Dacorum Daily
The lake at the Jellicoe Water Gardens in Hemel Hempstead

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Hemel Hempstead

New Town energy, Old Town charm

Dacorum’s largest town and civic centre: a 1947 New Town wrapped around a medieval Old Town, the Jellicoe Water Gardens and the infamous Magic Roundabout.

Old Town High Street is where independents look like independents. Apsley Lock is where you eat after the towpath. The Marlowes and Jarman Park do the chains. Maylands does the weekday lunch. Judging Hemel as if it were Berkhamsted High Street is how you miss the good breakfasts.

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Featured listings

afternoon tea

The Tea Tree

Vintage-inspired tea room on Hemel Old Town High Street.

breakfast

Nashmills Sandwich Bar & Cafe

All-day breakfasts, sandwiches and waffles: generous plates, local prices.

pubs

The Paper Mill

Fuller’s pub on Apsley Lock: the mill site, the marina, the terrace.

restaurants

Kassem’s Lounge

Moroccan cooking in Hemel: a reminder that the New Town’s food is not only retail-park chains.

family days out

The Snow Centre

Indoor real-snow slope at St Albans Hill: lessons, sessions, birthday chaos.

gyms

Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre

Everyone Active’s main Hemel site: pool, gym, classes, the municipal workhorse.

family days out

Little Hay Golf Complex

Public golf, driving range and a promised padel-and-adventure-golf upgrade on Box Lane.

parks

Gadebridge Park

Hemel’s principal park: river, play, events, and now a dog wash.

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