Last month, we took a look at our top ten reasons to love Hitchin and we had so much fun in the process that we have decided to turn our attention to another one of our favourite villages.
The quintessentially British village of Redbourn offers peaceful countryside views and a thriving village community, whilst offering all the amenities and access to both Harpenden, just three miles north, and vibrant St Albans, 4 miles south of the village.
In fact, Redbourn regularly scoops a prize in Hertfordshire’s Village of the Year competition and none other than Location, Location, Location’s Phil Spencer once described Redbourn as ‘quite possibly one of the cutest villages I’ve ever seen’. High praise indeed!
Today, families practically queue up to become part of this village’s life, but whether you want to visit or put down roots here, there are plenty of reasons to love Redbourn:
1. Community spirit
A thriving community is at the very heart of Redbourn, with regular fairs, markets, music events and sports clubs taking place throughout the year.
Community spirit, a sense of belonging and support all have a big role to play for Redbourn residents. Touchingly, when the Cricket club’s pavilion burnt down in 2008, the people in the village rallied around and dipped into their own pockets to help build a new pavilion in time for the commencement of the new season, a testament to the local’s commitment to the village.
The Redbourn Community Group is a volunteer lead charity, dedicated to serving the village of Redbourn since 1980 and providing support to all residents and helping with community projects.
Meanwhile, Redbourn in Bloom is a volunteer-led charity dedicated to enhancing the village through gardening and public flower planting.
2. Rich history
Redbourn proudly embraces its rich and varied history, with places of historical interest including The Aubreys, an Iron Age fort, and Friar’s Walsh, the site of a Roman temple complex excavated by Channel 4’s Time Team in 2008.
In 2010, an array of festivities took place throughout the village to celebrate its church, St Mary’s, having been a part of the village for a whopping 900 years.
A less conventional historical celebration took place in 2003 when local school children successfully campaigned for a memorial bench for ‘Sticky Joe’, a young man who met an unfortunate end after falling in a vat of jam at the local factory! You can learn more about Redbourn’s fascinating history here.
3. Redbourn Common
The people of Redbourn are very proud of their magnificent common and it has been at the heart of village life for hundreds of years. The Common is also host to many events throughout the year, such as Redbourn Fete Du Velo, a sporting event which attracts cyclist from miles around to compete in various races around the common. There is also the popular Redbourn Classics Motor Show and Village Fete which takes place in September, as well as the Fireworks display in November.
4. 350 years of Cricket
Redbourn Cricket Club was officially founded prior to 1823, making the club one of the oldest clubs in Hertfordshire. However, it is said that cricket was first played on Redbourn Common in 1666, making the villages one of the oldest recorded cricketing locations in England.
In fact, one of the local drinking holes, The Cricketers, gets its name from the community’s strong connection to this most English of sports. Regular fixtures continue to take place on the Common, so be sure to wander down to watch a game or two.
5. Redbourn Village Museum
Just off Redbourn Common you will find Redbourn Village Museum, housed in the historic Grade II listed Silk Mill House. Here, you will get an extraordinary glimpse of the village throughout the ages, as well as enjoying a range of permanent and changing special exhibitions. The museum is supported by Redbourn Parish Council and Friends and has been staffed by volunteers since opening in 2000.
6. Redbournbury Mill
With the pretty River Ver to its east, the village is lucky to still have a working watermill nearby in the hamlet of Redbournbury, run by a dedicated team of volunteers who produce stoneground organic flours and a wide range of breads. You can buy these at local farmers’ markets, but it’s worth visiting the mill to attend one of its wonderful day courses to master the art of bread making or to browse the shop and museum. The picturesque area around the mill is also a great place to enjoy a picnic and spot river wildlife including herons and kingfishers. redbournburymill.co.uk.
7. Café Culture
Redbourn boasts a number of food and drink hotspots, perfect for all occasions and seasons.
Nestled in a Grade II listed building, The Enchanted Tea Rooms is a family-run venue offering an array of sweet and savoury treats, specialising in (yes, you guessed it!) afternoon tea. The Hub, another favourite for locals, offers good coffee and homemade food in a cosy atmosphere, whilst also offering bike repairs and essentials for cyclists. An unusual yet winning combination! Sean’s Bakery, next to The George, also deserves a mention, providing pastries and artisan breads alongside some tremendous ice cream and milkshake options.
8. Pubs and Restaurants
One of the village’s most popular attractions is its brilliant pub, The Cricketers, which seamlessly blends a comfy traditional atmosphere with a highly-regarded contemporary restaurant (it’s well worth booking a place on the sushi and prosecco nights on Fridays). The pub also holds popular monthly charity quiz nights, helping a different local cause each time.
If you are looking for a cosy, friendly ye olde British pub then look no further than The Hollybush. A traditional 16th century country pub offering a cosy environment, reasonably priced drinks and home cooked food, The Holly Bush is a very special find indeed.
If fine dining is your thing, a visit to country retreat Aubrey Park Hotel’s inviting brasserie is highly recommended. Offering local, seasonal produce, impeccable service and a tranquil ambience, you won’t be disappointed.
9. Hertfordshire County Show
Redbourn is home to the Hertfordshire County Show. Attracting over 35,000 visitors each year, the Hertfordshire County Show is one of Hertfordshire’s flagship events and is a celebration of country living, food and farming. Showcasing horse riding, circus skills, stunt riding, animal displays and hundreds of stalls selling everything from artisan produce to country clothing, it’s definitely an event not to be missed! This year’s show will be taking place on 28th and 29th May 2022.
10. Charming Properties
Last but not least, Redbourn is home to a stunning array of properties, from period properties to contemporary family homes. Ever-popular, house prices in Redbourn had an overall average price of £633,250 over the last year.
You can view a selection of stunning properties currently on the market in Redbourn on our website here.
Watch our Video Area Guide on Redbourn here.
