Area Guide: The Hertfordshire village of Knebworth 

The village is located south of Stevenage and just a stone's throw away from the A1(M) - as well as just being a short drive east of the smaller village of Old Knebworth.

Knebworth's best-known attraction is the Grade II* listed Knebworth House - an imposing, turreted, gargoyle-clad building in an amalgamation of Tudor, Gothic and Victorian styles.

The house is owned by the Lytton family, and its most famous former resident was Victorian novelist and playwright Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton - who coined the well-known phrase 'the pen is mightier than the sword'.

The Gardens of Knebworth House (Image: Archant)

Charles Dickens also visited the Lyttons, and wrote many letters to Edward.

Knebworth House has featured in countless Hollywood movies, including the 2010 Oscar-winner The King's Speech, which starred Colin Firth as Prince Albert, better known as the future King George VI.

The house was also a filming location for Paddington 2, starring Hugh Grant, and doubled as Wayne Manor for Tim Burton's 1989 version of Batman.

In addition to its Hollywood fame, Knebworth House has hosted many of the world's most famous music acts, from Queen and The Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin and Oasis.

The grounds are well worth a visit for their 250-acre deer park and stunning gardens - while children can enjoy the dinosaur trail and Fort Knebworth adventure playground.

Shops and restaurants   

Knebworth has a bustling high street, with a Co-op, a Post Office, a florist, several estate agents and a handful of takeaways, alongside other amenities.

Knebworth High Street (Image: Danny Loo)

Park Lane in Old Knebworth is also home to the popular pub The Lytton Arms.

The original building was designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens - the brother-in-law of Lord Lytton. 

This building has since been converted to a private residential home, next door to the current Lytton Arms, which was constructed in 1877. 

The pub is a popular spot which offers real ales, an extensive food menu and a beer garden with beautiful views. 

The Lytton Arms pub (Image: Archant)

Property   

According to Rightmove, overall, sold prices in Knebworth over the last year were three per cent down on the previous year and four per cent down on the 2020 peak of £402,702. 

Homes currently on the market locally include a four-bedroom detached property at Stevenage Road for £950,000 and a three-bedroom end of terrace at Church Place for £650,000. 

Schools   

Knebworth Primary and Nursery School has been at the heart of the village for more than 100 years. 

Although there are more than 400 children on roll at the school, it prides itself on having a 'small school feel'.

The school was rated 'good' by Ofsted at its most recent inspection, and has a breakfast club each school day from 7.45pm and an after school club until 6pm. 

For secondary school children nearby options include Barnwell middle and upper school and Marriotts School, which are both 'good'-rated co-ed state schools in nearby Stevenage. 

Travel  

Knebworth is within good travelling distance of the heart of London, with a direct train going from the village to King's Cross in just over half an hour. 

The village also has convenient access to the A1(M), as well as regular bus routes connecting the village to the neighbouring towns of Hatfield, Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City - making it easy for residents to travel in and out. 

Sports and leisure   

The village offers multiple sports and leisure opportunities.

Knebworth Recreation Grounds are just a short stroll from the high street, which is an ideal place to let little ones run wild. 

The recreation grounds also provide a base for Knebworth Youth FC, which offers teams for boys and girls from age three upwards. 

There are also tennis courts offering players of all ages the opportunity to participate. 

Knebworth Park Cricket Club can be found off Old Knebworth Lane, neighbouring the Knebworth House estate, and there's also a Knebworth Golf Club.

Younger children can enjoy playgrounds in Lytton Fields and King George V Park amid vast open spaces, which are a perfect spot for picnics and dog walks in the summer months. 

This area guide is sponsored by Frost's, which has offices in St Albans, Harpenden and Wheathampstead. (Image: Frost's)