Living in Berkhamsted

Berkhamsted’s community atmosphere is one of its greatest attributes. The town has a lively calendar of local events, from the annual Berkhamsted Festival to Christmas fairs and well-supported farmers’ markets. The Berkhamsted Arts Trust, amateur theatre groups, and music societies add to a vibrant cultural scene that welcomes newcomers and long-term residents alike.

Green spaces such as Castle Gardens, Rectory Lane Cemetery (now a community park), and the canal towpaths offer opportunities for gentle recreation and socialising outdoors. Allotments and sports clubs, including cricket, tennis, and rugby, are well supported and emphasise the close-knit spirit typical of the town. Berkhamsted’s diverse population, friendly neighbours, and inclusive approach mean local life is community-driven yet open to new ideas and influences.

Crime rates in Berkhamsted are generally perceived as low compared to larger towns and cities in Hertfordshire and the surrounding region. The town benefits from a semi-rural setting, proactive community engagement, and neighbourhood policing initiatives, all of which contribute to its reputation as a safe and peaceful place to live.

The most common issues tend to be minor anti-social behaviour or petty theft rather than serious crime. Residents highlight a strong sense of community vigilance and regular contact with local police officers, who work closely with the community to ensure issues are quickly resolved. Berkhamsted’s historic centre and residential neighbourhoods remain tranquil, and regeneration of nearby areas has helped maintain a positive trend in local safety.

Parking in Berkhamsted chiefly comprises on-street spaces, residents’ permit schemes, and several town centre public car parks. Restrictions are generally well managed, but at busy times—especially weekends—the popularity of the high street and rail links can mean parking is in high demand.

Access by road is straightforward. Berkhamsted is close to the A41, facilitating routes both east towards the M25 and west to Aylesbury. The M1 is accessible via Hemel Hempstead, enabling further connections to the North and London. Traffic through the high street is controlled but can become congested at peak drop-off and pick-up times for the station and schools.

• Tring – approx. 12 minutes via A4251 (6 miles)
• Hemel Hempstead – approx. 15 minutes via A41 (7 miles)
• Aylesbury – approx. 30 minutes via A41 (18 miles)
• Watford – approx. 25 minutes via A41 (17 miles)

Berkhamsted is known for its diverse and high-quality food scene. The high street and canalside host a variety of restaurants, including modern British bistros, Italian trattorias, Thai eateries, and traditional English pubs. The town is home to popular spots such as The Alford Arms, a gastropub with a countryside feel, and Artichoke, an acclaimed modern dining option in nearby Amersham. Numerous cafés serve artisan coffee and bakery offerings, while independent takeaways provide a range of international cuisines.

Pubs in Berkhamsted combine history and hospitality; venues like The Kings Arms and The Boat are local institutions with cosy interiors and real ales. For nightlife, Berkhamsted tends towards relaxed rather than rowdy: wine bars, cocktail lounges, and small music venues predominate over nightclubs. The Rex Cinema, an art deco landmark, offers a unique cultural night out. Social life is friendly and varied, suited to all ages and tastes.

School Quality: Schools in Berkhamsted have an excellent reputation, with several primaries and Ashlyns School rated highly, and independent options such as Berkhamsted School offering added academic choices for families.

Parks and Green Space: The town is well served by accessible parks, playgrounds, and the open landscape of the Chiltern Hills, making it easy for families to enjoy the outdoors and a healthy lifestyle.

Childcare: Nurseries, preschools, and after-school clubs are readily available, supporting working families and those with young children.

Safety: Berkhamsted’s low crime rates and engaged community enhance its reputation as a secure and supportive environment for raising children.

Family Activities: The town offers numerous clubs, societies, and classes for children, as well as cultural outings like The Rex Cinema and wildlife rambles in Ashridge Estate.

Berkhamsted caters well to pet owners, thanks to its direct access to countryside walks, canal towpaths, and large green open spaces such as Berkhamsted Common and Ashridge Estate. These provide opportunities for extensive dog walks and outdoor exercise, all within easy reach of residential neighbourhoods.

There are a number of local veterinary practices, pet supply stores, and grooming services in the town. Many of the pubs and cafés (especially those with outdoor seating or canalside locations) extend a warm welcome to dogs and their owners. Most residential areas embrace a pet-friendly ethos, with communal gardens and walking routes ensuring that pets are a natural part of community life.

Berkhamsted offers excellent transport and accessibility, making it a favourite for commuters and those who appreciate convenient travel. The town’s railway station lies on the West Coast Main Line, providing direct trains to London Euston in under 40 minutes during peak times, and efficient services to destinations northward including Milton Keynes and Birmingham.

Local bus networks connect Berkhamsted with nearby market towns such as Tring, Hemel Hempstead, and Aylesbury. For road users, the A41 dual carriageway bypass offers quick access to the M25 and M1 motorways, enabling easy journeys to major centres and the wider region.

• London Euston – approx. 36 mins by train
• Hemel Hempstead – approx. 10 mins by train, 15 mins by car
• Milton Keynes – approx. 40 mins by train
• Luton Airport – approx. 30 mins by car
• Heathrow Airport – approx. 35 mins by car

The Grand Union Canal towpath is popular for cycling towards nearby towns or rural spots. The combination of rail, road, and cycle routes ensures Berkhamsted remains highly accessible for both work and leisure.

Schools in Berkhamsted are a significant draw for families, with a strong reputation across both the state and independent sectors. Education provision is varied, with options for all age groups and a long tradition of academic excellence.

Primary Schools: Thomas Coram CE School and Victoria Church of England Infant and Nursery School are notable state primaries, known for supportive learning environments. Greenway Primary & Nursery School (Ofsted rated Outstanding, 2012) also serves the local community with an emphasis on achievement and enrichment.

Secondary Schools: Ashlyns School, the town’s main state secondary, is a former historic boarding school now recognised for modern educational standards. It has a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted (2022) and benefits from wide-ranging extracurricular opportunities. Berkhamsted School, an independent day and boarding school, is one of the most famous in the area, with a history dating back to 1541 and a reputation for academic and sporting excellence.

Colleges and Sixth Form: Ashlyns School also offers sixth form studies, while West Herts College in nearby Hemel Hempstead provides further education and vocational courses for post-16 students.

Universities: For higher education, the University of Hertfordshire can be reached by car or public transport, making it the principal university option for Berkhamsted residents.