Redbourn

Redbourn is a village and civil parish in Hertfordshire, England, lying on Watling Street, three miles (4.8 km) from Harpenden, four miles (6.4 km) from St Albans and five miles (8 km) from Hemel Hempstead. It lies within the City of St Albans local government district.

The village is easily accessed by road and is just off the M1 at junction 9. Bus routes that serve the village are the 34 from St Albans / Dunstable (Centrebus), 46 from Hemel Hempstead / Luton (Centrebus), 657 from Hatfield (Uno) and 307 from Harpenden (Red Eagle).

It is easy to walk around the village. Alternatively a good option is to cycle.

Rich in history having been settled since Saxon times Redbourn has lots to see. With its location on the famous Roman Watling Street, during the coaching era, Redbourn was known as the "Street of Inns", with at least 25 pubs and inns at its peak, sadly only a few are left. A must see is picturesque Church Street and parish church St Mary's.

• 🌍 St Marys Church, Hemel Hempstead Road, AL3 7DU. St Marys is a grade one listed parish church. The church dates from the 12th century with the oldest parts being the nave and west tower with the north aisle being added around 1140 and the chancel in 1340. Further addictions added include the south aisle in the mid 14th century then the south chapel and porch between 1444 and 1455 and the clerestory around 1478. Free. (updated Apr 2017)
• 🌍 Redbourn Common (The Common) (Located in the centre of Redbourn between the High Street and Church End). A Common of semi-natural grassland mainly used for recreation and walking. An avenue of lime trees crosses the Common and there is also a wildflower meadow. Other features of the common include: an enclosed children’s playground, war memorial, cricket ground and the River Red. A free car park is available on the Common (next to the Cricketers Pub). Fairly flat with paved paths so most parts are suitable for wheelchairs, scooters and prams except for by the children’s playground (steep slope) and car park (uneven surface and ditch or mound to go over to get to main tree lined path). (updated Apr 2017)

From discovering more about rich history at the museum, exploring the many country walks to visiting the Redbournbury Mill there is lots to do during a visit to Redbourn.

Redbourn was mainly a farming community, in the past it was known for watercress growing (River Ver), jam making, silk throwing, straw plait/hat making and milling flour. Redbournbury Mill reopened after being restored and mills stoneground organic flours from locally grown grains. Redbourn has three convenience stores NISA Weymans - with Post Office (High Street), Co-Op (High Street) and Handy Stores (in Lybury Lane). A Pharmacy (Crown Pharmacy) and Opticians (Redbourn Eye Care) are located in the High Street.

• 🌍 Redbournbury Mill Bakery, Redbournbury Lane, Redbourn Road, AL3 6RS, enquiries@redbournburymill.co.uk. Sa only 9AM-1PM. The mill bakery was built in 2005 within one of the barns in front of the mill and produces a wide range of breads all baked from the mill’s stoneground organic flours. Bread baked at Redbournbury boasts the lowest possible “food-miles” with the grain grown, milled and baked all within two miles of the mill. (updated Apr 2017)
• 🌍 The Bike Loft, 70 High Street, AL3 7LN, ☏ +44 1582 742900, into@thebikeloft.co.uk. With the popularity of cycling in, around and through Redbourn this is a handy bike sales, servicing and repair shop. Staffed by cyclists with professional experience in the UK and Europe and years of working with racing, sportive, leisure and commuting riders. (updated Apr 2017)

There are a number of places to eat in Redbourn from snacks and cakes, pub lunches, takeaways and evenings out. See Drink section for more information on Redbourns pubs.

• 🌍 Jennie’s Sandwich Bar (Jenni's), 18 High Street, AL3 7LJ, ☏ +44 1582 794 595. Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays. A sandwich shop mainly used for local workers for lunch. A good option for those visiting or coming through Redbourn on walks / cycling (saves having to carry a packed lunch all day). (updated Apr 2017)
• 🌍 The Hub Coffee and Cyclists Refuge, 22 High Street, AL3 7LL, ☏ +44 1582 792389, hubmeister@hubcoffeebikes.com. 8:30AM - 4:30PM. Independent coffee shop open to all (not just cyclists). Serves coffee, cake and other refreshments. Well behaved dogs allowed. Parties of more than 6 are advised to book ahead. (updated Apr 2017)

Redbourn had been known as the "Street of Inns" having been a stopping place for horse drawn coaches. At its peak, Redbourn had over 25 pubs/inns but these have declined over the years, leaving just four.

• 🌍 Hollybush Inn, Church End, AL3 7DU, ☏ +44 1582 792 423. Noon-11PM. A traditional local pub that serves food. Beer Garden great for sunny summer days & fire for winter days. (updated Apr 2017)
• 🌍 The Cricketers, East Common, AL3 7ND, ☏ +44 1582 620612, info@thecricketersofredbourn.co.uk. M-Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-10:30PM; food: M-Th noon-3PM 6-9PM, F Sa noon-3PM 6-10PM, Su noon-4PM. A traditional pub serving guest ales and a mixture of wines and spirits with a more contemporary restaurant attached. Outside tables overlook the common which is great on hot summer days. Car park sits alongside our pub with additional parking on common/cricket club. Baby changing facilities available. (updated Apr 2017)

• 🌍 St Agnells Farm, Lybury Ln, ☏ +44 7934 013075. Bed & Breakfast (updated Apr 2017)

• Harpenden
• Luton
• St Albans
• Hemel Hempstead