Area Guide: The popular Highfield area of St Albans 

This family-friendly corner of Hertfordshire is beloved by residents for its strong community spirit and village-like feel. We found out more...

History  

In the late 1990s and early 2000s the Highfield area underwent rapid development, following the closure of Cell Barnes and Hill End psychiatric hospitals.

The three remaining ward blocks were turned into social housing, and homes were built on brand new streets - which included Princess Diana Drive and Starlight Way.

Some of the new roads were named after former hospital wards and the doctors that worked there, while Puddingstone Drive is believed to have been inspired by the puddingstone that now sits outside West Lodge in Highfield Park. 

The stone was previously located in the garden of Cell Barnes Hospital. 

(Image: Archant) Highfield Park  

Highfield Park is a lovely green space which draws dog walkers and cyclists alike from all over St Albans.

The park was created following the closure of the psychiatric hospitals, and some of the vast grounds now make up part of the park.

There are many features in the park including playing fields, a couple of ponds, a tree trail, two orchards and a maze.

St Albans City Youth FC play at Highfield Park, and joggers are often seen circulating the pitches when they're not being used for matches.

The area is managed by Highfield Park Trust, which also includes two allotment sites. 

Property  

Highfield is a popular area for young families - most likely due to the quiet suburban feel and surrounding green space.

Homes currently on the market in the area include a four-bedroom semi detached house at Starlight Way for £900,000 and a two-bedroom apartment at Russet Drive for £325,000. 

(Image: Google maps)

Travel  

There are great transport links from Highfield. The area is only a short drive away from the A1(M) and M25, and less than two miles from St Albans City station - which has fast services to London St Pancras.

Leisure and amenities  

Highfield residents are well-served by the shops on Russet Drive. Along with a busy Spar convenience store, there is also a doctor's surgery, a barbers and a fish and chip shop.

Gym options include Nuffield Health on Highfield Park Drive, which has a pool and a spa.

Several seasonal events are held locally, including bug and Easter Bunny hunts for children and the annual Apple Day celebration - which features apples grown in Highfield Park, apple juice and cider.

Trestle Arts Base - a performing arts centre - is based in a converted chapel on Russet Drive. The venue has a café on site and hosts regular classes, including children's ballet lessons and bounce fitness for adults.

Hixberry Lane is home to the Earthworks charity, which offers local people with learning disabilities training and work experience in conservation and horticulture.

The centre was established as the psychiatric hospitals closed and helps former residents who have been rehomed within the community find meaningful employment.

Schools  

Many popular schools are local to Highfield, including Windermere and Camp primaries (both of which received a ‘good’ rating at their latest Ofsted inspection) and Cunningham Hill infant and junior schools (rated ‘outstanding’). 

There is also the all-through school Samuel Ryder Academy, which takes children from age four to 19. 

Samuel Ryder Academy (Image: Danny Loo) Samuel Ryder Academy replaced the failing Francis Bacon School in 2012 and has gone on to achieve a ‘good’ Ofsted rating. 

The area is also home to Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School - also rated 'outstanding'. 

Meanwhile Ladybirds nursery, which is rated outstanding, is located within the park. 

This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, who have offices in St Albans, Marshalswick, Wheathampstead and Harpenden (www.frosts.co.uk/branches) (Image: Frost's)