An Area Guide: The thriving Bedfordshire village of Slip End

Slip End is within easy reach for both Harpenden and Luton - meaning residents can access the many amenities in the neighbouring towns.

As well as the village itself, the parish of Slip End is also home to the surrounding hamlets of Pepperstock, Woodside and part of Aley Green. The parish was created in 2001 by splitting that of Caddington and Slip End.

The village's unusual name derives from the historic building works, which formed a major feature of the area during the 19th century.

Slip is an old word for clay, and End is commonly used as part of place names in Bedfordshire - particularly used to denote small settlements outside bigger villages.

Just up the road in Markyate there is a 'Slype End', which may or may not be connected.

Slip End's village church - St Andrews - is relatively new, having been built in 1889.

Schools  

The first school in Slip End opened in 1877, and provided education for children aged from five to 13.

The school was located at the Pepperstock end of Front Street, which is now filled with flats and houses and is appropriately named Old School Walk.

In 1979 the school was replaced with the newly built Slip End Lower School on Rossway. 

Now known as Slip End Village School, there are currently around 170 pupils in attendance aged from three to 11.

The school was awarded a 'good' rating by Ofsted at its most recent inspection in 2019.

Transport  

The M1 runs adjacent to the village for drivers, while Luton and Luton Airport Parkway train stations - as well as the airport itself - are less than four miles away.

Amenities  

The Slip End village hall was built in around 1901, and has a capacity for 100 people with a seating capacity of 120.

A popular venue for children's parties, the hall also caters for weddings, discos, christenings, meetings, trade shows and more.

The friendly Slip End Superstore is located on Markyate Road, and is a licensed grocery shop which stocks a fine selection of wine, among other goods. The store is open daily until 7.30pm.

Families with young children can enjoy a fun day out at Woodside Animal Farm on Woodside Road.

Children can meet animals from bunnies to boa constrictors, go on a tractor tour of the farm, and enjoy fairground rides, crazy golf and indoor soft play. There is also an on site café.

Just outside the village, across the M1, is Stockwood Park. The park is home to the Stockwood Discovery Centre - a free attraction with gardens, a café, a playground and a variety of frequently changing exhibitions. The venue is also available for hire.

The Village Hall built around 1901 (Image: Archant)

Food and drink  

Slip End is home to two pubs. The Rising Sun on Front Street offers real ale, along with locally sourced gins, a food menu including meat options as well as gluten free and vegan food.

The smart and modern Frog & Rhubarb is on Church Road, and offers an inviting, family-friendly dining experience.

Sport and leisure  

The Peter Edwards Recreation Hall is located at the Luton end of the village, next to the church, and has facilities such as a football pitch.

Slip End has a lively gardening club, which meets regularly, as well as a Good Neighbour Scheme and a photography club which is always welcoming new members.

Allotments are available on the corner of New Street and Front Street.   

Property  

The majority of Slip End's housing stock is comprised of terraced cottages.   

Homes currently on the market in the village include a four-bed detached house on Farmer’s View for £625,000 and a three-bed terrace on Front Street for £450,000. 

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