This hamlet is set in idyllic countryside just two miles from the city of St Albans.
History
The name Tyttenhanger – or Tydenhangre – is first recorded in 1248. It is thought to mean the “wooden slope belonging to Tilda”.
Tyttenhanger House was bought by Sir Thomas Pope – founder of Trinity college, Oxford – from King Henry the Eighth in 1547. Sir Thomas Pope lived there and made great improvements to it, and after his death, his second wife’s relations remained. There are no traces of the old house left, after it was demolished in 1652. The current grade one listed, 20-bed building was converted in 1973 for use as commercial offices, and is available for hire as a wedding venue. It was placed on the market earlier this year for £12 million.
Transport links
Tyttenhanger Green is within easy reach of the M1, M25, A414 and the A1(M) by car. Main train stations are a short distance away at St Albans with quick services into central London and north. Watford is accessible by train from the Abbey Flyer service, which runs to Watford Junction station from St Albans Abbey Station at the bottom of Holywell Hill.
Sport and leisure
Tyttenhanger Gravel Pits are the best place to see a variety of interesting bird species in Hertfordshire.
The restored gravel pits and woodland area between London Colney and Colney Heath are recognized by the RSPB and Herts Birds Club.
The main pit is still used to source water to wash the sand and gravel is extracted from an active quarry south of Coursers Road. As well as gulls, waders, sandpipers, dunlins, ruddy ducks and sand martins, butterflies and dragonflies can be seen here. Fisherman are attracted to the area for its fishing lakes.
There are two nearby leisure centres. Nuffield Health in Highfield Park Drive, St Albans, has personal trainers, a gym, pools, tennis and squash courts and club, physiotherapists and a rehabilitation gym. It is a members club. The Highfield Park Centre on Russet Drive is owned by the Highfield Park Trust and managed by Watford YMCA. It has a gym, sports hall, tennis courts, two playing fields and seven football pitches.
Charles Morris Hall is the local community centre, which is available for hire. It has a council-owned playground outside.
Willows Farm is fun for families to feed and handle large and small farm animals and also a source of fresh locally-produced meat and dairy foods which are on sale in the shop. It has a café and large soft play area.
Schools
Children living in Tyttenhanger Green are likely to attend Colney Heath or London Colney primary schools. Secondary schools within a short distance are Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School, Samuel Ryder Academy and Marlborough Science Academy in St Albans.
Food and drink
The Plough pub is a family-run traditional village pub dating back to the 18th century. It’s very popular among locals and is a warm, welcoming free house, serving well-kept real ales, which change regularly, draught lager and cider and fine wines. Their homemade food menu features a wide selection of delicious food, including specials and great choices for children. There is a large car park, a long pleasant garden for alfresco dining and a play area for youngsters. Food is served during the day – 12-2pm Monday to Friday and 12-4pm at weekends. Bar games, such as backgammon, draughts and dominoes, and daily newspapers are available on request.
The Colney Fox is close by in London Colney and sells hearty seasonal pub food, nurtured cask ales and fine wine. It has 13 bedrooms continuing the tradition of welcoming travellers.
Amenities
There is a Spar store at the nearby Highfield shops, but the closest large supermarkets, cafes and shopping areas are at London Colney, Hatfield and St Albans – a couple of miles away - where chain stores like Marks & Spencer, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Boots, Next, Starbucks and Costa feature alongside smaller independent boutiques and eateries.
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