Rickmansworth is known for its expensive homes, with average property prices well in excess of St Albans'. We found out more about the town...
The upmarket and bustling town of Rickmansworth lies just inside the M25, about five miles west of Watford, and even has its own tube station.
Arranged mostly to the north of the Grand Union canal and the River Colne, Rickmansworth regularly crops up on list of the most expensive places to live.
Naturally living in such a high-end area doesn't come cheap. according to Rightmove, the overall average price of a property in Rickmansworth over the last year was £788,509.
The majority of sales were of detached properties, which sold for an average of £1,292,846, while flats typically changed hands for £360,010.
Homes currently for sale locally include a five-bedroom detached at Chorleywood Road for £2,750,000 and a three-bedroom detached on Highfield Way for £1,250,000
History
Rickmansworth is steeped in history, as there has been a settlement here since as far back as the Stone Age.
The town was granted to the Abbot of St Albans by King Offa in the 8th century.
The Manor of the More - a place that stood on the grounds of what is now Moor Park - was occupied between 1520 and 1530 by Henry VIII's notorious Lord Chancellor, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Henry VIII himself visited regularly.
Rickmansworth is well known for its three rivers: Colne, Chess and Gade, which helped to establish an economy in the town with a thriving watercress trade.
One of the town's claims to fame is its role in the building of the original Wembley stadium, as gravel from local quarries was used in its construction.
Rickmansworth was also a place of residence for William Penn - the famous explorer and founder of Pennsylvania.
Penn's former home at Basing House, on High Street, is now used as The Three Rivers Museum.
Leisure and sport
Rickmansworth Aquadrome, which is a public park and local nature reserve, is one of the biggest attractions in the area.
The park features two lakes, woodland walks, kids' play areas, a restaurant and open green spaces that are perfect for picnics. The surrounding lakes also offer an opportunity for water-skiing, canoeing and sailing.
Fitness enthusiasts can visit the William Penn Leisure Centre on Shepherds Lane, which has a gym, swimming pools, fitness studios and a floodlit artificial football pitch.
The canalside also offers plenty of scenic routes for walkers and joggers to enjoy,
Transport links
The M25 is just minutes away, making London easily accessible. There are also strong rail links, with trains on the London to Aylesbury line and the Metropolitan line tubes from London to Amersham.
The town is also connected by many bus services to surrounding areas, such as Hemel Hemstead, Garston and Heathrow Airport.
Schools
Rickmansworth has strong school options, with local primaries include Rickmansworth Park Junior Mixed and Infant School and St Mary’s Church of England School, which have both been rated 'good' by Ofsted.
St Clement Danes in neighbouring Chorleywood is an 'outstanding' secondary school, while St Joan of Arc Catholic School and Rickmansworth School are both rated 'good'.
Rickmansworth is also just a short drive away from Watford, which is home to the 'outstanding' semi-selective Watford Grammar School for Boys, and its girls' equivalent. Unfortunately both of these are over-subscribed.
Food and drink
A selection of cuisines are on offer in the town centre, from Thai at Tamarind or Chinese at the deceptively named Mexica Buffet, both of which are on Station Road.
Meanwhile in Church Street you will find a 400-year-old building which is home to the extremely popular and award-winning Cinnamon Square bakery.
For drinks, there are a multitude of options for pubs and bars, including The Fox & Hounds and The Feathers - which are just two local favourites.
