Situated in beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, just north of Harpenden and Wheathampstead and south of Hitchin, is the quaint historic village of Kimpton.
Green, pleasant and endowed with a great school and community spirit, this semi-rural Hertfordshire village is an absolute gem and the next stop in our ‘Ten reasons to Love’ series.
So, whether you're a local, new in town, or just passing through, there is a lot to like and love about life in Kimpton…
1. Community Spirit
Home to 2,000 residents, Kimpton may be small, but it is bursting with vitality and a thriving community. There is no denying that Kimpton residents love local life, and with a plethora of local clubs and organisations to suit all ages and interests it’s not hard to see why. The village also has a reputation for its strong community spirit. In fact, the local corner store was presented with a ‘Hero of Hertfordshire’ award for their unstinting service in supplying food and essentials during the recent lockdowns, underpinning the ethos of kindness at the heart of Kimpton village life.
2. Scenery
Kimpton is perfectly located in the heart of the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, close to picturesque farms and woodland walks. The village lies between the Mimram and Lea River valleys and enjoys an extensive network of 59 footpaths and bridleways for walking and cycling.
3. Kimpton Wildlife
Kimpton is as rich in wildlife as it is in outstanding views, and nature lovers will be delighted with the abundance of wildlife found locally and the surrounding areas. The woods to the north of the village are abound with bluebells and wood anemones. Muntjacs, first introduced to the Duke of Bedford’s estate in Woburn in 1900 and now breeding in the wild, can often be seen in Kimpton’s open spaces, as can badgers, foxes and hares.
Kimpton is also home small areas of wetland, which are regularly monitored by a member of the British Trust for Ornithology, and home to a wide variety of birds including kingfishers, sedge warblers, reed warblers, reed buntings, little owls, common sandpipers and snipes.
4. Kimpton May Festival
Kimpton hosts an array of wonderful festivals, events and celebrations throughout the year and the annual Kimpton May Festival boasts being the biggest village event of its kind in the country!
Held on the first May bank holiday of the year, the May festival is one of the endearing traditions in the local calendar and helps raise funds for great causes. Featuring a village procession followed by arena events with stalls run by local organisations, the festival also features an art exhibition, craft market, fun run, stalls and entertainment to enjoy. With a village concert, quiz, live jazz music and plenty of local delicacies, including cream teas, there is more than enough reasons to adore the May festival in Kimpton.
Other local festivals and celebrations of note include the annual Kimpton Horse Show and the popular Kimpton Folk Festival.
5. Shaw’s Corner
Located on Kimpton’s doorstep is the picture-perfect National Trust spot, Shaw’s Corner. Once the primary residence of the renowned Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, Shaw’s Corner is a 1902 Arts and Crafts house set in a quintessentially English garden and is now open to the public as a writer’s house museum. Regular events include poetry and conservation days, music evenings and family activity days.
6. Traditional, Local Pubs
Kimpton is blessed with great pubs in the local area. Regulars and visitors alike are promised a warm welcome from The Boot Inn. This idyllic country pub offers fabulous home cooked food, served in its gorgeous conservatory restaurant, and is the perfect resting place for those seeking good food, drink and relaxation.
Located on Kimpton Road, The Bright Star is a dog friendly, and wallet friendly, country pub offering unrivalled views of the local countryside.
The Cross Keys, in nearby Gustard Wood, is a popular bed and breakfast with child-friendly gardens, en-suite accommodation with antique furniture and a wide selection of country pub fare. It’s a free house with real ale as well as other beers, and regular guest beers.
7. Kimpton Pool Club
Lidos are now seriously back in vogue and Kimpton is home to the last family-run lido in the UK, Kimpton Pool Club. This quirky lido first opened in 1934 and is open to the membership-paying public. The 23m lido has changing rooms on each side with a café and play area, the perfect place to cool off this summer!
8. Great Schools
Great schools are essential when looking for a new local area to create roots. Kimpton has a thriving well-regarded village school for primary children, which also incorporates a nursery for younger children. Kimpton Primary School first opened in 1843 and its Victorian buildings still form a central part of the school. Set on large grounds, within easy access to the countryside, this friendly local school prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere.
9. Local Amenities
With the charming village post office and shop and you won’t go short of everyday items and necessities. Kimpton is also fantastically located within easy reach of an abundance of fantastic shopping centres and High Streets. Harpenden, St Albans, Hitchin, Welwyn Garden City, Luton and Watford are all within just half an hour’s travelling time, making Kimpton the perfect base for those who love to shop!
10. Beautiful Property
Kimpton has no shortage of beautiful homes, from period properties to charming townhouses and new developments, and is a highly desirable spot thanks to its village charm and location. Most homes of the High Street were built in the 19th and 20th century, although some date all the way back to the 16th century. Ever-popular, house prices in Kimpton had an overall average price of £642,273 over the last year, according to Rightmove.
If you would like to find out more about Kimpton and any of the beautiful homes currently on the market in the area, please contact our team today.