Hemel Hempstead

Hertfordshire town with a walkable, heritage-dense centre full of cafés and restaurants, Hemel Hempstead sits on the rivers Gade and Bulbourne a short distance north-west of London. It has existed since at least the 8th century and received its town charter from Henry VIII in 1539, though much of its current form dates from its post-war designation as a New Town. St Albans and Berkhamsted are close neighbours, and the wider region holds several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Population95,961
• Nearest water from center 1.7 km1.0 mi
• Nearest mountain from center 13 km8.2 mi