Radlett is a large affluent village, situated between St Albans and Borehamwood, with a population of approximately 8,000. It is located within the council district of Hertsmere.
Property:
The pretty neighbourhood is currently one of the most prosperous places in Britain, as the combination of its close proximity to London and great transport links have made the area a property hotspot. Popular roads such as Newberries Avenue and Loom Lane average a price of £1,000,000 per home.
The area mostly contains substantial detached houses with large gardens, a mix of large period residences and modern red-brick refurbishments. Nearer the centre and the station there are several streets with Victorian semi-detached homes and characterful cottage-style terraces.
The average price for a two-bedroom flat in the area is £424,716, for a terraced house it’s £482,716 and £1,243,134 for a detached house.
Education:
The area has a mix of independent and state schools. There are twelve state schools in Radlett catering for children aged two to 11 years old however as there are no mainstream secondary schools, children aged 11 and above attend schools in towns in the surrounding area, mostly travelling by dedicated bus services. St John’s Church of England Infant and Nursery School and Fair Field Junior School both have an Ofsted rating of outstanding’ and the majority of pupils demonstrate above average capabilities in reading, writing and mathematics.
Edge Grove is a vibrant independent day and boarding school for pupils aged three to 13. Situated in 28 acres of parkland, they offer a holistic ducation approach with a keen focus on fostering talent in and outside the classroom.
Transport Links:
The area has very good transport links, with close access to the M25 and M1 motorways and the A1 trunk road. There is a commuter rail service connecting Radlett railway station to London St. Pancras International in an average of 27 minutes, with fast and easy access to the Eurostar.
Radlett also offers train services to London Gatwick and London Luton airports, while London Heathrow is an accessible 40 minute drive away.
Two main bus services run through the area, both operated by UNO. The 602 connects Watford, Radlett, St Albans and Hatfield while the 655 route runs between Hatfield, St Albans, Radlett and Borehamwood.
Landmarks & History:
There has been a settlement known as Radlett dating back to 1453, however the area as it stands has been created almost entirely since the end of the 19th century. During this time, the village was a rural community dominated by the estates of the Kendals, who owned the majority of the land to the west of Watling Street, in addition to Newberries Avenue and Aldenham Lodge. The only buildings at the time were located at the crossroads at the bottom of Shenley Hill, which included a pub and an inn.
In 1860, the Midland Railway service was extended from Bedford into London and a station was built in Radlett, connecting it with London. 1948 was a momentous year in sport for the village, with the Olympic Marathon running through the area. An out-and-back course from the Empire Stadium in Wembley was laid out through the main high street.
The introduction of the Metropolitan Green Belt in the 1950s set a legal framework limiting further growth of the area beyond the existing limits of the village, restricting Radlett to infilling within the built-up area rather than expanding outward. Despite this, the popularity of the area has meant that new houses continue to be built in former large estate gardens.
Shopping & culture:
Watling Street, the main road running through Radlett, has an incredible selection of local shops, in addition to some national chain stores and their very own Radlett Centre with a 300-seat auditorium showing various performances throughout the year. The high street offers a far better variety than most settlements with a similar population, however maintains a quiet, friendly village feel.
Situated less than one mile away from Radlett is the Battlers Green Farm Rural Shopping village, which has grown substantially since it was set up 50 years ago. Starting as a single farm shop, it has gradually expanded to achieve its present shape – which includes 12 independent stores offering unique homemade gifts and produce.
Sports & leisure:
Cricket and football are popular sports within the area, with Radlett’s very own football club Belstone competing in the Herts Senior County League Premier Division. Cricket is played at Brunton Memorial Ground, which is also the training facility of the Middlesex County Cricket Club, hosting their cup match against Yorkshire in 2013.
Radlett is also the home of Tabard RFC, who play in London North West 2. The training facility offers two full fize pitches, in addition to subsidiary pitches for their growing junior and mini rugby section.
Radlett Bowls:
The club play on the six-rink green, owned and maintained by Aldenham Parish Council, on Mondays during the season (Mid April to end September) from 2pm.
Originally it was a four-rink bowling green, laid in Phillimore Recreation Ground and opened to the public by Hon. Mrs. Phillimore on 12th June 1930. Contrary to how things are today (member John Tilsiter describes the club in 2016 as “thriving”), there was little local interest until October 1932 when a few interested men met to discuss the possibility of forming a bowls club. Following a public meeting, nineteen men agreed to form Radlett Bowls Club. The club was founded in 1933 and became affiliated to the Hertfordshire County Bowls Association and the Watford and District Bowling Association.
Aldenham Parish Council enlarged the green to six rinks in 1939 and by 1941 the membership, still all male, had risen to over fifty. In the same year, the Club President was knighted to become Sir F. W. Leggett KBE, CB and he became County President in 1951. At one time, two members were Knights of the Realm.
In 1986, a ladies’ section was introduced, soon to be followed by becoming the first club in Hertfordshire to be ‘mixed’. 1993 was Diamond Jubilee year, celebrated with men’s matches against Hertfordshire County and Watford and District. The ladies played against St. Albans and District, Watford and District and the County.
Eating & drinking:
Radlett has a variety of restaurants and bars to suit all taste preferences, ranging from popular chains such as Prezzo and Pizza Express to unique independently owned venues. Isot is a Turkish restaurant with an authentic Mediterranean menu and a friendly, warm atmosphere with themed entertainment evenings. Marinated meat and traditional kebabs can be enjoyed as a filling main or shared as part of a group mezze menu.
Bukushi offers pan-asian cuisine and sushi to take-away while Va’pensiero has a mouthwatering Italian menu and a mix of world wines to be enjoyed in a contemporary setting.
Good for kids:
Family friendly entertainment and performances are put on throughout the year at the Radlett Centre, with local children encouraged to participate in the annual Christmas pantomime. The area’s lawn tennis and squash club offers a junior training club during the summer holidays.
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