Little Berkhampstead: Paths and Building History

Little Berkhampstead combines a named stage of the Hertfordshire Way with a layered building history. Public footpaths and bridleways, historic buildings and local history offer you different points of reference for planning your trip.

Walking Trails and Route Guidance

The Hertfordshire Way Walk 15 section runs from Newgate Street to Bayford, passing through Essendon and Little Berkhampstead. The parish also has public footpaths and bridleways. Walk 15 follows a footpath that leads into a field directly in front of St Andrew’s Church. As path conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Free parking is available at the village recreation ground. The Cricket and Community Pavilion is mainly used as a clubhouse and can be hired for children’s parties and summer events outside this main use. If you are planning an event, it is best to enquire about hire options.

Stratton’s Tower and Its Building History

Stratton’s Tower, also known as Stratton’s Folly, is a Georgian viewing tower that John Stratton had built in 1789 near the site of an earlier brewery. Much of the brick came from a 17th-century brewery on the same site and was reused. The combination of older building materials and the later construction of the tower gives the building an unusual history.

The tower is 155 feet high and has five storeys; the lowest is octagonal. It is Grade II* listed and is now a private residence. These details make both its distinctive form and its current use important parts of its history.

Church, War Memorial and Historic Houses

St Andrew’s Church is thought to have existed since Saxon or Norman times. The present building was apparently rebuilt in 1857; parts of the structure date from the 17th century or even earlier. The three bells also point to different periods: the oldest dates from before 1400, the second from around 1621 and the third from 1718.

Little Berkhampstead’s war memorial stands directly beside the church. It is Grade II listed and is located on a grassed area at the junction of Church Road, Robin’s Nest Hill and Little Berkhamsted Lane. The village’s conservation area includes a total of nine listed buildings.

The Old Manor House is a Grade II listed building dating from the mid to late 16th century. Little Berkhamsted House was built in 1732 for O. Lloyd, a Master of the Stationers’ Company. Around 1790, two pavilion wings were added for J. Bouchier. These buildings offer a glimpse of different building phases, from the origins of The Old Manor House to the later additions to Little Berkhamsted House.

The village’s history reaches further back: in the Domesday survey of 1086, the manor of Little Berkhampstead was held by Hardwin of Scales and assessed at five hides, about 600 acres. The village is also associated with the tradition that William the Conqueror received the surrender of the City of London there after the Battle of Hastings.

Pub and Food

The Five Horseshoes is a Grade II listed pub in Little Berkhampstead. Its Sunday roast includes a meat or vegetarian option, gravy, vegetables and Yorkshire puddings. As the food offering may change, enquire about the current menu in advance if you are interested.

Discover more destinations: Hitchin, Hoddesdon, Watford, Buntingford, Hertingfordbury, Knebworth, Borehamwood, Welwyn Garden City

For the main travel overview: Hertfordshire.