r/hertfordshire

I’m moving to Hemel next month. my partner already lives there so we have explored a bit (Ashridge, Harry Potter studios, St Albans etc) but I’m looking for places for us to visit. I love nature, estates, a good coffee shop and bookshop and cute towns. Ideally looking for something that isn’t more than a 40 min drive from Hemel. Thanks!

Hi guys ! Just moved down from Scotland. Looking for a place to take the kid for a swim idealy a river with a rock to jump of and a sandwich picnic , have a car and willing to drive a little. Still getting used to the area ! Much appreciated any help in finding somewhere

If this happens, this would be great. Travelling east to west in Hertfordshire is awful.

I am cautiously optimistic, but I was optimistic about the Croxley Line extension, so we shall see.

I’m 27 weeks pregnant and starting to really waddle. My toddler is 2.5. My husband will be gone on a work trip all weekend so I am solo parenting while waddling. I don’t drive but am walking distance to the St Albans stations.

Given this set of limitations, any recommendations on activities to beat the heat this weekend and keep the toddler occupied/ preserve my sanity? I see lidos is Welwyn Garden City and Letchworth, and I believe there are a number in London (though likely to be overrun). I have one long train journey (2hrs ?) in me energetically and an overnight trip if it’s worth it in the budget.

Ideas, thoughts, prayers welcome.

Need some local knowledge to help me pull off a proposal.

I am planning to propose to my girlfriend soon and I’m looking for suggestions on pretty locations in Hertfordshire. We live in St Albans, so I’d ideally like somewhere not too far away.

My vision is a picturesque flower field, wildflower meadow, or a "flower forest" type of vibe where I can set up and pop the question.

The catch: I am planning to be there ahead of time and have her meet me, so the spot needs to be relatively easy to access without a massive, muddy trek beforehand.

The bigger catch: Our pet rabbit is going to be part of the proposal crew to help deliver the ring. It’s a bit unconventional, I know, but she honestly loves that rabbit more than she loves me, so it’s non-negotiable! Because of the furry VIP, the location needs to be rabbit-friendly (safe ground, not overrun with massive dogs off-lead, and a short walk from the parking spot).

I’d love to hear your recommendations for:

• Hidden gem orchards or flower woods
• Quiet spots in local estates/parks with great blooms
• Any private landowners/local farms who might be open to a cheeky message to hire a quiet corner for an hour?

Cheers in advance for any help!

Hi all, I (26F) recently got my first teaching job in Hemel Hempstead and I'm preparing to move there over the summer. I'm from the East of England and don't know anyone in the area, so I was hoping someone here could answer some questions I have:

- What is the public transport like?

- Which companies run the buses?

- Is there an area that I should avoid moving to?

- What kind of shops/restaurants are there in the area?

- What kind of entertainment/cultural spaces are there?

- Are there any regular(ish) events, (e.g. markets, festivals etc)?

- Do you know if there are any groups/clubs that people join to make friends?

+ anything else I haven't thought of that you think would be helpful to know.

Thanks in advance!

Hey folks. I’m just getting into film photography and wondered if anyone could recommend me some good places I could go to get my film developed?

And if possible, somewhere with speedy turnarounds!

Thank you!

I need to know if I imagined this as a child,

In the 90s I used to be taken to a swimming pool in Broxbourne, I remember some weird spiral ramp down to the pool, there was a soft play above or near to being over the swimming pool and one of those retro kids sit in machines where you could watch a looney toons video for like a £1 or something similar

I'm also trying to find a soft play I remember going to on the 90s in and around Fairlop Waters and struggling

I've been googling around and I can't seem to find any record of this place?

Hi everyone, i will start working at university of Hertfordshire. I wanted to know where to look for studios/flats in safe areas that won't cost me my salary

My son is 21, ADD with autistic traits. He loves gaming, a quiz….
He works full time - but struggles socially. He has 2 friends (both live away)

Any socials, meet ups, events for him that he could just rock up to solo? South Herts (he doesn’t drive, but has a good mum taxi 😉)

Hi all,

I’m a solo first-time buyer currently looking at flats in Watford and surrounding areas. I work in NW London and commute into the office 5 days a week, so ideally I’m looking for somewhere within around 90 mins max each way by public transport.

My salary is £32k and after speaking to a mortgage advisor, they said I could potentially borrow around £144k. I’m hoping to put down a £20–25k deposit max.

I’m mainly looking at 1-bed flats and trying to figure out what’s realistically achievable with this budget in today’s market. Has anyone recently bought solo around Watford/Herts/NW London on a similar salary/budget?

I’ve also been looking into First Homes schemes that fellow Redditor’s have mentioned. I can’t seem to find much in London.

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been in a similar situation or has recommendations for areas worth looking at with decent transport links into NW London.

Thanks!

It's so intrusive and unpleasant, you can hear them over the town. And they seem to be always there. It was a nice day today and sitting with a coffee was not the relaxing experience you'd hope. It doesn't seem like it should be allowed for them to take over the town centre like this.

I went to an abandoned hospital in St Albans a few years ago and it was awesome. Then it got knocked down. There was also an abandoned hospital next to a newly built hospital which I'm sure is gone now too. Anyone know if that's still there and what it's called?

But does anyone know of any places you can actively visit right now that are abandoned? The bigger the better. Would really appreciate some help.

Hi all

Moving to Hertfordshire and wondered if anyone has any recommendations for under stairs storage? I was tempted by Sharps / Hammonds, but most advice I’ve seen is to go local.

Obviously don’t want to go local and just gamble! So would really appreciate anyone who has recommendations for bespoke under stairs storage solutions (bonus points for pictures!)

Thanks

Hi I’m spending the night in Watford tonight for personal reasons, kinda by vicarage road, does anyone know of a “quietish” bar/pub to grab a drink? I know it’s Saturday night so places might not be quiet, just not looking at spoons or a club….