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Stevenage tourist information
Stevenage, dating back at least 2000 years, prospered beside the Great North Road (A1).
Until the end of World War II Stevenage remained a quiet country town but in 1946 it was designated as Britain's first 'New Town'
The New Towns were proposed to relieve London's post-war housing problems and overcrowding and incorporated industrial development so that the towns did not simply become domitory suburbs of the capital.
Stevenage developed as six self-contained residential neighbourhoods arranged around the original town. Now called 'Stevenage Old Town', this original part has retained a village feel and has many historic buildings, coaching inns and pubs.
The modern Town Square has many interesting examples of post-War architecture and is now designated a conservation area. The Stevenage Museum, near the centre of the new town, illustrates the facinating history of the town.
Stevenage's pedestrianised town centre was the first traffic free shopping zone in Britain and today major retailers can be found both in the town centre and the adjacent Westgate Centre.
The town has good leisure and entertainment facilities and the Fairlands Valley Park, running through the centre of the town is a good spot for walks and picnics. The renowned contemporary art gallery, Boxfield Gallery, is also located in the town.
Following the opening of the A1(M) bypass in 1962, the Great North Road no longer runs through the town.
Gardens
Benington Lordship Benington, Stevenage SG2 7BS
East of Stevenage signposted off the A602 between Stevenage and Hertford and the A507 between Buntingford and Baldock. 7 acres of Edwardian terraced gardens contain splendid herbaceous borders, a rock garden and roses. Benington Lordship information
Art Galleries
Boxfield Gallery Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ
This contemporary art gallery holds 10 month-long exhibitions every year of local and nationally known artists, sculptors and photographers. Boxfield Gallery information
Historic Houses
Knebworth House Knebworth, Stevenage SG3 6PY
Built by Sir Robert Lytton in 1490. In 1810 it was transformed into a High Gothic house. 25 acres of gardens, 250 acres of parkland, adventure playground and miniature railway. And of course open-air rock concerts. Knebworth House information
Museums
Stevenage Museum St Georges Way, Stevenage SG1 1XX
The museum charts the history of the town from prehistoric times to the present day. Exhibits include a Romon coin hoard, re-constructed 1950s sitting room, hands-on displays, and videos. Special exhibitions. Stevenage Museum information
Out & About
Fairlands Valley Park Six Hills Way, Stevenage SG2 0BL
120 acres of beautiful parkland. The park supports a range of wildlife and there is a wildfowl reserve. Fairlands Valley Park information
Cromer Windmill Cromer, Stevenage SG2 7QA
Beside the B1037, north-east of Stevenage. Dating from 1679 - 81, is the last remaining post-mill in Hertfordshire. Cromer Windmill information
Ardeley, Stevenage
B1037 northeast of Stevenage, is in a very rural part of the county, this charming thatched village is approached down country lanes. The rolling countryside has an East Anglian feel and provides some of the best walks in Hertfordshire. Ardeley information
Benington, Stevenage
East of Stevenage off A602. is a pretty and interesting village. The church is dazzling in late February when the snowdrops are in bloom. Benington information
Hotels
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St. Georges Way Stevenage SG1 1HS MAP Close to junction 7 of the A1(M), this hotel has a mini-gym and a modern restaurant, in the town centre. Stevenage rail station is nearby. Holiday Inn Stevenage has air-conditioned rooms with LCD TVs and black-out curtains. There are good conference faci... More Information and Book ... |
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Knebworth Park Stevenage SG1 2AX MAP By historic Knebworth House, Novotel Stevenage offers free parking and spacious rooms. The town centre is just 5 minutes away. On junction 7 of the A1(M), Novotel Stevenage has modern rooms with king-size beds. Elements restaurant offers a varied menu an... More Information and Book ... |
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London Road Stevenage SG2 8DS MAP With a charming 15th-century pub and modern rooms with private bathrooms, Best Western Roebuck Inn is less than 5 minutes’ drive from the A1(M) motorway. All of the bright and airy rooms at Best Western Stevenage benefit from free Wi-Fi access and TVs... More Information and Book ... |
Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and other Hotels
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High Street, Old Town Stevenage SG1 3AZ MAP Once a farm house and home to John Thurloe, secretary to Oliver Cromwell, this hotel combines modern decor with original features and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is close to the AL1(M) and just 10 minutes’ drive from Knebworth Park. All rooms include a priva... More Information and Book ... |
Abbington Hotel 50*
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23 Hitchin Road, Stevenage Old Town Stevenage SG1 3BJ MAP With clean, comfy rooms, free wireless internet and a restaurant, Abbington Hotel is close to the A1(M) and 3 miles from Knebworth House. Abbington Hotel is a 3-minute walk from Stevenage's Old Town and offers free parking. There is an entrance ramp for ... More Information and Book ... |
Towns Near Stevenage To Visit - straight line distance:
Hitchen Tourist Information (4.46 miles) Letchworth Tourist Information (5.13 miles) Baldock Tourist Information (6.02 miles) Welwyn Garden City Tourist Information (7.00 miles)
Where to Stay in Stevenage
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Area Telephone Code
- 01438
