Nash Mills sits on the southern edge of Hemel Hempstead, a small but distinct area with its own character that’s sometimes overlooked in favour of its larger neighbour. Once home to John Dickinson’s paper mill (hence the name), today it’s a curious blend of modern housing developments and converted industrial buildings along the Grand Union Canal. The area tends to divide opinion among locals – some praise its waterside charm and relative affordability compared to nearby St Albans, while others grumble about limited amenities and reliance on neighbouring areas for essentials.
This former mill community has undergone significant regeneration in recent decades, with the old industrial sites transformed into apartment complexes. The canal provides a scenic backdrop, but Nash Mills isn’t without its challenges – from traffic congestion on Belswains Lane to debates about whether it has enough of its own identity. Let’s dig into what life is really like in this corner of Hertfordshire.
Is Nash Mills safe?
Nash Mills generally enjoys a better safety reputation than some other parts of Hemel Hempstead. The residential streets away from main roads tend to be quiet, with neighbours often keeping an eye out for each other. That said, the area isn’t entirely immune to issues.
The petrol station on London Road has been a hotspot for shoplifting incidents, while the retail areas near Jarman Way (technically just outside Nash Mills proper) see their fair share of anti-social behaviour. The car parks serving the canal and local amenities occasionally experience vehicle-related crimes.
Locals tend to consider the residential heart of Nash Mills – particularly the newer developments – as relatively secure. The Nash Mills Parish Council has been active in promoting community safety initiatives, including improved street lighting in certain areas and neighbourhood watch schemes. The canal towpath, while scenic during daylight hours, is probably best avoided after dark, particularly the more isolated stretches.
Is Nash Mills a nice place to live for families?
Nash Mills has become increasingly popular with families over the past decade, though it’s not quite in the same league as family-friendly hotspots like Leverstock Green or parts of Berkhamsted. The canal provides a traffic-free route for family walks and cycle rides, while the area offers reasonable access to green spaces.
Parks and Recreation
The area isn’t blessed with an abundance of playgrounds, but those that exist are well-maintained. The parish council playground offers basic equipment for younger children, while Coronation Fields provides more space for ball games and general running about. During summer months, the fields become a popular spot for impromptu cricket matches and family picnics.
The Grand Union Canal is perhaps the area’s greatest recreational asset, offering miles of towpath for walking, running and cycling. Local parents often mention “duck feeding by the locks” as a regular weekend activity with little ones.
Schools
Schools are a significant draw for families considering Nash Mills. Nash Mills Church of England Primary School has a solid reputation locally and is often oversubscribed. Belswains and Chambersbury primary schools also serve the area, both rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted and generally well-regarded by local parents.
For secondary education, Longdean School is the closest option and has improved considerably in recent years. However, competition for places can be fierce, and some Nash Mills residents find themselves outside the catchment for their preferred schools. Several families report driving children to schools in other parts of Hemel or even St Albans, which can add significantly to the morning rush hour congestion.
Is Nash Mills expensive?
Nash Mills offers better value than nearby St Albans or Berkhamsted, but it’s certainly not the cheapest part of Hemel Hempstead. The canal-side apartments in the converted mill buildings command premium prices, with their character features and waterside views particularly appealing to young professionals.
The housing market in Nash Mills has seen terraced properties selling for around £410,000, while detached homes fetch considerably more at approximately £605,000. Flats, which make up a significant portion of the local housing stock thanks to recent developments, average around £280,000.
The rental market shows two-bedroom flats typically going for around £1,600 per month, with three-bedroom apartments pushing up to £1,650. One-bedroom flats, when available, tend to be snapped up quickly at around £1,250 monthly.
For those finding Nash Mills a stretch financially, the nearby Apsley area offers slightly lower prices with many of the same benefits, while parts of central Hemel Hempstead provide significantly more affordable options but with a very different character. Conversely, those with deeper pockets might look to nearby Kings Langley or Chipperfield for more upmarket surroundings.
What transport links are there?
