Herts &amp; Beds


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Teetering on the Cambs/Herts border (we claim it, just!) Royston packs a big punch for a small town, with its acres of heathland, historic High Street packed with local businesses and erm&#8230; a cave! Plus it&#8217;s a nifty sub 40 mins into London. Want to know more? Read on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Kooky-nohmad-royston.jpg" alt="Kooky nohmad coffee cups Royston" class="wp-image-79983" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Kooky-nohmad-royston.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Kooky-nohmad-royston-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Kooky-nohmad-royston-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Kooky-nohmad-royston-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Kooky-nohmad-royston-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Kooky-nohmad-royston-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Kooky-nohmad-royston-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kooky Nohmad</figcaption></figure>



<p>There are plenty of independent eating and drinking options to take you from morning lattes to wine o&#8217;clock. You&#8217;ll find coffee, cake and light bites by day and Turkish feasts by night at <a href="https://www.number41royston.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Number 41</a>, and there&#8217;s a family and dog-friendly café on the Therfield Nature Reserve, <a href="https://www.roystonheath.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Heath</a> as well as <a href="https://kellyscakekitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelly&#8217;s kitchen</a>, which not only serves cake but makes bespoke ones for special occasions. And <a href="https://kookynohmad.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kooky Nohmad</a> is a handy coffee, brunch and co-working space. </p>



<p>If you&#8217;;&#8217;re tastes are a bit ore exotic Mediterranean fare, try <a href="https://www.banyershouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Banyers House</a> &#8211; a restaurant, boutique hotel housed in an iconic Grade II-listed Georgian building on Melbourn St. For eastern flavours, <a href="https://www.ashiana-spice.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashiana Spice</a> and <a href="https://thairackglasshouse.com/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thai Rack Glass House</a> are popular options. You can also get your steak and burger fix at the award-winning <a href="https://www.flintshack.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flint Shack</a>.</p>



<p>Pub wise, <a href="https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/jollypostie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Jolly Postie</a> in (you guessed it) a former Post Office is a bit of fun while <a href="https://www.oldbullinn-royston.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Bull Inn</a> is a more trad option with rooms, plus the <a href="https://kingjamesroyston.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King James</a> has just newly re-opened. And pop into <a href="https://www.cambridgewineroyston.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridge Wine</a> &#8211; a bottle shop which hosts regular tasting events &#8211; for a glass of vino. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1200" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Bloom-royston.jpg" alt="Bloom florist shop front Royston" class="wp-image-79984" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Bloom-royston.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Bloom-royston-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Bloom-royston-1000x800.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Bloom-royston-656x525.jpg 656w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bloom</figcaption></figure>



<p>There are a couple of occasionwear and fashion boutiques as well as gift and lifestyle stores. Highlights include <a href="https://www.labellavitaroyston.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Bella Vita</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MiaCaro51" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mia Caro</a> for gifts and homewares, and <a href="https://stowlondon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stow</a> for gorgeous high end leather accessories. There&#8217;s also the independent books shop, <a href="http://www.bow-books.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bow Books</a> and fab florist, <a href="https://bloomroyston.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloom</a>, as well as a twice weekly market. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>In need of a pick-me-up? You’re spoilt for choice with <a href="https://www.hushskinandbeauty.com/">Hush Skin &amp; Beauty</a>, <a href="https://harmonyds.co.uk/">Harmony Day Spa</a>, <a href="https://therubyroomsco.uk/">The Ruby Rooms</a> and MK Beauty Clinic, while there’s <a href="https://haitchandjoes.co.uk/">Haitch and Joe’s</a> as well as a Saks salon for good hair days. As for body and mind, there’s the <a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/royston-leisure-centre/">Royston Leisure Centre</a> with its 25m pool, gym and sports hall, private gym, <a href="https://www.thefitnesslabroyston.co.uk/">The Fitness Lab</a>, and <a href="https://www.rchc.co.uk/">Royston Complementary Health Centre</a> for everything from Acupuncture to Yoga.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>There’s tonnes of communal spaces to enjoy here, from the pretty <a href="https://www.roystontown.uk/priory-memorial-gardens/">Priory Memorial Gardens</a> with its multiple Green Flag awards, kids’ play area and splash parks – one of a whopping 12 play areas in the town. The annual Arts Festivalm which takes place every September, is organised by Creative Royston and draws locals to the numerous workshops and performances. There’s also a lively and popular annual <a href="https://www.roystontowncouncil.gov.uk/May_Fayre_32989.aspx">May Fayre</a>, a summer pageant and regular themed kids’ trails through town. A bit left field, but you’ll find one of the top <a href="https://www.roystontown.uk/royston-bmx-track/">BMX tracks</a> in the region right here &#8211; home to Royston Rockets Racing Club.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Royston-Kite-Festival-Bill-Hails-Flickr-canva.jpg" alt="Royston Kite Festival" class="wp-image-79985" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Royston-Kite-Festival-Bill-Hails-Flickr-canva.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Royston-Kite-Festival-Bill-Hails-Flickr-canva-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Royston-Kite-Festival-Bill-Hails-Flickr-canva-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Royston-Kite-Festival-Bill-Hails-Flickr-canva-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Royston Kite Festival. photo: Bill Hails/Flickr</figcaption></figure>



