Attractions and Places to Visit in Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead is well known for its 'Magic Roundabout' (formally known as the Plough Roundabout), which allows traffic to go around it in both directions.
The River Gade runs through Hemel Hempstead and joins the Grand Union Canal in the south of the side, where the River Bulbourne also joins it.
Hemel, as it is often known as, was one of the "new" towns developed after World War II around a charming old village. The area has traces of Roman settlement with the remains of a Roman Villa near Picott's End.
Settlement at Hemel Hempstead is known to have existed in the 8th century when a grant of land at "Hamaele" was made from Offa to the Bishop of London in 705 AD.
By the 11th century the town was known as Hemel-Amstede. The parish church was built in 1140 and is one of the finest examples of Norman church architecture. Its 12th century spire at 200 feet (61 metres) is still one of the tallest in Europe.
Hemel was granted its town charter in 1539 from King Henry VIII who is said to have stayed in the town with Anne Boleyn.
In 1581 a group of locals acquired Box Moor as grazing land from the Earl of Leicestershire. It is still used for public grazing and is managed by a local trust.
The old High Street has plenty of antique shops and other local businesses. The Marlowes Shopping Centre is in the heart of the town and is complemented by national stores at the new Riverside development.
Jarmans Park retail and leisure complex includes a cinema and sports facilities. The town has an antiques market on Wednesdays and a general market from Thursday to Saturday
Long Deans
A picturesque valley of pasture and old parkland near Hemel Hempstead with magnificent oak, beech, ash and wild cherry trees. Long Deans Nature Reserve is noted for its grassland floral communities, butterflies, birds and other invertebrates.
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Piccotts End Wall Paintings
The Grade I Listed 15th Century cottages at Piccotts End, just outside Hemel Hempstead, house unique and historic wall paintings whose fascinating story lay hidden for over five hundred years.
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Gadebridge Park
Gadebridge Park is on the northern edges of Hemel Hempstead and is Dacorum's principal park. The park is divided into two main areas, separated by the Leighton Buzzard Road, with a total area of about 32 hectares
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~Things to Do and See in Hemel Hempstead~
- Long DeansA picturesque valley of pasture and old parkland near Hemel Hempstead with magnificent oak, beech, ash and wild cherry treesLong Deans
- Piccotts End Wall PaintingsThe Grade I Listed 15th Century cottages at Piccotts End, house unique and historic wall paintings whose fascinating story lay hidden for over five hundred years.Piccotts End Wall Paintings
- Gadebridge ParkGadebridge Park is on the northern edges of Hemel Hempstead and is Dacorum's principal parkGadebridge Park
- Shopping
- Boxing
- Climbing
- Cycling
- Golf-Clubs
- Water Sports
- Scuba Diving
- Wildlife Parks
- Dental Services
- Hotels
- Spa & Massage