Area Guide: The historic hamlet of Burnham Green

The quaint Hertfordshire hamlet of Burnham Green – between Datchworth, Tewin and Digswell - has an ancient history.

Quite randomly, it is said to be the highest point looking east until you encounter the Ural mountains in Russia. It is located at an altitude of 125m above sea level, at the top of a hill overlooking neighbouring villages.

Residents describe it as vibrant with lots going on, where people actively participate in community life. It has a village shop and newsagent, open seven days a week.

The cosy well-maintained village hall is small but perfectly formed, offering a pop-up Post Office on Tuesday afternoons (12.30-4pm) and Friday mornings (9.30am-1pm) – when charmingly, a tea room also ‘pops up’ and sells refreshments.

There is an annual Burnham Green Festival on August bank holiday. This year’s is on Monday August 28 and is set to feature pony rides, a Spitfire aerobatic display and funfair.

History

Another notable quirk is the ancient ghost story infamous in Burnham Green, set in the local pub.

Legend suggests that The White Horse is named from the tale of the headless horse, involving a battle in 1002 between Saxons and Vikings.

The headless horse is said to haunt White Horse Lane and there have been many claimed sightings. Some people feel so spooked out by this that they refuse to drive down that road at night. Creepy.

Transport

The closest train service runs from Welwyn North station, about a mile away, which is on the mainline to King’s Cross. Other larger stations are in Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Hertford.

A bus service is in operation south into Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City and east to Hertford.

Burnham Green benefits from easy access to the Al and is within reasonable travelling distance of major southern-based airports.

Schools

The nearest primary schools are in Tewin, Woolmer Green and Digswell; they were all rated ‘good’ by Ofsted at their last inspections. Monk’s Walk School in Welwyn Garden City is the nearest state secondary school and was also rated ‘good’.

Food and drink

The White Horse in Burnham Green is a McMullen pub/restaurant, nestled in the corner of the village green.

It offers locally crafted ales, world beers and carefully selected wines, which you can enjoy by the fireside on winter days or al fresco in warmer weather.

They put on occasional seasonal foodie events and entertainment, welcome dogs and serve leisurely lunches, light snacks, evening suppers and Sunday roasts. They describe their food as “proudly British in character, with rustic European dishes appearing on the menu from time to time”.

The pub provides an idyllic setting in rolling countryside and boasts beamed ceilings, open fires and a pictorial garden with a weeping willow and duck pond.

Burnham House Venue is a party venue in the heart of the hamlet which is available for hire.

Coltsfoot Country Retreat is a stunning hotel and restaurant in the neighbouring hamlet of Bulls Green, often used as a wedding venue and hosting business events and other gatherings in its luxurious bespoke suites. A former working livery, beams and vaulted ceilings enhance the stable feel, within a pretty courtyard near to the main barn.

Sport and leisure

Sporting opportunities in or close to Burnham Green include badminton, bowls, cricket, rugby, football and tennis clubs. If volleyball is your thing, Welwyn Hatfield Volleyball Club meets and trains in Burnham Green weekly throughout the summer months.

A youth group called Tweenagers, for those aged between 10 and 13 years old, gathers at Datchworth Church Hall on Fridays in term time and Datchworth has groups of Scouts, Guides, Brownies and Cubs.