Area Guide: The thriving, well-connected area of Chiswell Green

Transport links - including the A414 - are one of the area's main selling points (Image: Archant)

Chiswell Green’s strong sense of identity and prime location for families, commuters and professionals, make it a Hertfordshire hotspot with qualities that rival major UK cities.

The informed and active community accommodates residents of all kinds; printing regular newsletters, hosting activities, supporting local clubs and encouraging social interaction among neighbours.

History

Some of the amenities on offer on Watford Road (Image: Archant)

The name ‘Chiswell’ is derived from ‘chisel’, used in place names for gravel or shingle. Chiswell Green has been a popular excavation site throughout the centuries and many interesting and vital historic artifacts have been unearthed there.

Archeologists are able to paint a greater picture of ancient Chiswell Green life from varying soil formations and organic materials dug up at the site, providing evidence of ancient quarrying methods and our ancestor’s resourcefulness. The hollows in St Julian’s Wood/Greenwood Park are reputedly the remains of this quarry and would have once played a crucial role in building and trade.

Transport

The Three Hammers is a Grade II listed building (Image: Archant)

Chiswell Green offers a myriad of travelling options and destinations, with easy access to train stations, bus routes and major roads.

Just two miles separate Chiswell Green from bustling St Albans City station, and a hop on a train from there is under 30 minutes to central London, great for commuters or those seeking a day trip.

Equally, a short walk from Chiswell Green to How Wood or Park Street stations will have you in Watford within 15 minutes for shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

The M25 is also perfectly located within a few minutes drive of the village, offering endless day trip and travel possibilities that are proving popular with a new generation of Chiswell Green homeowners.

Education

There is one school in Chiswell Green’s West Avenue; Killigrew Primary and Nursery School. This was formed by the amalgamation of two separate infant and junior schools. An Ofsted report classified Killigrew as ‘good’ and spoke positively of the students and teaching staff, saying: “Pupils welcome the many opportunities to take on responsibilities and contribute to the community.”

Amenities

The loss of Butterfly World and the Gardens of the Rose has been keenly felt by the wider community, but many other amenities remain.

The Noke hotel on Watford Road maintains a solid reputation as the perfect place for seasonal meals and events or as accommodation for visiting family and friends.

Other amenities include a pharmacy, dental surgery, medical centre, takeaway restaurants, bakeries, a post office and an incredibly convenient 24-hour Starbucks, which is located on the outskirts of the village, next to the Shell petrol station.

Dining

In the late 19th century the village had a forge facing onto Watford Road and the surrounding farmland. The old forge and 15th century house eventually became an inn around 1854 and is now known as The Three Hammers.

The Grade II listed pub serves authentic British cooking and real ales in a cosy, characterful setting with period features and welcoming staff. Much of its original beer garden is currently being converted into a Co-op store, despite strong opposition from locals.

Sports and leisure

Greenwood Park is a popular and picturesque recreation area, with a well-used playground and a community centre consisting of three halls and a licensed bar. The community centre is regularly used by locals for celebratory events, charity activities and clubs.

The hall is marked out for badminton, netball, basketball, volleyball and football and is a popular spot for sporting buffs and clubs alike.

Greenwood Park County Cricket has two teams, which play throughout the summer in home and away matches.

Chiswell Green Riding School has been teaching all ages and abilities for over 20 years and offer group lessons and private tutoring from novice to experienced riders. They run activities through the school holidays including horse care and stable management, gymkhanas and hacks in the many different countryside locations that surround the area.

If you’re not keen on taking part in sports, why not take a long stroll from Chiswell Green to Bricket Wood, St Albans town or Cottonmill? There are plenty of historic sites to take in and the River Ver offers beautiful scenery and glimpses into Hertfordshire wildlife, with nesting herons being a recent visitor.

Chiswell Green offers everything a prospective buyer is looking for; space, convenience, accessibility, community and history. If you don’t believe me, see for yourselves!