Area Guide: The Hertfordshire hamlet of Sleapshyde

Sleapshyde is a rural, characterful hamlet and residential area, immediately north of the A414.

There is a conservation area on the eastern part of the hamlet, while to the west there is more modern housing around Sleapcross Gardens, Sleapshyde Lane and Smallford Lane.

The hamlet's conservation area was designed in March 1993 by St Albans District Council.

There used to be a Methodist church in the area, which was built in 1840 and became disused in the 2000s, before being converted into private housing in 2013.

Not only is Sleapshyde well-served by amenities offered by St Albans and Hatfield, but there are also amenities nearby in the smaller areas of Colney Heath and Smallford.

Sleapshyde falls under the remit of Colney Heath Parish Council. The council was formed in 1947 and comprised the areas of Colney Heath Village, Sleapshyde and Tyttenhanger, with Oaklands, Hill End and Highfield added in 2007/2008. 

Pub  

One of the main draws of Sleapshyde is its pub, The Plough - which is not to be confused with the establishment of the same name in Tyttenhanger.

The pub was renovated following a devastating fire in 2019, and has since been renovated and sold to new owners.

Previously a traditional rural boozer, with real ale and big screen sport, the pub has since been transformed into a popular destination for foodies.

Food currently on offer includes the burger, IPA battered haddock and Dingley Dell pork belly.

Many visitors get to the pub by cycling via the Alban Way, and its beer garden is popular place to unwind - particularly during the summer months.

The pub dates back to 1690, and its proximity to the former railway line has long made it a popular stop off point for walkers and cyclists who are travelling from either St Albans or Hatfield. 

Transport links  

For an area which feels remote, Sleapshyde is surprisingly well connected.

The A414 motorway runs parallel to Sleapcross Gardens, and the A1(M) is only a few minutes away by car - while the M25 is a couple of miles to the south. 

Property  

There are currently no homes for sale in the hamlet. 

Properties in Sleapshyde had an overall average price of £664,455 over the last year. 

The majority of sales in Sleapshyde during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £727,590.

Terraced properties sold for an average of £592,235 with detached properties fetching an average of £931,178.  

Sleapshyde offers a mix of housing (Image: Danny Loo)

Schools  

Primary schools serving the Sleapshyde area include Colney Heath School and London Colney Primary and Nursery School, both of which are rated 'good' by Ofsted.

Nearby secondary schools include Samuel Ryder Academy - an all-through school on Drakes Drive rated 'good' by Ofsted.

Other secondary options include Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School on Colney Heath Lane, which has an Ofsted rating of 'outstanding'.

The former chapel on Sleapshyde Lane is now a private house (Image: Danny Loo)

Leisure and sport  

Families in the area can be kept entertained by Willows Farm, which is only a couple of miles away and a popular spot for visitors.

Willows features a children's visiting farm with an indoor petting centre, and attractions including a bouncy castle, small rides for young children, tractor rides and a soft play centre with a café.

The nearest sports facilities are available at Hertfordshire Sports Village in Hatfield, which has both a pool and a gym.

Another option is Cotlandswick Leisure Centre in London Colney, which offers group exercise sessions, a sports hall, football facilities and a soft play centre for younger children.

The leisure centre also has a dedicated baby and toddler centre and café. 

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