Hertfordshire area guide for Smallford near Hatfield

Smallford road sign on Hatfield Road, Smallford. (Image: Alan Davies)

Located within St Albans District Council and in the parish of Colney Heath, Smallford is full of scenic walking and cycling routes, and has the Alban Way at its very heart.

There used to be a railway station in the hamlet, on the former St Albans branch line to Hatfield, which opened in 1866 – a year after the line became operational.

The railway line closed to passengers in 1951 but was still used for freight until 1969. Now known as the Alban Way, the disused line runs from St Albans to the west and Hatfield to the east of Smallford.

Cycling past the former Smallford station platform. (Image: Peter Wares)

Herts Advertiser reader Peter Wares said: "One of the joys of living in Smallford is the close proximity of the Alban Way and countryside.

"The Alban Way is the former six-mile railway line between Hatfield/St Albans, providing a pleasant, traffic-free route between the two towns as well as the open countryside."

Via the Alban Way, walkers and cyclists can access a number of different paths –  including one route across fields to The Plough at neighbouring Sleapshyde.

The path from the Alban Way across a field to The Plough at Sleapshyde (Image: Peter Wares)

Along the old rail route there are still the remains of some of the station platforms, some of which have recently been refurbished.

Walkers and cyclists can learn about the history of the site along the way thanks to useful signage.

Cycling along the Alban Way and bridlepath to Wilkins Green Lane (Image: Peter Wares)

Near Smallford there is also a vast space to explore in Ellenbrook Fields – part of what was once the Hatfield Aerodrome.

Smallford borders the Ellenbrook area of Hatfield and the former de Havilland airfield site, which is now home to one of the University of Hertfordshire's campuses.

Property 

Radio Place in Smalford (Image: Alan Davies)

Most of Smallford’s housing is arranged along Oaklands Lane and Station Road. 

However, exclusive private developments are springing up in the area, with Radio Place one of them.

Radio Place in Smallford. (Image: Alan Davies)

Radio Place is a collection of three, four and five bedroom homes finished to an outstanding specification by Stonebond Properties.

A new build four-bed house at Radio Place, Lawrence Close, just off Oaklands Lane, is on the market for £1,075,000.

Other homes currently for sale in Smallford include a four-bed semi-detached on Oaklands Lane for £725,000, and a luxury four-bedroom detached family home on the same road for £1.1million.

Sport and leisure 

Smallford is home to both St Albans Rugby Club and Harvesters Football Club, who are based in the recreational ground situated on Oaklands Lane.

The rugby club was formed in 1970 and was the first open rugby club in St Albans. 

Harvesters train youth teams from reception age upwards, as well as inclusive teams and a walking football team. 

Smallford is also close to the Hertfordshire Sports Village on the University of Hertfordshire's de Havilland Campus in Hatfield, and Oaklands College's St Albans campus with its first-class facilities.

Amenities 

Smallford Farm Shop (Image: Alan Davies)

One of Smallford's gems is the Smallford Farm Shop, which offers a wide range of fresh produce, most of which is sourced locally – providing a major draw for foodies.

There is also an on-site café offering a range of hot and cold light bites, from smoothies to cupcakes, which can be eaten in or taken away.

Notcutts Garden Centre in Smallford (Image: Alan Davies)

Smallford is also home to the Notcutts Garden Centre, which also has its own on-site café.

Christmas trees at Notcutts Garden Centre in Smallford (Image: Alan Davies)

As Christmas approaches, it's worth visiting Notcutts for its popular festive shop and Christmas trees are already on sale in the garden centre.

The Three Horseshoes pub, Smallford, from Notcutts Garden Centre. (Image: Alan Davies)

Smallford’s only pub is The Three Horseshoes, directly opposite the entrance to Notcutts.

It offers a well-stocked bar and extensive menu of hearty pub classics and lighter bites, which can be enjoyed in the beer garden out back in better weather. Dogs are also welcome.

The Three Horseshoes pub on Hatfield Road. (Image: Alan Davies)

Nearby in Sleapshyde, which is south of Smallford and to the north of Colney Heath, is gastropub The Plough.

The Plough in Sleapshyde. (Image: Alan Davies)

Travel 

From Smallford it's easy to access direct rail links to London thanks to its proximity to Hatfield and St Albans.

Smallford is also a short distance from the A1(M) and the A414 dual carriageway.

Education 

Colney Heath JMI, situated in the nearby village of the same name, is the nearest primary school and nursery to Smallford.

Its latest Ofsted report commended the school with a ‘good’ rating. 

While Beaumont is the closest non-denominational secondary school, its catchment is so tight that students from Smallford are unlikely to secure a place.

Nearby alternatives include Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School in St Albans (‘good’) and Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School (‘outstanding’). 

Oaklands College (‘good’) offers A-Level, vocational studies and higher education courses from its Smallford campus.

St Albans Nursery and Montessori Pre-school (‘outstanding’) on Hatfield Road provides childcare for children aged three months to five years. 

This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, who have offices in St Albans, Marshalswick, Wheathampstead and Harpenden (www.frosts.co.uk/branches). Pic: Archant (Image: Archant)