Living in Harpenden

Your guide to moving to Harpenden

Why Harpenden is a good place to live

On the delightful edge of Hertfordshire, Harpenden is a charming spot that offers an escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Living in Harpenden means enjoying a peaceful, countryside feel while having access to excellent transport links. Harpenden is the picture of village-like tranquillity. The town is a fine blend of rural charm and modern conveniences. Its high street is locally referred to as 'the village' and has a myriad of shops from family-owned businesses to popular chains for your retail needs. Residents take pride in Harpenden's excellent state schools, acclaimed for their 'outstanding' Ofsted ratings. Adding to the appealing features is the town's pristine 238-acre common, an ideal space for leisurely walks, picnics, or simply soaking in nature's beauty. Harpenden is also a haven for cyclists and walkers, with the Nickey Line and National Cycle Network extending all the way to Luton.

What's Harpenden famous for?

Harpenden is famous for a few reasons. First, there's the Rothamsted Experimental Station, known to be the oldest laboratory dedicated to agricultural research around the globe. Additionally, moving to Harpenden means stepping into a town bursting with history and famous connections. The town was home to Ellen Terry, the renowned actress, and artist Frank Owen Salisbury known for painting five U.S. presidents. Another pivotal figure from Harpenden is Major Ferdinand Esterhazy, known for the Dreyfus affair.

Things to do in Harpenden

When it comes to activities and attractions, Harpenden delivers in spades. The town is surrounded by fresh green spaces perfect for exploration or a quiet afternoon picnic. On any given day, residents can be found enjoying leisurely strolls through the town's charming parks or venturing further afield to the surrounding verdant countryside. For those who thrive on adrenaline, Rothamsted Park boasts amenities like a skate park and sports courts. The keen shoppers can enjoy the variety at the town centre, home to both chain and independent stores. Meanwhile, food lovers can get their culinary fix at the local gastropubs or indulge in the various dining establishments scattered around the town. Harpenden is also fondly known among locals for its community and annual events such as the Harpenden Carnival and Highland Games.

We have used a bespoke generative AI model to help us research and create our area guides. All of our content is reviewed, and edited where needed, by our trusted team of Zoopla content editors.