Explore Berkhamsted Town

Berkhamsted is a historic market town on the Western edge of Hertfordshire, nestled in the Chiltern Hills. The picturesque town, affectionately known by locals as “Berko”, was named the “best place to live in the South-East” by the Sunday Times in 2018.

30 minutes

From Central London by train

40 minutes

From Heathrow by car

60 minutes

From Oxford by car

Situated in West Hertfordshire, on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, Berkhamsted is surrounded by beautiful countryside, rolling hills and pretty villages.

The attractive market town is home to a wide range of shops, cafes and restaurants, many of which are independent, sitting alongside well-known brands such as Pizza Express, Starbucks, Mint Velvet and Waterstones. The town has an art deco cinema, wine bars, and a twice-weekly Farmer’s market selling the best local produce including fresh meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, flowers and cheese.

The Grand Union Canal runs through the centre of town, with a footpath alongside and a number of canal-side pubs and restaurants. The town has plenty of green space, children’s play parks and meadows and, an 11th Century Norman Castle is just a short walk from the centre of town.

Berkhamsted has an active leisure scene with numerous running and cycling clubs in addition to a Tennis and Squash Club, Football Club, and Bowls Clubs. There are also a wide range of gyms and fitness clubs and two large leisure centres.

In 2018 Berkhamsted was named by the Sunday Times as the Best Place to Live in the South-East and, in 2022, Muddy Stilettos named Berkhamsted the best place to live in Hertfordshire. It’s easy to see why!

Berkhamsted in pictures…

Berkhamsted’s canal and The Moor
Berkhamsted Castle, English Heritage Site
Home and Colonial Store and Cafe
The Grand Union Canal
Berkhamsted Castle
The Rex art deco Cinema and The Gatsby Restaurant
The old Castle walls
Berkhamsted High Street
The Crystal Palace pub and restaurant
Berkhamsted High St at dusk

We got Muddy’s vote!

Best Place to Live

Find out why Muddy Stilettos named Berkhamsted the best place to live in Hertfordshire in 2022…

Best Place to Live in Hertfordshire

A little bit of London right here in Hertfordshire, with its trendy shops and eateries, while its rural surrounds and speedy trainline make Berkhamsted a commuter’s dream.

October, 2022

The Sunday Times names Berkhamsted The Best Place to Live in the South East

March, 2018
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What’s on in Berkhamsted

Berkhamsted Half Marathon, March 2023, Rotary Club

Bluebell Walk, May 2023,

Proms in the Quad, July 2023, Berkhamsted School, Details to be announced

Berkhamsted Rotary Fireworks, November 2023,

Ashridge House Illuminated, November – January