Transport is a mixed picture in Nash Mills. The area lacks its own railway station, with residents typically heading to Apsley (about a 15-minute walk from most parts of Nash Mills) or Hemel Hempstead stations for services to London Euston. The London commute takes approximately 30 minutes on fast trains, making the area viable for commuters willing to make the initial walk or drive to the station.
Bus services are adequate rather than excellent. The Arriva routes connect Nash Mills to Hemel town centre and Watford, but frequencies reduce significantly evenings and weekends. Many residents consider a car essential, particularly families juggling school runs and shopping trips.
Road connections are good, with easy access to the A41 for links to the M25 and M1. However, this convenience comes at a cost – Belswains Lane and Red Lion Lane can become congested during rush hour, with locals often complaining about rat-running through residential streets.
Cycling infrastructure has improved, with the canal towpath offering a pleasant traffic-free route into Hemel or toward Kings Langley and Watford. However, on-road cycling can be challenging on the busier roads during peak times.
What amenities are available in Nash Mills?
Nash Mills itself is somewhat limited in terms of amenities, with residents often needing to venture to neighbouring areas for a full range of services. The Tesco Express provides convenience for everyday essentials, while Londis and Bells offer alternatives for quick shops.
Food options are reasonable but not extensive. Darcy’s Bar & Restaurant offers a pleasant spot for evening meals, while RONAV Cafe & Bistro has become a popular brunch destination at weekends. The Nash Mills Sandwich Bar caters well to the lunchtime crowd, particularly workers from nearby business parks.
Healthcare facilities within Nash Mills itself are limited, with residents typically registered at surgeries in Apsley or central Hemel Hempstead. The nearest hospitals are Hemel Hempstead Hospital (limited services) and Watford General for A&E and more comprehensive care.
The area lacks a significant community centre, though the parish council has been campaigning for improved facilities. The local churches sometimes host community events, but many residents head to Apsley or Hemel for larger gatherings.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
The outdoor environment is one of Nash Mills’ stronger points. The Grand Union Canal forms a green-blue corridor through the area, with well-maintained towpaths popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists. Coronation Fields provides open green space, though it’s modest in size compared to some of Hemel’s larger parks.
Long Deans Nature Reserve lies just beyond Nash Mills’ boundaries and offers a surprisingly wild pocket of woodland and chalk grassland habitat. Lime Walk provides a pleasant tree-lined route for strolls, while the Gilman Dorr Blake Memorial garden offers a quiet contemplative space.
For more substantial countryside experiences, the Chiltern Hills AONB is just a short drive away, with Ashridge Estate particularly popular among locals for weekend walks and picnics. The Gade Valley also offers pleasant walking routes within easy reach.
So, what’s the verdict?
Nash Mills occupies an interesting middle ground – not quite as characterful as old Hemel villages like Boxmoor, nor as convenient as central locations, but offering a pleasant compromise with its canal-side setting and decent housing stock. It suits those who value a quieter life but still want reasonable connections to London and surrounding towns.
The area works particularly well for couples and small families who don’t mind supplementing the limited local amenities with trips to neighbouring areas. The canal provides a distinctive feature that sets Nash Mills apart from more generic suburbs, while the housing – particularly the mill conversions – offers character that’s hard to find in newer developments.
The main drawbacks include the sometimes problematic traffic, limited local amenities, and the lack of its own rail station. Some residents also mention that the area can feel slightly disconnected from both Hemel proper and surrounding villages, sitting somewhat in between established communities.
What are the alternatives?
Those drawn to Nash Mills might also consider Apsley, which offers similar canal-side charm with better amenities and its own railway station, though property prices reflect these advantages. Kings Langley, a short distance south, provides more of a village feel with a proper high street, though again at a premium price point.
Within Hemel itself, Boxmoor offers a similarly desirable location with better amenities and its own character, but typically higher property prices. For those prioritising value, areas like Adeyfield or Grovehill provide more affordable options but with a very different suburban character and without the canal-side setting.
For similar property prices, parts of Berkhamsted or Tring offer stronger community feels and better high streets, but significantly longer commutes to London and higher day-to-day living costs. Alternatively, Watford provides more urban amenities and excellent transport links at comparable housing costs, but with a busier, more city-like atmosphere.
