Stevenage

Introduction

Located in Hertfordshire, England, you will find Stevenage situated north of London. Positioned between Letchworth Garden City and Welwyn Garden City, the town sits east of junctions 7 and 8 of the A1(M).

You can explore a location with significant history as a designated New Town under the New Towns Act in 1946.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by understanding Stevenage's unique role as a significant post-war experiment in urban planning and housing. While the 1960s and 1970s architecture may appear unrefined to some, it reflects a bold vision to provide clean, open spaces for those displaced by war. You can explore a landscape that balances its history as an ancient settlement—with roots dating back to Roman times—and its modern identity as a hub with a vibrant pedestrianised shopping precinct and extensive cycling paths.

• Experience the contrast between the historic Old Town and the more modern areas like Chells Manor, Poplars, St Nicholas, and Great Ashby.
• Navigate the town using the network of separated bicycle paths that allow you to cycle across the area without interacting with traffic.
• Enjoy the local amenities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and wide open parks.
• Explore the surrounding countryside or visit the nearby Leisure Park near the train station for evening activities.

Getting there

You can reach the town by car via the A1(M) motorway, which runs along the western border and follows the historic path of the Great North Road. Alternatively, the A602 connects you to the A10, providing access to Ware to the southeast and Hitchin to the northwest.

For rail travel, the train station located in the town centre serves the King's Cross East Coast Main Line. This major railway line provides connections to various destinations including Cambridge, Peterborough, York, Newcastle, and Edinburgh. If you are arriving by plane, London Luton Airport and London Stansted Airport are the nearest options. You can also reach the town by coach from several locations, including both airports and nearby towns like Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield.

Getting around

You can navigate Stevenage easily by car, bus, on foot, or by bicycle. If you choose to drive, the routes into the town centre for shopping are straightforward, though you should consult a map first. Be mindful of the numerous roundabouts that the town is famous for, which are decorated with flowers throughout most of the year. You can find parking in various locations, including several council-managed sites in the town centre, such as Westgate Multi-Storey, St George's Way Multi-Storey, Marshgate, Southgate, Fairlands Way, Swingate, Daneshill, Railway North, Railway South, Danesgate, Swingate East, and the Leisure Centre. In the Old Town area, you can use the short stay car park behind Waitrose, while Roaring Meg Car Park or Monkswood Retail Park serve other locations.

The town is served by an abundance of bus stops on both main and minor streets by various companies including Arriva, Centrebus, Richmond's, and Uno. You can find the bus station in the town centre near the Town Square. For those preferring to cycle, the extensive Cycle Path Network makes traveling by bike easy, complemented by numerous footpaths and pedestrianised streets.

Where to stay

Since Stevenage is not a primary tourist destination, your selection of accommodations is limited but offers varied styles depending on your preference for character or modern convenience. In the Old Town area, you can choose from several options including the Cromwell Hotel, which features historic charm as a former farmhouse, or the Archways Lodge Hotel for a modern and clean stay near the High Street. For a more traditional experience, The Abbington offers a cozy atmosphere in an old house, while The Old Manse provides a local bed and breakfast option.

If you prefer contemporary amenities, the Ibis Hotel in Danestrete features Scandinavian-style wooden floors and eco-friendly bathrooms, while the Express by Holiday Inn provides a modern stay in the town center. For those seeking a more rural experience outside the immediate town limits, several country hotels are located nearby in areas such as Ware and Hitchin. Additionally, Redwood House in Knebworth serves as a popular choice for those visiting the local technology companies.

Food & drink

You can find a variety of dining options in Stevenage ranging from Italian and Chinese to numerous Indian restaurants. For those seeking traditional fare, the town offers many fast food joints, including several fish and chip shops and various independent kebab and fried chicken takeaways. If you prefer a more refined atmosphere, the Cromwell Hotel features a restaurant set within an interesting historic building. For your morning coffee or a light lunch, the town centre provides several options, including Esquires Coffee House, which is noted for its high-quality coffee.

The local pub scene offers diverse experiences depending on the atmosphere you seek:

• The Marquis of Granby in Old Stevenage is a characterful pub regarded as one of the best locals in town.
• The Dun Cow provides a selection of draught beers and spirits alongside entertainment like pool and darts.
• The Chequers at Bragbury End offers a village-like feel on the southern edge of town, while another Chequers on the High Street provides a traditional local atmosphere.
• For a change of scenery, you can travel to nearby villages for country pubs such as The Plough in Datchworth or the characterful Bull in Watton at Stone.

What to see and do

Explore the historic Old Town, where you can wander through streets lined with ancient buildings, traditional pubs, and unique shops. On the High Street, look for a plaque commemorating an 18th-century farmer whose coffin was famously preserved in the rafters of a building to protect it from body snatchers. You can also visit St Nicholas Church, a flint-built Norman church, or travel to the nearby village of Shephall to see St Mary's Church, which features a rare Saxon stone relic. For a glimpse into local history, the Stevenage Museum houses an archive of old photographs and documents while offering child-friendly exhibitions.

Nature lovers can find tranquility in the countryside. You can walk through Forster Country, a green belt area featuring Rooks Nest House, which inspired E.M. Forster's literature. Explore Box Wood, a large woodland filled with wildflowers and wildlife like muntjac deer and woodpeckers, or visit the secluded Chells Lane to see its duck pond and old cottages. For a grander experience, travel a short distance to Knebworth House, a stately Gothic mansion set within a vast estate featuring a deer park and a Tudor great hall. If you prefer active pursuits, you can enjoy local sports at the stadium of Stevenage FC or visit the leisure park for a cinema and bowling.

Three days in Stevenage

Day one, you can explore the local area and experience the character of this New Town. You might choose to navigate the nearby surroundings or enjoy a stroll through the local landscape.

Day two, you can travel toward other destinations such as Ware or Hitchin. Alternatively, you can head further afield to reach locations like Cambridge, Peterborough, York, Newcastle, or Edinburgh.

Day three, you can prepare for your onward journey by heading toward the Great North Road or making your way toward London Luton Airport.