Kokova Magazine

When we were looking to get out and about for Easter but didn't want to travel too far from home, we simply stuck a pin in the map around the M25. With a location less than 90 minutes from home by car, we set off on Good friday for a three-night stay in a Airbnb flat we found online. Andy and I were ready for a break. Well - Andy was feeling under the weather and I had a pile of paperwork that needed my attention regardless of the Easter break. Combining a few nights away from the other responsibilities of life meant Andy could rest and I could work uninterrupted. Booking a stylish flat on the edge of town, right beside the river, meant we had easy access to the high street, good walks, and food choices. It is definitely another town we plan to explore and revisit when we have more time.

Location:
Berkhamsted - an historic, affluent market town in Hertfordshire, England, situated in the Bulbourne Valley - 26 miles northwest of London within the Chiltern Hills. With a population of around 22k it is a popular commuter town known for its high street, independent shops, and the 11th-century castle ruins.

Accommodation:
A last-minute booking for a two-bedroom ground floor flat by the river cost us £448.80 for three nights (£149.60 per night). Parking was included - as were towels, bedding, facilities, electricity, heating, water.

Places to Eat and Drink:
In all honesty, there is something for everyone from a quick bite to a full meal. Giggling Squid have opened a branch on the High St offering a Thai menu, while The Olive Tree offers a taste of Greece. Plates has a great all-day menu ranging from avocado on toast to a bacon bap, all-day breakfast plus coffee and more. Open until 5pm when it switches to night time Indian Tapas for private events. Tabure covers a Mediterranean, Aegean and Asia menu, and The Old Mill has seasonal menus prepared on-site from fresh, ethically sourced, British ingredients. For drinks and sport, catching up with friends, try The Lamb. With free wifi and a beer garden, a football match and pint awaits.

Numerous cafes, coffee houses, and take-away options on the main high street mean you will be spoilt for choice, whatever you decide. For everyday food items, the Waitrose is well stocked and Tesco is on the high street. We popped along to Jester in Amersham on the way home too because they make good coffee.

Shopping:
Mint Velvet, The Forge Boutique, Fat Face, Amelie, and Muse Lifestyle are among some of the clothing options, while a cluster of antique shops and regular high street stores has most items covered. With regular Wednesday and Saturday Markets, Berkhamsted has additional Antiques & Vintage Market (first Sunday of every month) - Artisan Market (second Sunday of every month) - Sunday Farmers' Markets (third Sunday of every month).

Getting Out & About:
Situated on the River Bulbourne, a small chalk stream that flows through the center of the town. You can walk either way up and down the river, watching the barges as they negotiate the many locks on their path. The town is surrounded by green areas so walking, or driving out to find walks is an open plan, with an abundant of routes to choose from. A short trip out of the town centre will take you to the substantial remains of Berkhamsted Castle. A picturesque commuter town, Berkhamsted is a good base for visiting London, offering direct trains to London Euston in just 30 - 35 minutes.

If you are looking to escape for a few days in a pretty countryside town, with good links into London then put Berkhamsted on the map and drop your pin there for a quiet escape. Even with the Berkhamsted Football Club on the edge of town, this is a very quiet place to relax away from the maddening crowds. On the way home we even had time to pop into Amersham for coffee, and a wander around the lake at Black Park Country Park in Wexham, Buckinghamshire.