Living in Tring

Tring’s local life is shaped by its active community organisations, local markets, and regular events that bring residents together year-round. The town hosts weekly general markets and a popular farmers’ market, offering locally sourced produce and artisan goods.

Community groups, from arts societies to sports clubs, are well established. Tring Park, one of the grandest open spaces in Hertfordshire, is popular for walking, picnics, and seasonal community fairs. The Grand Union Canal provides scenic walking routes and is often the site of charity runs or local gatherings. Town festivals, such as the renowned Tring Book Festival and Tring Carnival, reinforce a sense of togetherness and belonging.

Tring has a strong reputation for being a safe and welcoming community. Crime rates in Tring are generally lower than national averages, with the town centre and residential areas considered safe to walk in both day and evening. Like many rural market towns, anti-social behaviour and more serious crime are rare.

The local police maintain a visible presence and have proactive initiatives working with Neighbourhood Watch schemes. Tring benefits from good relationships between residents and community policing teams, helping to preserve its reputation as a secure and peaceful area to live.

Parking in Tring is generally straightforward, with a mix of on-street parking, several public car parks around the high street, and permit schemes for residents in busier areas. The town avoids the congestion often seen in larger cities, though the high street can be busy during peak shopping hours or market days. Cycle parking is also available in central areas.

Tring is well-placed for road access, situated close to the A41 dual carriageway, which quickly connects drivers to the M25 and M1. The road network makes neighbouring towns and cities reachable within a short journey:

• Aylesbury – approx. 25 minutes via A41 (13 miles)
• Berkhamsted – approx. 10 minutes via A4251 (5 miles)
• Hemel Hempstead – approx. 20 minutes via A41 (11 miles)
• London – approx. 50 minutes via M25/A41 (32 miles)

Tring offers a diverse range of food, pubs, and nightlife experiences for a town of its size. The high street and market square are home to a mix of traditional English pubs such as The Kings Arms and The Robin Hood, alongside gastropubs and characterful inns. The town boasts several independent cafés and bakeries, as well as popular restaurants serving Italian, Indian, and contemporary British cuisines.

The area has a relaxed, sociable evening scene, with a couple of wine bars and lively local events, such as regular live music nights and quiz evenings. For later night entertainment or greater variety, residents often travel to nearby Berkhamsted or Aylesbury. Tring has its own theatre—the Court Theatre at Pendley—offering performance arts and community productions throughout the year.

School Quality: Tring is regarded as highly family friendly due in part to its top-rated local schools, which perform well in Ofsted inspections and are praised for providing strong academic and pastoral support.

Parks and Green Space: Families benefit from a wealth of parks and outdoor recreation. Tring Park and the Chiltern Hills offer adventure playgrounds, safe cycling zones, and countryside walks right on the doorstep.

Childcare: There are several nurseries and playgroups in Tring, catering to early years and pre-school children, along with after-school clubs for older kids.

Safety: The town’s low crime rates and supportive neighbourhood watch ensure parents feel comfortable letting children play outdoors or walk to local schools.

Family Activities: Tring Natural History Museum, local sports teams, swimming pools, and frequent family events help keep children entertained throughout the year.

Tring is an exceptionally pet-friendly town with its abundance of green spaces, dog-walking routes, and ready access to the countryside. Tring Park, the Grand Union Canal towpath, and the footpaths on the Chiltern Hills mean pet owners have a wide variety of walks to choose from every day.

There are several local veterinary practices and independent pet shops. Many cafés and some pubs in Tring welcome dogs, and the overall attitude in the community is positive towards pet ownership. Housing in Tring often includes gardens and proximity to open spaces, making it ideal for pets.

Tring is exceptionally well-connected for a rural market town, with fast rail, road, and bus links. Tring railway station, located just outside the town centre, sits on the West Coast Main Line with frequent direct trains to London Euston. This makes Tring a strong choice for commuters looking for a countryside lifestyle with urban connectivity.

Local bus services link Tring to nearby towns including Berkhamsted, Aylesbury, and Hemel Hempstead. Major roads such as the A41 bypass offer swift access to the M25 (London Orbital) and M1 motorways.

For air travel, Luton Airport is less than 30 minutes by car, and Heathrow Airport is about 40 minutes via the M25.

Commute times from Tring:

• London Euston – approx. 40 minutes by train
• Aylesbury – approx. 25 minutes by car or local buses
• Hemel Hempstead – approx. 20 minutes by car
• Berkhamsted – approx. 10 minutes by car/bus

Tring offers a range of educational options, from well-regarded primary and secondary schools to nearby colleges, making it an attractive location for families seeking quality schooling.

Primary Schools:

Tring School and Grove Road Primary School are highly regarded in the local community. Grove Road Primary School (Ofsted rated 'Good' in November 2019) is noted for its supportive environment and outdoor learning opportunities. Dundale Primary and Nursery School also serves the area, favourably recognized for its inclusive approach.

Secondary Schools:

Tring School is the town's main secondary, an academy with an excellent reputation and a 'Good' Ofsted rating (December 2021). It includes a sixth form, offering a comprehensive academic and extra-curricular program. Nearby, Ashlyns School in Berkhamsted (approximately 5 miles away) is another popular option for Tring families.

Colleges and Sixth Forms:

For post-16 education, Tring School’s Sixth Form attracts students locally and from nearby towns. Berkhamsted School, a renowned independent all-through school, is within a short drive. West Herts College (in Hemel Hempstead, approximately 10 miles) offers a wider variety of vocational courses and A-levels.

Universities:

While there are no universities directly in Tring, students typically commute to the nearby University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield (around 18 miles away) or to leading universities in London, which is accessible by direct train.