Letchworth Garden City was the world’s first Garden City and inspired urban planning around the world. This history makes urban planning a tangible subject for a trip: it can be connected with gardens, an interactive micro-museum, and buildings, rather than appearing only as an abstract idea. At the same time, a nature reserve and several routes give the town a distinct focus on nature and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a destination with cultural history and opportunities to spend time outdoors, Letchworth offers several clearly distinct highlights.
The Garden City idea on the ground
First Garden City Ltd. began building Letchworth Garden City in 1903 and commissioned Barry Parker and Raymond Unwin to design the master plan for the new community. The town’s history therefore encompasses both the construction and the planning of a new community. Broadway Gardens reflect Ebenezer Howard’s original ideas for Letchworth: these are reflected in their design and layout. A fountain is also one of the gardens’ features. Here, the Garden City idea is visible in a specific design, while the 1903 construction and master plan provide the historical context.
Museum, cinema, and gallery
The Museum at One Garden City is an interactive micro-museum in the heart of Letchworth. Its regularly changing exhibitions explore the town’s past and present. This time span offers an introduction that goes beyond the early planning to include Letchworth today. Since the exhibitions change, it’s worth checking what’s currently on when a particular presentation is important to your visit.
The Broadway Cinema in Letchworth Garden City was designed by the local architectural practice Bennett & Bidwell. Broadway Cinema & Theatre hosts film screenings, event cinema, and live theatre. This means that Letchworth offers a look at both the architectural history of a cinema and a range of stage and film programming. What’s on may change. If a particular performance is central to your plans, check the current programme in advance.
Broadway Gallery offers exhibitions, events, and educational activities; admission to the gallery is free. It provides a different focus from the museum and cinema, with changing exhibitions and educational formats at its heart. When choosing cultural attractions, you can therefore distinguish between exploring Letchworth’s past and present, film and live theatre, and the gallery’s offerings.
Agriculture and architectural history
Standalone Farm is a traditionally run farm with events and activities for children and adults. It also has its own architectural history: the farmhouse dates from the 17th century and is a Grade II listed building. The farm thus combines present-day activities for different age groups with a historic building. Since programmes may change, check the latest information if a particular activity is essential to your visit.
Nature areas and trails around Letchworth
Norton Common Local Nature Reserve brings the surrounding countryside right into the heart of Letchworth. Together with Broadway Gardens, it offers another perspective on the town: Letchworth’s character includes not only the history of urban planning, but also green spaces and protected nature.
The Garden City Greenway is a 13.6-mile (21.8-kilometre) route around Letchworth. It is suitable for walkers, runners, and cyclists, and passes several local wildlife and nature areas. This makes it possible to combine an interest in exercise with a look at natural areas. The route is a loop around Letchworth; conditions may change, so it’s sensible to check before setting out.
The Icknield Way offers a different geographical perspective: this horse-riding and mountain-biking route runs from Buckinghamshire to Norfolk and passes through Letchworth. The comparison helps with a practical planning decision: should your attention be on a loop around the town, or on a route whose overall course connects two counties and passes through Letchworth? The two routes therefore cover different geographical areas and are described as suitable for different user groups.
The destination’s main focus is clearly Garden City history, complemented by cultural attractions, a historic farm, and nature trails. You can start by deciding which of these themes you want to shape your stay; for events and changing exhibitions, it’s a good idea to check the current programme.
Discover more destinations: Elstree, Broxbourne, Hailey, London Colney, Radlett, Meriden, Standon, Little Gaddesden
For the broader travel overview: Hertfordshire.
