Letchworth Garden City is a town located in Hertfordshire, England. It is known for being the world’s first garden city, designed by Ebenezer Howard in the early 20th century as a response to the overcrowded and polluted cities of the Industrial Revolution.
Letchworth’s town centre reflects the principles of the garden city movement, incorporating green spaces, pedestrian-friendly areas, and a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational facilities.
Green Spaces and Gardens
One of the fundamental aspects of the garden city concept is the incorporation of green spaces and gardens throughout the urban landscape. Letchworth’s town centre continues this tradition with well-maintained parks, squares, and floral displays that enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area while promoting a sense of tranquility and well-being.
Norton Common
Norton Common is a nature reserve within easy reach of Letchworth Town Centre. It’s a place for both children and adults to enjoy being in nature. It has a wide range of activities to entertain people of all ages including; Play areas, a skateboard park, a picnic area, tennis courts and a bowling green.
Howard Park and Gardens
Howard Park and Gardens was created over 100 years ago as part of the original vision of Garden City living by Ebenezer Howard. It is located in the heart of Letchworth.
It has been redesigned many times throughout its history and now includes facilities such as; a children’s play area, a refreshment kiosk, a paddling pool and splash park and a bowls pavillion and green.
Broadway Gardens
Broadway Gardens has been recently redeveloped thanks to a £1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The layout was designed to reflect the original concept of a Garden City by Ebeneezer Howard. It is located in the heart of Letchworth.
It has been redesigned many times throughout its history but now includes features such as; Broadway fountain and Herbaceous borders.
Restaurants and Pubs
Despite originally being a Quaker town, Letchworth now offers a wide variety of places to eat, drink and be merry. There is a good mix of independent and chain establishments with a wide variety of food choices catered for.
Broadway Hotel and Carvery
The Broadway Hotel is located in Letchworth’s Town Centre. It offers 35 ensuite rooms including 12 doubles, 4 family rooms, 7 twin-bedded rooms and 11 single rooms. In addition, it offers a wide range of food and drink and regularly hosts entertainment acts from local performers.
The Arena Tavern
The Arena Tavern is located in the heart of Letchworth. It was featured in the popular film The Worlds End. It offers a wide selection of drinks and regularly hosts live music, karaoke and quiz nights.
Leisure and Entertainment
Residents and visitors have plenty of options for leisure and entertainment within the town centre. The Broadway Cinema is not only a cinema but also contains a theatre and a place for local artists to display their work. Letchworth can also boast one of the few Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pools in England and its own Leisure Centre.
Broadway Cinema and Theatre
The Broadway Cinema and Theatre is run by the Letchworth Heritage Foundation. The original cinema opened its doors on 26 August 1936, showing the film ‘Follow the Fleet’. In the summer of 2016, the cinema underwent major refurbishment and was reponed as Broadway Cinema and Theatre.
Letchworth Outdoor Pool
Letchworth Outdoor Pool is situated within Norton Common and is often quoted as ‘one of the best outdoor pools in Hertfordshire’. In addition to the main heated 50 m pool, there is also a smaller infant pool. A variety of hot and cold refreshments are available from the poolside kiosk.
North Herts Leisure Centre
The North Herts Leisure Centre was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1982. Since this time it has undergone substantial redevelopment to offer a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities. The facilities include a gymnasium, sports hall, heated indoor swimming pool, squash courts, a variety of exercise classes and an indoor soft play area.
Letchworth Today
Letchworth offers a blend of history and modern vitality making it a desirable place to live. Many residents move up to Letchworth to escape the hustle and bustle of London living. Letchworth’s friendly spirit is evident in local gatherings, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where neighbours know each other’s names.
Surrounding green spaces provide opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, while convenient local amenities complement the historical charm. Excellent transport links, including a railway station to major cities, make Letchworth an appealing choice for both commuters and explorers. Letchworth truly marries the best of history and modernity, offering a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.
If you have recently moved to Letchworth or are looking to find out what events or activities are going on in the local area you can use the links below.
