Situated in West Hertfordshire, at the edge of the Chiltern Hills, Berkhamsted is surrounded by beautiful countryside and attractive villages. Originally a market town, it is most famously known as the place where William the Conqueror ascended to the English throne in 1066.
Today, Berkhamsted is a vibrant residential and cultural centre, with a strong identity and a local community feel. With a regular farmers’ market providing the very best local produce, a wide range of cafes, attractive canal-side pubs and restaurants, it’s also an ideal place for food lovers. Throughout the year you’ll find a wide selection of entertainment options and concerts in Berkhamsted, from classical and jazz music to modern day bands, theatre and film.
Berkhamsted offers ample choice of both independent and state schools, as well as excellent transport links, with the M25 and M1 being in close proximity. Rail links to London Euston and Birmingham provide frequent, fast and direct services, and Heathrow, Luton and Stansted airports are all readily accessible.
Property Available in Berkhamsted
Whether you’re looking for a quaint thatched cottage, historic country manor, townhouse or modern refurbished home, Knight Frank Berkhamsted can find the property that’s right for you.
History
In 1066, it was in Berkhamsted that the Saxon’s offered the Crown to William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings. One of William’s first initiatives was to strengthen his new Kingdom with castles, one of them being constructed in Berkhamsted.
The construction of the castle fuelled the expansion of Berkhamsted into a flourishing market town. From the start of the 13th century, buildings were constructed along the old Roman road, including what is claimed to be the second largest church in Hertfordshire, Berkhamsted St Peter.
Berkhamsted has always had strong industrial connections with London due to the High Street being one of the trunk roads to and from the city. Such was the importance of this road that in 1762 it was set up as a Turnpike Trust to ensure that it was properly maintained. The links to London and the rest of the country were strengthened further with the introductions of the GrandUnionCanal in 1798 and the railway in 1835.
One of the most notable people to have been born in Berkhamsted is the English novelist Graham Greene. One of Greene’s novels ‘The Human Factor’ is set in the town and mentions several places of interest. Each Autumn, a festival dedicated to the author is organised by the Graham Greene Birthplace trust.
Places of interest
- The Rex Cinema
- Champneys Hotel & Spa
- Grand UnionCanal
- BerkhamstedCastle
- The 5000-acre Ashridge Estate
- ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Local authority
Dacorum Borough Council
Civic Centre
Hemel Hempstead
01442 228 000
Taxi/chauffeur services
Choice Yellow Cabs Ltd
01442 875 100
Getting to Berkhamsted
Roads
- A41
- M25, Junction 20
- M1, Junction 8
Rail
- Frequent trains from Berkhamsted to London Euston taking approximate 35 minutes
Air
- Luton Airport can be found approximately 13 miles away
Schools
There is a wide choice of schooling in the area for all ages both in the state and private sector.
Ages 5-11 years
GreenwaySchool
Crossways
01442 866249
St. Thomas More’s R.CSchool
Greenway
01442 385060
SwingGateSchool
Swing Gate Lane
01442 873913
Victoria C of E School
Prince Edward Street
01442 865781
WestfieldSchool
Durrants Lane
01442 862729
Thomas Coram C of E School
Swing Gate Lane
01442 866757
BridgewaterSchool
Bridle Way
01442 871231
11+ Years
AshlynsSchool
Chesham Road
01442 863605
Private Schools
Chesham Preparatory School
Two Dells Lane
01494 782619
Haresfoot School
Chesham Road
01442 872742
Lockers Park School
Lockers Park Lane
01442 251712
Abbot’s Hill School
Bunkers Lane
01442 240333
Westbrook Hay School
London Road
01442 256143
Tring Park School for the Performing Arts
Tring Park
01442 824255
Berkhamsted School
131 High Street
01442 358001
Bars and Restaurants
The Gatsby, Berkhamsted – 01442 870403 – Modern European
The Alford Arms, Frithsden - 01442 86 44 80 – British
The Kings Arms, Berkhamsted – 01442 866595 – Modern British
Tabure, Berkhamsted – 01442 769472
The Olive Tree, Berkhamsted – 01442 876726
The Copper House, Berkhamsted – 01442 957111