St John's Wood

Wood, Forest in Hertfordshire St. Albans

England

St John's Wood

Alzey Gardens Late 20th Century housing off Pigottshill Lane/Wheathampstead Road. — Alzey Gardens Credit: Ian Capper

St. John's Wood is a charming and picturesque village located in Hertfordshire, England. Situated within a lush and verdant forest, the village is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. With a population of approximately 2,500 residents, it offers a close-knit community feel.

The woodlands surrounding St. John's Wood are characterized by towering trees, providing a serene and idyllic setting for residents and visitors alike. The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and various bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

The village itself boasts a rich history, with some buildings dating back to the 16th century. St. John's Wood is known for its traditional architecture, with charming cottages and period houses lining the streets. The local church, St. John's Church, is a prominent landmark and a testament to the village's historical significance.

St. John's Wood offers a range of amenities and facilities to cater to its residents' needs. There are several local shops, including a post office and a small supermarket, as well as a handful of cozy pubs and cafes. The village also has a primary school, providing education for local children.

The surrounding forest provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding. There are well-maintained trails that wind through the woodlands, offering breathtaking views and a chance to immerse oneself in nature.

Overall, St. John's Wood is a hidden gem in Hertfordshire, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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St John's Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.804979/-0.34903372 or Grid Reference TL1313. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Alzey Gardens

Late 20th Century housing off Pigottshill Lane/Wheathampstead Road.

Ian Capper

Aldwickbury School

Boys' prep school which in the c.1940s moved to the Victorian mansion of Aldwickbury (named Highfirs until the early 20th Century). Seen here is the lodge by the driveway off Wheathamptead Road.

Ian Capper

Wheathampstead Road

c.1960s housing along a service road separated from the main Wheathampstead Road by the line of trees on the right.

Ian Capper

Topstreet Way

c.1930s housing.

Ian Capper

Dalkeith Road

c.1930s housing.

Ian Capper

Connaught Road

c.1930s housing.

Ian Capper

On Church Green in Harpenden

Red Knitwear and The Wine Rack. High Street is the larger road adjacent.

Jeremy Bolwell

The Old Cock Inn on Harpenden High Street

The town is busy.

Jeremy Bolwell

Kwik Fit on Harpenden High Street

A female voice sings inside the workshop, either a team member or a really happy customer.

Jeremy Bolwell

Zebra crossing on Harpenden high street

Opposite an estate agents, I think.

Jeremy Bolwell

Map Stores on High Street, Harpenden

When I spotted the shop sign, my pace quickened and so did my heart beat for as an ardent walker there is little I love more than a map shop. "Great!" I thought, "Now that's what I call a shop!" and anticipated browsing some maps and possibly purchasing a few much needed ones. But then much to my wife's amusement the shop turned out to be a very upmarket independent 'boutique' purveyor of some uber-desirable household items from ceramics, homewares, designer products and lifestyle must-haves for the most discerning aficionados and the elite cognoscenti of on-trend knick-knacks, cutting edge beverage containers, candles, planters and the like. My wife went in and of course I followed. Here was quite a few minutes I wasn't going to get back, but of course I have to accrue brownie points so that when, or if, the tables are turned I can browse, ponder and weigh up products and items that I LIKE. I have to say that every single item I saw in here was extremely buyable; I carefully fitted my hand around ceramic coffee beakers, inhaled several exotic candle scents, admired very expensive looking 'objets' from brands from Copenhagen, India and worldwide which I had never heard of and all had that inscrutable, unattainable aura, that fleeting, never to be experienced allure exuded by high class international hostesses, Swiss bankers and super-yacht brokers. Needless to say I left empty handed. I already own too much clutter, too many beverage containers and would be too scared to actually use such designer items anyway. Maps I do need though.

Jeremy Bolwell