Looking for something to do in or around Harpenden? Hopefully this will give you a glance at what you can do in and around YWAM Harpenden.

Harpenden

Just a short walk from the Highfield Oval brings you to Harpenden’s main street with a wealth of small shops and restaurants. If you like relaxing in a small café, sipping tea or coffee this is the place for you! With so many different café atmospheres to choose from, you’re certain to find a place to suit your style.
On a nice day, there is nothing better than sitting outside in the different lawn areas surrounded by trees and beautiful foliage.
Shopping is always a pleasant experience here, with various clothing boutiques to choose from, as well as thrift shops where you can find some great deals.
For more practical needs, the main street has its share of grocery stores, banks, chemists, and several barbers shops!

Harpenden is well connected to other major towns and cities. With the train station just a short walk from home – you are just 5 minutes from the historical city St Albans, about 10 minutes from the university town of Luton and only 30 minutes from London!

St Albans - a window to the past

If you fancy visiting another small town with great places to shop, a variety of restaurants to choose from and cafés where you can read or hang out with friends while sipping coffee, St Alban’s is the place to go. Just one stop on the south-bound train or a short trip on the bus brings you into the city of St Albans. Wandering around the town is a great way to explore the many shops, cafés, restaurants, as well as a stunning Cathedral and Roman ruins, with beautiful park and garden areas for picnicking or relaxing on a sunny day. If you can get to St Albans on a Wednesday or a Saturday, you will get to experience the outdoor markets where you can get some great deals on everything from fresh fruit, meat and vegetables to clothes and merchandise from around the world! - more about St Albans.

Luton - Shops and entertainment

If you fancy something a little different, with a bit of a university vibe, then take the train to Luton! The second stop on the north-bound train brings you straight to the Arndale Mall in Luton. Endless shopping opportunities await as well as cafés, grocery stores and even an indoor open market. Passing through the mall brings you out to the centre of the city of Luton with many more shops, cafés, restaurants, a cinema and leisure complex complete with a bowling alley, and even the recently redeveloped St George’s Square for outdoor relaxation and musical venues in the evening. With the University of Bedfordshire nearby, you’re sure to feel the lively spirit of the city.

London

London is also surprisingly close! Only 30 minutes on the fast train from Harpenden station takes you straight to King’s Cross station in the centre of London! From there you can catch the underground trains or the famous double-decker buses to just about anywhere you could wish to go. London has a huge variety of things to do and see. There is shopping and the range of shops is large - from the most luxurious and exclusive boutiques, to a number of great inexpensive thrift shops where you can find some of the great deals. If tourism is of interest to you, then London is a remarkable place to be! Not including all the obvious landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey there is also a huge selection of free museums and galleries, outdoor markets, sporting venues, sprawling parks and famous buildings and monuments to see, London will keep you busy from morning till night!
Harpenden is ideally located to go to London for a short visit – and if you are with us for a few months you will have ample time to find the hidden gems of England’s capital city! Check out this list of 101 things you can do in London!