Berkhamsted
Discover Berkhamsted
Berkhamsted (pronounced BERK-em-sted) is an historic market town of 18,500 people (2016) in Hertfordshire in England, UK. It is about 30 miles north of London. The High Street is on a pre-Roman route known by its Saxon name, Akeman Street. The earliest written reference to Berkhamsted was in 970. The settlement was recorded as an ancient borough in the Domesday Book in 1086. The most notable event in the town's history occurred in December 1066. After William the Conqueror defeated King Harold's Anglo-Saxon army at the Battle of Hastings, the Anglo-Saxon leadership surrendered to the Norman encampment at Berkhamsted. The event was recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. From 1066 to 1495, Berkhamsted Castle was a favoured residence of royalty and notable historical figures, including Henry II, Edward, the Black Prince, Thomas Becket and Geoffrey Chaucer. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the town was a wool trading town, with a thriving local market. The oldest known extant jettied timber-framed building in Great Britain, built between 1277 and 1297, survives as a shop on the town's high street.
What to Experience in Berkhamsted
Taste of Berkhamsted...
Berkhamsted and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of July 2022, 5G has not reached town but is getting close. Wifi is widely available in public places. The library on King's Road offers computer internet access.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsBerkhamsted is bypassed by the between London and Aylesbury. From London, Watford, Aylesbury and Bicester follow and exit at Berkhamsted. From the exit at junction 20 and follow signs for Aylesbury. From Hemel Hempstead and Tring, follow into the town centre. From Amersham and Chesham, follow into the town centre. London Northwestern Railway trains call at Berkhamsted. From London Euston, Watford Junction and Hemel Hempstead, there are usually four direct trains per hour during the daytimes. There are also direct trains from Tring, Bletchley and Milton Keynes. From the Midlands and North West England, you can travel by train to Milton Keynes Central and change for services to Berkhamsted. You can plan your bus journey in Hertfordshire using Intalink. Berkhamsted is on the 170-mile Chilterns Cycleway, which is signposted through the town. The route is reasonably hilly. It mostly follows minor roads with a few sections on cycle lanes and bridleways....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Berkhamsted has a reasonably small town centre which is very flat. The walk from Berkhamsted railway station to most town centre destinations is less than 15 minutes. Berkhamsted Town Council offer information about historical walks around the town and a guide leaflet can be downloaded from the Council website. The Berkhamsted Local History and Museum Society have a regular programme of visits to places of historical significance in and around the town. Many properties in Berkhamsted participate in the annual Heritage Open Days in mid-September, operated by English Heritage, which allow visitors to enter historical buildings not normally open to the public. Berkhamsted has an active arts scene and there are many musical concerts and theatrical performances around the town. Posters and leaflets are displayed on the noticeboard on the High Street and in the parish church. The Berkhamsted Trust also provides a regular Arts Diary for up-to-date listings.
Where to Stay
Berkhamsted and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of July 2022, 5G has not reached town but is getting close. Wifi is widely available in public places. The library on King's Road offers computer internet access.
Money & Budget
Shopping in Berkhamsted is predominantly ladies' fashions, although there are a couple of small gift shops and popular antique shops. Other than these, the High Street is mostly given over to nail bars, hairdressers, beauty salons and estate agents. A market is held every Wednesday and Saturday on the High Street which offers local food produce. Berkhamsted and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of July 2022, 5G has not reached town but is getting close. Wifi is widely available in public places. The library on King's Road offers computer internet access.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Berkhamsted
Berkamstead country walk at sunset
Country walk in Berkemstead UK outside of London
brown coffee beans on brown woven baskets
World War 1 bunkers outside of London
Berkamstead country walk at sunset
Country walk in Berkemstead UK outside of London
brown coffee beans on brown woven baskets
World War 1 bunkers outside of London
Berkamstead country walk at sunset
Country walk in Berkemstead UK outside of London
brown coffee beans on brown woven baskets
World War 1 bunkers outside of London
Berkamstead country walk at sunset