Harpenden is a market town in Hertfordshire with a busy events calendar, green space on its doorstep and plenty of independent places to eat, drink and shop. Here is our guide to things to do in and around the town, updated as new events are announced.
What’s on in Harpenden
- Oct3Steve Brewer live at the Cross Keys
- Oct3The Blind Camels live at the Plough & Harrow
- Oct7Come From Away – Harpenden Musical Theatre Company
- Oct8Thinking Ahead – A Conversation About Future Care
- Oct10Interfunk live at the Plough & Harrow
- Oct14Dr Richard Shepherd: Time of Death – More Unnatural Causes
Parks and nature
Harpenden Common stretches along the south side of the town centre and hosts several of the town’s biggest events, while Rothamsted Park is home to the Eric Morecambe Centre. Nature reserves and green spaces around the town are listed below.
Batford Springs Nature ReserveNature ReservesBatford Springs, Harpenden
Harpenden CommonNatureHarpenden Common
Harpenden MuseumMuseumsEric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park
Lydekker ParkParksLydekker Park, Arcadian Court
Rothamstead Skate ParkFamily RecreationRothamsted Park, Harpenden
Rothamsted ParkParksRothamsted Park, Leyton Road
Rothamsted ResearchHistoric SitesRothamsted Research, West Common
Southdown PondsNature ReservesSouthdown Ponds, 33 Southdown Rd
St Nicholas ChurchChurchesChurch Green
The Nickey LineWalking RoutesNickey Line, Ambrose Lane access
Annual events worth planning for
- Classics on the Common: a free midweek classic vehicle show on Harpenden Common every July, with nearly 1,000 vehicles.
- Harpenden Highland Gathering: pipe bands, Highland dancing and family fun in Rothamsted Park. Next date: Sunday 11 July 2027.
- Festival on the Field: a family music festival held every other year at Sir John Lawes Playing Fields.
- Harpenden Farmers’ Market: local produce on the High Street on the fourth Sunday of most months.
- Christmas in Harpenden: the Christmas Carnival, lights switch-ons, the pantomime at the Eric Morecambe Centre and Carols on the Common.
Eat, drink and shop
Harpenden has a strong food and drink scene. Start with our guides to restaurants, cafés, breakfast and brunch and pubs and bars, or browse shops in Harpenden.
Getting to Harpenden
Harpenden railway station is on the Thameslink line, with direct trains to St Albans, Luton and central London.