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‘Unbelievably cute’ village crowned one of the best places to visit from London
A cosy pub with a roaring fire. The smell of freshly baked scones floating from the local bakery. Almost no phone signal.
This is what awaits visitors to Ashwell, a Hertfordshire village less than an hour away from London.
Located at the source of the River Cam — which eventually flows into Cambridge — this idyllic spot has been named on a list of the 15 prettiest villages near London, compiled by Condé Nast Traveller.
The publication celebrated Ashwell for its brewery scene (which dates back to the 1800s), and added that its ‘streets offer a scenic interlude northbound off the A1.’
TimeOut also recently placed it first in their list of ‘unbelievably cute’ villages near to London, citing Ashwell Springs as the perfect spot for a ‘picturesque picnic’.
As a Hertfordshire native, I’m not surprised to see Ashwell on the list. It’s exactly how you’d picture a classic English village to be: children playing, cyclists buddying up for weekend rides, and neighbours chatting over fences.
So if you fancy a day trip this spring, here’s everything you need to know about the ‘green oasis’ around 40 miles from the capital.
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Things to do in Ashwell
When the sun comes out, the aforementioned Ashwell Springs are the place to be. Near the high street, accessible by a footpath, you’ll find the small nature reserve, at the source of the River Cam.
Shallow enough for a paddle, take a picnic and read a book while the kids hop across the stepping stones. There’s even a sign that reads: ‘You are now entering a stress free zone’.
Once you’ve got your dose of vitamin D, The Three Tuns is everyone’s favourite pub. The spot serves up a huge roast on a Sunday, as well as classics like fish and chips and sausage and mash.
There are rooms available for an overnight stay, too. The Westminster Room, which sleeps four, is available to book for around £75 per night.
Other pubs include the The Rose and Crown, which, like much of the village, dates back to the 16th century.
Or, for more sunbathing, right opposite the 14th-century Church of St Mary the Virgin, you’ll find the Bushel and Strike, with its generously sized beer garden out the back, ideal for enjoying a pint of Hop & Heart, Foghorn, or the Genesis stout — all brewed in nearby Bedfordshire.
Speaking of beer, Ashwell has a long brewing history, due it’s abundant water supply, and fertile land. Fordham’s Brewery produced ales and stouts in the village for more 100 years. You can learn all about their history, as well as other fun facts, at the Ashwell Museum, which is free to enter, and open all year.
Housed in a medieval timber-framed building, the museum described Ashwell as ‘a world in a village’.
Wandering around the quaint streets, you’ll find everything you’d expect in a storybook village. Whether you’re looking for some sturdy sausages for a fry-up or a burger to stick on the barbecue, Crumps, a butcher and deli, has it all. As well as meats, there’s a counter full of cheese, plus plenty of fresh vegetables.
And, the jewel in Ashwell’s undeniable crown, Days Bakery is an essential visit. At Easter, there are fresh hot cross buns and cookies, and year-round, there’s bread, sandwiches, and sausage rolls galore.
It’s been there since 1741, which makes it one of the UK’s oldest bakeries. The original site is in Ashwell, but these days, there are also shops across the rest of Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Essex.
And, if you’re going to be in Ashwell in August, don’t miss the annual Ashwell Show, held every August bank holiday. Running for more almost 100 years, there’s a craft market, fairground rides and a horse and dog show.
And apparently, this year’s ‘breathtaking main attraction’ is yet to be announced…
Getting to and around Ashwell
The nearest train station is Ashwell and Morden, which is only a five-minute drive away from the main village, but along a two-mile country road with no pavements.
There’s also the number 91 bus, which goes from door to door and takes about seven minutes.
Considering it’s deep in rural Hertfordshire, though, it’s worth checking the timetable so you’re not left high and dry.
When travelling from London, the train to London St Pancras takes about 45 minutes. It also passes through Finsbury Park on the way, for those after the Victoria line.
Cambridge, with its cobbled streets, university population, and sticky buns (from local legends Fitzbillies, no less), is also a 20-minute train ride away.
House prices in Ashwell
Fancy a more permanent move from the capital to the countryside?
According to data from Rightmove, the average house here has sold for £402,944 over the last year, which exceeds the going rate across the UK by a good £31,000.
That said, if you’re after a good alternative to the likes of Hitchin, where house prices level out at £491,314, then Ashwell is 20 minutes away, and that it cheaper.
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