Hemel Hempstead stretches along the River Gade and although considered a rather concrete town with acres of post war housing, has a lovely high street with many Georgian houses leading up to St Mary’s Church, a Norman building where the town was first developed. The older part of Hemel Hempstead retains the town's historic character and fine Tudor and 17th century cottages. A Roman Villa has been discovered at nearby Gadebridge Park and it is thought that Piccott’s End may once have been a pilgrims' hostel. Dating back 500 years it displays 14th century wall paintings, which were only discovered in the 1950s.

Located close to the M1 and M25, Hemel Hempstead has great connections with the rest of the United Kingdom and many commuters take advantage of its proximity both to the city of London and nearby chalk valleys, which extend up to the Chilterns.

Leisure activities in the area range from the romantic setting of Ashbridge Gardens, the ruins of a Norman Castle, and the Dacorum Pavilion and Old Town Hall Arts Centre.