A peaceful hamlet served by the amenities of St Albans to the west and Hatfield to the east, Sleapshyde offers the best of both worlds. We found out more about it

Sleapshyde is a residential area immediately north of the A414. There is a conservation area on the eastern part of this rural, characterful hamlet, while to the west there is more modern housing around Sleapcross Gardens, Sleapshyde Lane and Smallford Lane.

There was once a Methodist church, but this was converted to a private house many years ago.

Residents are well served by amenities offered by St Albans and Hatfield however, as well as Colney Heath and Smallford.

Pub

Sleapshyde’s main draw is its pub, The Plough. Once a traditional rural boozer offering real ale and big screen sport, it was transformed into a foodie favourite under the ownership of Dylans, St Albans.

Earlier this year it changed ownership again, though it has retained its independent gastropub status. Food currently on offer includes a Sunday roast, maple glazed BBQ butternut squash, tuna ceviche and beef tartare. Dogs and kids are welcome.

Many visitors cycle to the pub via the Alban Way, and during the summer months especially the beer garden is a popular place to unwind.

The pub dates back to 1690 and its proximity to the former railway line has long made it a popular stop off point for walkers and cyclists making the trip from St Albans or Hatfield.

Transport links

While Sleapshyde has a sense of remoteness about it, it is actually very well connected. The A414 runs parallel to Sleapcross Gardens and the A1(M) is a few minutes away by car, while the M25 is a couple of miles to the south.

Property

There is currently just one home for sale in the hamlet, a five-bed semi on Sleapcross Gardens. Offered for sale with a guide price of £800,000, it has five bedrooms and a 170ft rear garden.

Schools

Primary schools serving the Sleapshyde area include Colney Heath School and London Colney Primary & Nursery School.

Samuel Ryder Academy is an all-through school on Drakes Drive, while other secondary options include Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School on Colney Health Lane. All were rated ‘good’ by Ofsted at their last inspections.

Herts Advertiser: Welcome to Sleapshyde. Picture: DANNY LOOWelcome to Sleapshyde. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

Leisure and sport

Willows Farm is a couple of miles from Sleapshyde and features a children’s visiting farm with indoor petting centre, attractions such as a bouncy castle, small rides for young ones and a soft play centre with café.

Nearby sports facilities, including a pool and gym, are available at Hertfordshire Sports Village in Hatfield.

Cotlandswick Leisure Centre in London Colney has group exercise sessions, a sports hall, football facilities and a soft play centre for younger children. It also has a dedicated baby and toddler area and a café.