Hemel Hempstead tourist information

Hemel Hempstead lies to the west of the county, one of Hertfordshire's 'New Towns'.

These were created after World War II to relieve London's chronic housing problems and overcrowding. Industrial development was incorporated into the plans so that the new towns did not simply become domitory suburbs of the capital.

Like Stevenage (Britain's first New Town), Hemel Hempstead was developed around an attractive old town which still exists today. The town's 12th century church has survived and elsewhere there are attractive Tudor and Georgian buildings.

The remains of a Roman villa can be found in Gadebridge Park near Picotts End, to the north-west of the old town.

The modern town has excellent shopping facilities, notably at the Marlowes Shopping Centre and Jarman Park. One of Hertfordshire's largest industrial and commercial areas, Hemel Hempstead now benefits from the close proximity of the M1 and M25.

Hundreds of businesses are based here and Kodak have made Hemel Hempstead their European headquarters.

The town is famous for its 'Magic Roundabout'. Built in 1973 to cope with the increased congestion as Hemel Hempstead grew, the roundabout allows traffic to go around in both directions.