The pretty village of Sandridge is a mile north of St Albans, surrounded by countryside. We found out more...

This Hertfordshire hotspot is centred around several amenities, including three pubs, a church and a shop - all located on and around the junction of High Street and House Lane.

There is a solidly rural feel to this area of the village, while Sandridgebury Lane is even more so - with farmland and a scout hut located just off the narrow road.

Amenities

The village hall provides a community hub for the villagers, and neighbouring Spencer Hall and its recreation ground forms the centre of sporting activities.

Herts Advertiser: The Rose and Crown in SandridgeThe Rose and Crown in Sandridge (Image: Roger Protz)

Darby's village store offers a place to buy a paper, a drink or a snack, and there are three popular pubs in the area: gastro pub The Rose and Crown, The Green Man and The Queen's Head, with the first two in High Street and the latter in Church Road.

Green space

Residents and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to green space.

In 2008 the Woodland Trust announced plans to create a new forest north of Sandridge, and thus Heartwood Forest was born.

The 858 acres of former farmland now form the largest continuous area of new native woodland in England.

Since its formation, more than 600,000 trees have been planted at Heartwood by volunteers. The site boasts beautiful bluebells in spring, and visitors are encouraged to explore on bike, foot or horseback.

Herts Advertiser: Sandridge High StreetSandridge High Street (Image: Danny Loo)

Jersey Farm Woodland Park provides a further 55 acres of lush greenery, along with a wildflower meadow and more, as well as connecting the village to neighbouring Marshalswick and Jersey Farm.

Located between Sandridge and Wheathampstead is the famous Nomansland Common - which was named after a 15th century dispute between the abbeys of Westminster and St Albans.

The village also has a couple of playgrounds, which are ideal for under-12s. One is behind St Leonard's Church and another is by the village hall.

History

The earliest recorded mention of Sandridge was in 796, when the parish was part of the revenue of the Mercian kings.

Back then it was referred to as 'Saundruage', meaning a place of sandy oil serviced by bond tenants.

The settlement was later mentioned in the Domesday Book. In 1086 it had a population of 29 households, placing it among the largest 40 per cent of settlements recorded at the time.

Herts Advertiser: St Leonard's Church in SandridgeSt Leonard's Church in Sandridge (Image: Newsquest)

In 2014 the historic St Leonard's Church celebrated 900 years since its consecration. However some parts of it are even older - dating back to 796 - while the main structure we see today as built in 1114.

For more recent history, in 1939 a secret wireless intercept station was constructed at the top of Woodcock Hill.

The station was the first base dedicated to diplomatic interception, with radio operators listening to the wireless traffic between Germany, Italy and Japan, among others.

Messages intercepted at Sandridge were then sent to Bletchley Park for decryption.

The village was also home to some famous former residents. These include John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, and his infamous wife Sarah, who was a friend of Queen Anne - featured in the 2018 film The Favourite.

Aside from these royal connections, another of the village's famous former residents is Dappy from Brit hip hop/pop group N-Dubz.

Property 

Although still far from cheap, Sandridge properties are nonetheless a little more affordable than those in neighbouring St Albans.

Currently on the market are a five-bedroom detached house for £1,995,000, a three-bedroom bungalow for £1,000,000, a detached four-bed house for £825,000 and another three-bedroom bungalow for £800,000.

There's also a three-bed period cottage for £600,000 and a three-bed semi-detached house for £675,000.

Schools

Sandridge School is a one-form entry primary school in spacious grounds on Woodcock Hill, which was rated 'good' at its last Ofsted inspection.

The school has a nursery class, breakfast and after-school clubs, forest school activities and a purpose-built music studio.

Nearby secondary schools include Sandringham and St Albans Girls' School (STAGS), both rated 'outstanding'.

Herts Advertiser: This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, who have offices in St Albans, Marshalswick, Wheathampstead and Harpenden This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, who have offices in St Albans, Marshalswick, Wheathampstead and Harpenden (Image: Frost's)