Hemel Hempstead is a large new town which is part of the Greater London Urban Area but still under the English County of Hertfordshire. Although it was developed as a new town after World War II, it has been a settlement since the 8th Century. And in 1539 it was even granted its charter as a town by Henry VIII.
The settlement thrived in a shallow chalkland valley where the rivers Bulbourne and Gade meet 27 miles north-west of Central London. The New Town grew towards the side of the valley proceeding to the plateau over the Old Town. To the west and north of Hemel Hempstead are scattered villages with mixed farms and woodland which is part of the Chiltern Hills.
Food, Shopping and Accommodation in Hemel Hempstead
This new town is the centre of retail therapy in the region. It boasts of the Riverside Shopping Centre as well as the Marlowes Shopping Centre. Within these two shopping centres are numerous stores of high street brands as well as local independent retailers plus restaurants and cafes. If there is a foodie town in Hertfordshire, then it is Hemel Hempstead, with more than one hundred thirty eating venues to boast of. With regards tourist/visitor accommodation, this town is also the place to be. It has eleven hotels, six B&Bs and one speciality lodging.
Things to See and Do in Hemel Hempstead
The best way to get to know this new town is to join the numerous tours on offer. There is the Paper Mill Trail, a tour of the Frogmore Paper Mill, the oldest mechanised paper mill. There is also the electric bike tour, a most pleasurable way to see the countryside and the town. And there is the boat tour, a most pleasant waterways experience.