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 the only Hertfordshire town to be listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2025.

30 minutes

From Central London by train

40 minutes

From Heathrow by car

60 minutes

From Oxford by car

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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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.

We are thrilled to see Berkhamsted identified by The Sunday Times’ team of experts as one of the top places to live in the UK. “Small enough to feel safe but busy enough that you won’t get bored”, Berkhamsted boasts a plethora of pubs, cafes, sports clubs, and a vibrant cultural scene.

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

Local Information

There are a wide range of restaurants, bars and cafes in Berkhamsted, many of which are small chains or independent. Whether you want Indian cuisine, Thai, Lebanese, Greek or European, it’s all on offer. In addition, there’s a great selection of leisure and recreation options including tennis, bowls, swimming, gyms and even luxury personal training.

The Gatbsy Restaurant and Bar, and the Rex Cinema
Berkhamsted train station
The Knox Johnston Sports Centre
Berkhamsted Lawn Tennis and Squash Rackets Club
The Chapel Club, Luxury Personal Training
Daisy and Co, vintage chic dining

The Berkhamsted Society

By running events and meetings, the Berkhamsted Society aims to assist the Berkhamsted Schools Group to achieve its aim of being beneficial to the community and closely connected to all its constituencies.

To receive updates on upcoming Berkhamsted Society events, please complete the short form via the link below:

Berkhamsted Society
Other Activities in Town

Other Activities in Town

Berkhamsted Society, Host a range of events, talks and entertainment throughout the year

Berkhamsted Half Marathon, Annually in March, Rotary Club

Bluebell Walk, Berkhamsted’s oldest walk. Takes place annually in May,

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

Berkhamsted Rotary Fireworks, Annually in November,

Ashridge House Illuminated, Annually, November – January

Outdoor Theatre at Ashridge House, Annually in summer months

Family Fun

Family Activities

Family Activities

Ashridge House, National Trust

Berkhamsted Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool

Cineworld, Hemel Hempstead (15 mins by car)

Cloud 9, Inflatable Park, Hemel Hempstead (15 mins by car)

DJ’s Soft Play, Berkhamsted

Jarmin Park, Athletics Track (15 mins by car)

Knox Johnston Sports Centre, and Swimming Pool, Berkhamsted

Natural History Museum, Tring (10 mins by car)

The Rex Cinema, Berkhamsted

The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead (15 mins by car)

The XC, Climbing and Skate Park, Hemel Hempstead (15 mins by car)

 

 

 

Holiday Camps and Kids Clubs

Holiday Camps and Kids Clubs

Camp Beaumont, Holiday Camps in Berkhamsted

Activate Camps. Holiday Camps, Berkhamsted

Sapphire Gymnastics, Hemel Hempstead and Pitstone

Berkhamsted Gymnastics

Berkhamsted Raiders Football Club, Berkhamsted

Little Kickers, Football class, Berkhamsted

Mighty Netball, Junior netball class, Berkhamsted

Rugby Tots, Rugby Activities for children and tots