<p>Royston is home to 420 acres of heathland – <a href="http://www.therfieldheath.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Therfield Heath Nature Reserve</a> – making it the perfect spot for walkers and nature enthusiasts. <a href="http://www.roystonkitefestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royston Kite Festival </a>(and Historic Vehicle Show) is the highlight of the town&#8217;s summer calendar and sees around 6,000 kites take to the skies every August. You can bring a hamper to the heath and watch the pros do their thing, have a go yourself or just soak up the family friendly, community atmosphere.</p>



<p>The green space doesn&#8217;t stop there. Pretty <a href="https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/priory-memorial-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Priory Memorial Gardens</a>, a former nunnery, with kids&#8217; play areas, splash park, sensory garden and bandstand have won numerous consecutive Green Flag Awards in recent years. <a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/fowlmere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RSPB Fowlmere Nature Reserve</a> is on the doorstep too, as is <a href="https://sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shepreth Wildlife Park</a>, which are both fab for families.</p>



<p>In town, you&#8217;ll find a <a href="https://www.roystontown.uk/royston-leisure-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leisure centre</a> with a gym, sports hall and pool, a library and the Royston Market every Weds and Sat with fruit, veg, a fishmonger, butcher, florist, clothing and gifts. And just 20 mins away by car is the National Trust&#8217;s <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/wimpole-estate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wimpole Estate</a> – a working 3,000 acre estate and mansion with a rare breeds farm. For the kids, <a href="https://burylane.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bury Lane Farm</a> with its Farm Shop and Fun Barn is always a good shout, while if you&#8217;re into military history, check out the <a href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial War Museum Duxford</a> just over the border in Cambs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>The historic town has it&#8217;s own <a href="https://www.roystonmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">museum</a> – showcasing 2,000 years&#8217; worth of history from ancient burial mounds and its Roman crossroad to the medieval priory, royal palace and even a cave (more on that below)! It&#8217;s the perfect place to learn more about the town before putting down roots. There&#8217;s also a popular annual <a href="https://www.creativeroyston.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arts Festival</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>You could bag yourself a terrace in Royston for just a smidge under £340,000, while for a semi you&#8217;re looking at around £405,000, with detached properties fetching around £586,000. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Royston-Knight-Frank.jpg" alt="Detached modern house in Royston" class="wp-image-86189" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Royston-Knight-Frank.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Royston-Knight-Frank-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/Royston-Knight-Frank-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The ultimate party house, this 5-bed detached modern home has open plan living and floor to ceiling glass. <a href="https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/long-lane-fowlmere-royston-cambridgeshire-sg8/bst012466717" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market with Knight Frank for £1.5m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.stmarysroyston.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Mary Roman Catholic Primary Scho</a>ol, <a href="https://icknieldwalk.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Icknield Walk First School</a>, <a href="https://www.tannerydrift.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tannery Drift School</a> and <a href="https://www.studlandsrise.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studlands Rise First Schoo</a>l all have their own Pre-schools, but there&#8217;s also <a href="https://www.daynurseries.co.uk/daynursery.cfm/searchazref/65432203861" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royston Day Nursery</a>, <a href="http://www.littleacornspreschool.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Acorns Nursery</a> and <a href="https://orchardsdaynursery.com/our-nurseries/orchards-day-nursery-royston/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Orchards Day Nursery and Pre-School</a>, which are all good options too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>For Primary age there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.stmarysroyston.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Mary Roman Catholic Primary School</a> and <a href="https://icknieldwalk.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Icknield Walk First School</a> which are both rated Outstanding by Ofsted, as well as the Good rated <a href="https://www.tannerydrift.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tannery Drift School</a>, <a href="https://www.kjar.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King James Academy</a> and <a href="https://www.studlandsrise.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studlands Rise First School</a>. While the King James Academy is also the town&#8217;s only Secondary offering. <a href="https://www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Francis College </a>and <a href="https://www.stchris.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Christopher School</a> in Letchworth are the nearest independents. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Royston has its own <a href="https://www.roystoncave.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cave</a>! Yes, you read that correctly – and it&#8217;s the most intriguing part of the town&#8217;s history. The man-made hollow decorated with medieval carvings was discovered in 1742 and thought to have connections with the Knight&#8217;s Templar. Take the candlelit tour to see it up close. Cool, eh?! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Just 38 mins into London Kings Cross and 20 mins to Cambridge by train makes Royston a solid option for commuters. </p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live">Top 300 Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


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