The beating heart of Harpenden is undoubtedly the Harpenden Common. It’s 238 acres of green space that makes you forget you’re only 25 minutes from King’s Cross by train.
On a sunny Saturday, it’s a glorious mess of cricket matches, dog walkers, and families having the kind of picnics that feature quiche from the deli. Pro tip: if you value peace, avoid the area near the Golf Club on a Bank Holiday.
The Common hosts the annual Harpenden Carnival, a wonderfully chaotic event of bunting and plastic pint glasses. It’s the kind of wholesome chaos that makes you feel like you’re in a Richard Curtis film, just with more traffic cones.
