxis will make the price more affordable.

See

  • 🌍 Rothampsted Manor and Park (is located on the western side of the town). was part of the estate of agricultural scientist Sir John Bennett Lawes. The Rothampsted Experimental Station is still functioning, but it is open to the public to walk through. Nearer the town, the expansive park remains a very pleasant place to spend summer afternoons. Equipped with: a skate park, tennis courts and a children's play area. 
  • 🌍 Batford Springs Natural Reserve, Lower Luton Road (located on the River Lea on the eastern side of the town, follow Station Road.). is another green open area to pass time. There is a river ford, stepping stones, weir and sluice gate - exploring these can be fun for kids. 
  • 🌍 Church Green War Memorial, High Street, AL5 2TJ. 
  • 🌍 St Nicholas's Church, Rothamsted Avenue, AL5 2TW (on Church Green just off the High Street.), ☏ +44 1582 765524, . is the largest church in its parish 

Do

  • Harpenden Lions Highland Gathering, Rothamsted Park. Held for a day out with: pipe and drum bands, highland dancing and traditional highland games. (updated Dec 2021)
  • Record a song at the 🌍 Music Den, 78A High St, Harpenden AL5 2SP, ☏ +44 1582 622349. A recording Studio which also provides Music Lessons. (updated Jan 2021)

Buy

Despite the two main up-market supermarkets:

Harpenden has some interesting shops:

Eat

  • 🌍 Pasta Cibo, 2 Harding Parade, Station Road, AL5 4SW, ☏ +44 1582 760801. is a family favourite for many residents, with reasonably priced and delicious home-style Italian cooking, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. (updated Nov 2020)
  • 🌍 Pizza Express, House, 1, The Gate, 2 High St, Harpenden AL5 2TH (is a short walk from the station, on the edge of the common.), ☏ +44 1582 765714. (updated Nov 2020)
  • 🌍 Prezzo, 15 Leyton Rd, AL5 2HY (next to Inn on the Green), ☏ +44 1582 469007. Looks like a public house. (updated Nov 2020)
  • 🌍 Zaza, 61 High St, AL5 2SL, ☏ +44 1582 462555, . Italian cuisine. (updated Nov 2020)
  • Towards the north of the High Street is 'The Bangkok Lounge', offering very nice Thai cuisine.
  • Shapla is on Station Road, and has a nice variety of Indian food.

Prices of all these restaurants above are reasonable, but remember that dining out in Britain is not a particularly cheap option.

Snack

Drink

Centre

In Harpenden High Street:

On the west side of Harpenden Common:

Bennet's Club

Batford

Southdown

Further out

Sleep

Cope

🌍 Public Toilet (in front of Pizza Express.). free. (updated Nov 2020)

Go next

  • To the south St Albans,5 mi (8.0 km) along the A1081 (was A6).
  • If you can get hold of a bicycle and a map (or a desire to explore independently), there are great opportunities for discovering nearby villages such as Kimpton, Peter's Green, Whitwell, Wheathamstead, Redbourn or Flamstead. All of these have more individual small-town feels to them, and often have nice pubs to stop by in.
Routes through Harpenden
Luton Airport ← Luton ←  North  South  → St Albans → High Barnet


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