Little Berkhampstead: Discover History and Walking Routes

Little Berkhamstead combines a remarkable local history with paths through the surrounding countryside. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house for their stay can easily tailor their choice of trip to their own interests: the focus is on historic buildings, St Andrew’s Church, public footpaths and bridleways, and a section of the Hertfordshire Way.

Historical Traces in the Village

The history of Little Berkhamstead dates back to the time of the Domesday survey. In 1086, the manor was held by Hardwin of Scales and assessed at five hides, approximately 600 acres. The village is also associated with the fact that, after the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror received the surrender of the City of London there.

Stratton’s Tower is particularly striking. This Grade II* listed building is 155 feet high, has five storeys and an octagonal lower storey. Today, it is used as a residence. Part of its history is connected with its building material: the tower was constructed largely from reused bricks from a 17th-century brewery on the same site. Stratton’s Folly is a Georgian viewing tower built by John Stratton in 1789 near the site of an earlier brewery.

The Old Manor House, a Grade II listed building with origins dating from the mid to late 16th century, is also one of the area’s defining historic structures. Little Berkhamsted House was built in 1732 for O. Lloyd, a Master of the Stationers’ Company. Around 1790, two pavilion wings were added for J. Bouchier. Altogether, the conservation and heritage area of Little Berkhamstead contains nine listed buildings.

Church, Memorial and Paths

St Andrew’s Church provides another insight into the village’s history. The present building was apparently rebuilt in 1857; parts of the fabric date from the 17th century or even earlier. At the same time, the church in Little Berkhamstead is said to have existed since Saxon or Norman times. Its three bells add to this historic picture: the oldest dates from before 1400, the second from around 1621 and the third from 1718.

Next to the church, on a grassed area at the junction of Church Road, Robin’s Nest Hill and Little Berkhamsted Lane, stands the Grade II listed war memorial. Public footpaths and bridleways are available for walks and longer stages. Hertfordshire Way Walk 15 runs from Newgate Street to Bayford via Essendon and Little Berkhamstead. It also uses a footpath that leads into a field directly in front of St Andrew’s Church. A documented walk by the 316 Club combined woodland paths, roads and rural footpaths. This makes it possible to include different forms of activity in your daily plans without making sightseeing the sole focus of the trip.

Local Character and Practical Information

Free parking is available on the recreation ground of the village of Little Berkhamstead. Those wishing to combine their stay with a meal can find a Sunday roast at the Grade II listed pub The Five Horseshoes, with a meat or vegetarian option, gravy, vegetables and Yorkshire puddings.

The Cricket and Community Pavilion is also part of the local offering. Outside its primary use as a clubhouse, it can be hired for children’s parties and summer events. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether historic discoveries, walks or a combination of local history and local dining matters most to you.

Compare More Destinations

If you would like to compare Little Berkhampstead with other places, you can find additional destinations for your search here: Boxmoor, Knebworth, Ardeley, Waltham Cross, Radlett, Harpenden, Tring and Hertford.

For the overarching travel overview: Hertfordshire.