Car Hire Stevenage - Mini guide to Stevenage

Located in Hertfordshire, Stevenage attracts visitors with its important historic architecture, well-preserved old town centre and excellent museums.

The ancient parish church of St Nicholas can be reached from the old town via Rectory Lane or along The Avenue. St Nicholas is built of local flint and has been added to over the years. The west tower is Norman, with an upper part added in the 15th century. The 15th century nave arches rise from 13th century columns; the arcading of the chancel, as well as most of the window-tracery, dates from the 14th century. The south transept was added in 1841 and now houses a parish room built in 1979.

Old Stevenage was the site of the original Saxon settlement and has been influenced by every great period of history since. Now a conservation area, it retains its character as a village street and the coaching influence can still be seen. Today there are a wealth of vibrant shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy. Don’t miss the excellent Stevenage Museum, located in the crypt under the church of St Andrew and St George.

The town centre has a very modern look and is home to many major retailers; it was the first pedestrian shopping centre in the country. With its benches, groups of trees and tubs of flowers and shrubs, Town Square is a pleasant place for shoppers to rest. The new development on the former post office site, near the bus station, offers a number of bars, restaurants and coffee bars.

Nearby are several attractions perfect for daytrips. Historic Knebworth House boasts architectural brilliance, while Rooks Nest House is best known as the childhood home of novelist EM Forster. The settlement of Shephall has been inhabited since Saxon times and was owned by the Abbott of St Albans and recorded in the Doomsday book.

At 800 years old, St Mary’s church bell is the oldest known bell in Hertfordshire, while the attractive Shephall Green is worth a visit. Alternatively, situated in a beautiful parkland setting and covering 120 acres, Fairlands Valley is renowned for its water sports.

Stevenage is just 53kms from London. Take the A1, exit at junction 7 and follow the A602 to the town. There are direct rail links to London’s Kings Cross railway station.