Area Guide: The affluent Hertfordshire town Harpenden

Property 

Houses in Harpenden don't come cheap, and the town is one of the most expensive places to live in the UK.

Properties currently on the market include a six-bedroom house in Cross Lane for £3,750,000, and a three-bedroom detached house at Dalkeith Road for £1,150,000. 

History 

There is evidence of pre-Roman 'Belgic' farmers who once lived in the area. In 1867, several items were found including a bronze escutcheon, rams head-shaped mounts and a bronze bowl.

Like its neighbouring St Albans, there are Roman remains in land around Harpenden - such as the site of a mausoleum in Rothamsted Park.

A parish church was first referenced in 1221, when it was referred to being in 'Harpendene', so the original village is assumed to have formed around it.

During the 19th century straw-weaving was a widespread industry in the town, while the Common was a regular venue for horse racing up until 1914.

Harpenden (Image: Newsquest)

Travel 

Harpenden is a perfect spot for commuters, with London St Pancras just half an hour's train journey away.

The town is seven miles from Luton Airport, and the M1, A1(M) and M25 are all close at hand. 

Schools 

A main selling point of Harpenden is its excellent state schools, which include both great primary schools and outstanding secondary schools.

Sir John Lawes, St George's and Roundwood Park School were all rated 'outstanding' in their most recent Ofsted reports. 

Katherine Warington School opened its doors in 2019 in response to a huge demand for more local secondary school places, and is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted. 

There are also several options for private schools. St Hilda's caters to girls aged four to 11 (although its nursery also admits boys), Aldwickbury is a boys' prep school, and The King's School, which has a strong Christian ethos, teaches boys and girls aged four to 16. 

Shopping and food 

There is an abundance of choices for shops and eateries in Harpenden's leafy, quintessentially English High Street.

The town also has several well-stocked supermarkets and chain stores, along with more quirky, independent venues with a range of food options from Thai to tapas.

Bar Azita's Mediterranean grill is a popular dining spot, while the Harpenden Arms offers fine food and wine. 

For the Great British gastropub experience, diners can visit The White Horse at Hatching Green, or The Fox on the northern edge of town. 

Lussmanns offers courtyard dining at its 18th century former coach house overlooking Leyton Green, while Okka café and restaurant is an ideal spot for food - Sunday brunch in particular. 

Harpenden's vibrant farmers' market is held on the fourth Sunday of every month on Bowers Parade, and offers everything from fruit and vegetables to pastries, plants and preserves. 

(Image: Danny Loo.)

Sport and leisure 

Harpenden Common's green space supports many thriving local sports teams, including Harpenden Cricket Club, which has been playing there for more than 150 years.

The 56-acre Rothamsted Park has its own skate park and playground, and is also home to Harpenden Town FC. 

Next to the park is Harpenden Leisure Centre, with its council-owned swimming pool. 

Harpenden Rugby Club is based on Redbourn Lane, and plays in Regional 1 South East - in the sixth tier of the English Rugby ladder. 

The Harpenden sign (Image: Danny Loo)

Four ex-players, Maro Itoje, George Ford, Owen Farrell and Jack Singleton - all of whom attended St George's School - have gone on to play for England. 

The Nickey Line, a disused railway line between Harpenden and Hemel Hempstead, is a popular route for walkers and cyclists. 

During the summer children can paddle at the River Lea, which runs through Batford Springs Nature Reserve, or play in the park off Marquis Lane. 

Many large-scale events are held in the town throughout the year, including Harpenden Carnival and the Highland Gathering. 

The town's new theatre, the Eric Morecambe Centre, is named after the late, great comedian who lived in Harpenden.

This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, which has offices in St Albans, Harpenden, Wheathampstead and Marshalswick (Image: Frost's)