Stevenage

Stevenage is not noted for its beauty, culture or standing, but has a busy nightlife and several important firms are based there, like Glaxosmithklein. The New Town has an industrial ambiance; it was constructed in the eighties during the boom of concrete jungles. However, plans are in progress for a rejuvenation of the town, due to take place over the next decade.

Situated in Hertfordshire on the northern outskirts of London, Stevenage frequently attracts Londoners who prefer to live more economically and commute to their jobs; the cheaper housing prices are definitely one advantage, and London is only twenty-five minutes away on the train.

Attractions

There are plenty of things going on at Stevenage Leisure Park, situated near the train station. A multiplex cinema, ten-pin bowling alley, and several restaurants and pubs should keep you busy on a rainy day.

You can learn more about the history of Stevenage at Stevenage Museum, situated in the crypt of the Church of St George and St Andrew. Old Stevenage has some interesting heritage, and features in the Domesday Book, dated 1086. During the building of the New Town in about 1986, a Roman burial site was discovered and it has since been proven that the first Saxon camp was built nearby.

The museum can be found next to the Town Gardens, which are good for a stroll or a picnic. During the summer visit Fairlands Valley Park which runs through the centre of town, and take a boating trip on the lake.

In June the town is transformed as Stevenage Carnival and Rock in the Park take place in Fairlands Valley Park; great events with lots of live music, tribute bands, entertainment, food and general merry-making. Stevenage Day is another important annual event for the town, when the borough becomes crowded with stalls selling arts and crafts and entertainment for all the family.

If you fancy getting back to your roots there are also a couple of easily accessible woods nearby, Monks and Whomerly wood, which are formed by ancient semi-natural woodland.

The breathtaking Knebworth Victorian House and Gardens makes an unmissable day out. Just across the A1 motorway, the stately home has hosted various legendary rock concerts featuring Oasis, Robbie Williams, The Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, The Beatles and Queen. Batman Begins was also filmed there, among other famous films and TV programs. A definite must see.

Stevenage has good sporting facilities. The Arts and Leisure Centre has a multi-purpose sports hall, squash courts and a gym. There are several Golf courses in the surrounding countryside, including Stevenage Golf Centre on the outskirts of town. Cricket is played on the local grounds. There’s a David Lloyds Leisure Club in Stevenage Leisure Park, and various other gyms and health centres in town.

The local football team, Stevenage Borough FC is well-supported and has its own stadium in the south of town, at Broadhall Way. The team are quite good and play in the Nationwide Conference.

Shopping

Stevenage is generally excellent for shopping, mainly around Queensway and the Westgate, with an arcade in the centre. There’s also some shops in the Old Town. You’ll find all the usual high street brands, Topshop, New Look, Next, River Island, Dorothy Perkins in and around the arcade. There’s plenty of parking, and a gargantuan Tesco nearby so you can get your food shopping done at the same time.

At the south end of town there is a retail park called Roaring Meg, so named after the dried-up river that runs underneath it.

On Saturday mornings a proper Eastender’s style market takes place there, selling everything from brick-a-brack to beef burgers. Get cheap clothes, commodities and toiletries here, they also sell fresh fruit and veg, meat and fish.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Stevenage scores highly on the 'Chavtowns' website – it is not the most classy of areas, but nevertheless there is fun to be had in the various bars and clubs.

Vogue, Jumpin Jaks, Weatherspoons and Yates are all popular. The biggest nightclub in Stevenage is Pulse, which plays cheese, dance, RnB, and is especially packed on a Friday and Saturday night. There are always competitive drink promotions and the club closes at 2.00 am. Be careful leaving Pulse as it is notorious for fights.

The Old Town area of Stevenage is quieter and more up-market. Here you’ll find a high street of historic buildings, coaching inns and pubs, hotels, shops, and the only bars in town where trainers are not allowed.

Stevenage’s theatre, The Gordon Craig, puts on some good small shows and live acts and entertainment. It’s located in the Arts and Leisure Complex near the train station. While you’re there check out Boxfield Art Gallery which you’ll walk past to get to the theatre.

Stevenage infamously boasts five McDonald’s restaurants – that’s one for every five km²! Apart from that, the town caters for a few different palettes, generally in the Old Town.

Elsewhere you’ll find Indian, Chinese, Italian, plenty of fish and chips, and various late night kebab-oriented eateries. Basically, if you’re looking for haute cuisine, look elsewhere.

Tourist Information

See www.stevenage.gov.uk for information.

Airport

One thing Stevenage does exceptionally well, is travel. The town is laced with dual carriageways, a myriad of roundabouts and good main roads, it’s all well-signposted and almost impossible to get lost.

The town also has dozens of cycle tracks, and the train station in the centre is serviced by many national trains, and will take you to London three or four times a day. The last train from London to Stevenage on a Friday night is at 1.00am.

You can also get a taxi easily from the train station, and as it’s a relatively small town, you can walk to most destinations.

Stevenage is easily within easy reach of Gatwick, Heathrow, and Stansted.