Car Hire Hemel Hempstead

With a population of around 96,000, Hemel Hempstead exemplifies successful post-war new town development located 24 miles northwest of London. You’ll find excellent accessibility via the M1 motorway at junction 8, connecting seamlessly to the A414 that extends east through Hertfordshire and the A41, providing direct routes to the Chilterns. Weather patterns follow typical English variability, with pleasant summer temperatures averaging 20°C, though we recommend checking conditions as the area experiences seasonal rainfall that keeps the extensive parklands beautifully green year-round.

Hemel Hempstead successfully combines modern new town planning with historic charm, featuring the famous Magic Roundabout traffic system and the beautifully preserved Old Town with its medieval High Street, traditional coaching inns and historic market square.

Attractions In Hemel Hempstead

Post-war urban vision comes alive through innovative roundabout systems and pedestrian precincts, complemented by the ancient charm of the original market town and the recreational paradise of the nearby Chiltern Hills.

Gadebridge Park

Operating daily from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening, this exceptional park has earned its reputation as Hemel Hempstead’s premier attraction, boasting a 4.5-star rating from over 2,700 visitors. The chalk stream creates serene waterways through vibrant greenery, enhanced by extensive grass areas dotted with benches, innovative children’s play zones and refreshing splash fountains that create perfect family recreation opportunities.

Bunker’s Park Open Space

Bunkers Park is a cracking 120-acre public green space in Hemel Hempstead, boasting coveted Green Flag status. Once farmland, it has been expertly transformed into a nature reserve featuring historic hedgerows, beautiful wildflower meadows and new woodlands. It’s hugely popular for walking and is one of the county’s most important areas for wildlife, especially butterflies, with over 25 species recorded. It’s a wonderful spot to escape for a peaceful afternoon stroll.

Jellicoe Water Gardens

These thoughtfully designed gardens alongside the small river offer peaceful respite from urban energy. We appreciate how the numerous benches amongst lovely roses and salvias create ideal spots for contemplation or picnicking. The convenient location opposite the main shopping centre makes this an easily accessible haven where historical water garden design principles enhance natural tranquillity.

Gadespring Cressbeds

This remarkable nature reserve on Old Fishery Lane showcases exceptional biodiversity, particularly notable for kingfisher nesting sites that attract wildlife enthusiasts. You can explore the working cressbed farm history through guided interpretation, observe wildlife from the dedicated hide and experience conservation efforts that maintain this precious micro-environment for future generations.

Charter Tower

The Charter Tower is a peculiar and intriguing relic in Hemel Hempstead, standing as all that remains of the opulent Bury House Tudor mansion built by the Combes family. This Grade II listed structure overlooks a walled garden, now known as Charter Gardens, near Gadebridge Park. Its name comes from a famous local legend—likely untrue—that Henry VIII granted the town’s market charter while leaning out of the Tower window in 1539. Despite the historical inaccuracies, the Tower serves as a fascinating monument to the town’s early history.

Old Gorhambury House

Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, this historic manor house on the A414 near St Albans showcases significant architectural remains in beautiful countryside settings. Although substantial portions no longer survive, the proximity to the Roman Theatre creates excellent walking opportunities, enhanced by remarkable red kite populations that provide spectacular aerial displays throughout your visit.

Expanding your exploration becomes effortless with these nearby destinations:

• Apsley
• Kings Langley
• Berkhamsted
• Garston
• Bricket Wood
• Redbourn
• Markyate
• Tring

Old Hempstead House

The historic area known as Old Hemel Hempstead centres on the charming High Street, which contrasts sharply with the modern New Town. It’s an atmospheric spot lined with a wonderful collection of historic timber-framed and Georgian buildings. The focal point is the old Town Hall, now a busy arts centre. It’s a fantastic place for a wander, offering quirky independent shops, traditional pubs and a genuine sense of the town’s long, pre-war history.

Devils Bridge

Located on Nettleden Farm, this intriguing historical landmark reveals fascinating layers of local folklore and engineering heritage. The Roman road foundation beneath modern construction connects nearby villages through ancient routes, enhanced by local legends about supernatural activity that add a mysterious atmosphere to this naturally secluded and increasingly overgrown location.

Piccotts End Paintings

The Piccotts End Paintings are an incredible and rare find, hidden inside a Grade I listed medieval house just north of the town. Discovered beneath layers of wallpaper in 1953, these nationally important wall paintings date from the 15th century and depict detailed religious scenes, including the Baptism of Christ. The house itself is thought to have served as a religious hospice or chantry. They offer a unique window into Hertfordshire’s spiritual and artistic life during the late medieval period.

Amaravati Buddhist Monastery

Operating daily from 6:30 AM until 9:30 PM, this beautiful Thai Buddhist meditation centre provides exceptional spiritual and cultural experiences. You can participate in traditional food offerings to monks, join meditation sessions in the resonant central hall and explore serene grounds that offer ample parking alongside opportunities for peaceful contemplation and cultural understanding.

Mulligans Hemel

Mulligans Hemel is a modern entertainment hub located on the Jarman Park leisure estate. Known previously as part of The Snow Centre site, it now specialises in indoor leisure activities rather than snowsports. The massive complex features two uniquely themed mini-golf courses, along with a high-tech sports bar, shuffleboard tables and darts areas. It’s a proper, popular spot for an evening out or a family outing, offering something fun regardless of the typically British weather.

Grovehill Pond

Nestled within the Grovehill estate, Grovehill Pond is a cherished local nature area and community asset. This small urban oasis features a well-maintained pond surrounded by attractive landscaping and seating areas. It is an excellent spot for local families and birdwatchers, providing a sanctuary for various wildlife species, including ducks and herons. The pond is actively managed by residents, ensuring it remains a tranquil, accessible green space within the new town area.

The Plough Roundabout

Often known locally as the ‘Magic Roundabout,’ The Plough Roundabout is one of Britain’s most infamous pieces of traffic engineering. Officially opened in 1973, the system consists of six mini-roundabouts encircling a large central circle, where traffic flows the opposite way! It certainly causes a stir for drivers but is a Grade II listed piece of infrastructure. The ‘Plough’ name comes from the pub that once stood right next to this rather eccentric junction.

Hemel Hempstead Old Town

Hemel Hempstead’s Old Town offers a charming step back in time, centred around its historic High Street. The atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the surrounding New Town, showcasing original timber-framed, Tudor-style and Georgian buildings. It acts as a vibrant cultural heart, home to the local Town Hall Arts Centre and offering independent shops and traditional pubs. It’s the perfect place to explore the market charter history granted to the town centuries ago.