Ashwell Village Crowned One of London's Best Day Trip Destinations
The cozy pub with a roaring fire, the aroma of freshly baked scones drifting from a local bakery, and almost no phone signal—this is the idyllic experience awaiting visitors to Ashwell, a picturesque Hertfordshire village located less than an hour away from London. Nestled at the source of the River Cam, which flows into Cambridge, Ashwell has recently been highlighted as one of the 15 prettiest villages near London by Condé Nast Traveller.
Recognition from Leading Publications
Condé Nast Traveller praised Ashwell for its historic brewery scene, dating back to the 1800s, and noted that its streets offer a scenic interlude northbound off the A1. Similarly, TimeOut recently placed Ashwell first on their list of "unbelievably cute" villages near London, citing Ashwell Springs as the perfect spot for a picturesque picnic. As a Hertfordshire native, it's no surprise to see Ashwell on these lists—it embodies the classic English village with children playing, cyclists enjoying weekend rides, and neighbors chatting over fences.
Things to Do in Ashwell
When the sun shines, Ashwell Springs is the place to be. Located near the high street and accessible by a footpath, this small nature reserve at the source of the River Cam is shallow enough for a paddle and ideal for picnics or reading a book while children hop across stepping stones. A sign even reads, "You are now entering a stress free zone." After soaking up some vitamin D, The Three Tuns pub is a favorite, serving a huge Sunday roast and classics like fish and chips or sausage and mash, with rooms available for overnight stays, such as the Westminster Room sleeping four for around £75 per night.
Other historic pubs include The Rose and Crown, dating back to the 16th century, and the Bushel and Strike, opposite the 14th-century Church of St Mary the Virgin, featuring a generous beer garden perfect for enjoying local brews like Hop & Heart, Foghorn, or Genesis stout from nearby Bedfordshire. Ashwell's long brewing history, fueled by abundant water and fertile land, includes Fordham’s Brewery, which produced ales and stouts for over 100 years. Visitors can learn more at the free Ashwell Museum, housed in a medieval timber-framed building and open year-round.
Local Delights and Events
Wandering the quaint streets, you'll find everything expected in a storybook village. Crumps, a butcher and deli, offers sturdy sausages for fry-ups, burgers for barbecues, a cheese counter, and fresh vegetables. The jewel in Ashwell's crown is Days Bakery, essential for visits with fresh hot cross buns at Easter, cookies, bread, sandwiches, and sausage rolls year-round. Established in 1741, it's one of the UK's oldest bakeries, with shops across Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Essex. Don't miss the annual Ashwell Show every August bank holiday, featuring a craft market, fairground rides, and a horse and dog show, with this year's "breathtaking main attraction" yet to be announced.
Getting to and Around Ashwell
The nearest train station is Ashwell and Morden, a five-minute drive from the main village along a two-mile country road without pavements. The number 91 bus offers door-to-door service, taking about seven minutes, but it's wise to check timetables in rural Hertfordshire. From London, trains to London St Pancras take approximately 45 minutes, passing through Finsbury Park for Victoria line access. Cambridge, with its cobbled streets and university charm, is a 20-minute train ride away.
House Prices in Ashwell
For those considering a more permanent move from the capital to the countryside, Rightmove data shows the average house in Ashwell sold for £402,944 over the last year, exceeding the UK average by about £31,000. Compared to nearby Hitchin, where house prices average £491,314, Ashwell offers a cheaper alternative just 20 minutes away.
