Welwyn village or Welwyn Garden City

[CanteringAlong]

We are thinking of moving to this area to be nearer to private schools around Herts. Which are the nicer parts of WGC that are also near a station? Is Welwyn village a better place for families? We are looking for things to do and good transport links.

The Garden City is the nicest part of Welwyn Garden City. Much of the rest of it is ex local authority-fine but not especially attractive. The area near the old QE11 hospital is the nicest bit of those areas, plus there is some newer build estates around there that are quite nice.

Not sure on your budget but if it’s larger I would look at Tewin which is a village slightly outside of WGC (like a 10 min drive to the town centre) but which is handy for Welwyn North Station, or old Welwyn, similarly handy for Welwyn North-both nice villages but no distance from station. (Old Welwyn is also nice for St Albans and you could then look at schools there too perhaps). Further out look at Codicote.

Which schools specifically? I actually don’t love Welwyn Garden City as a place. The town centre has gone down hill a bit shops wise and there never seems to be loads going on (though the arts cinema is quite nice). It’s not that great for going out. Just a bit dull IMO. If you want more of that sort of thing I would look at Hertford. Near some great schools both private and outstanding state, trains to london (two stations one to Liverpool Street, one to King’s Cross, both to Cambridge). Excellent night life, and eating out, market on Saturdays and it’s starting to get a really lovely independent shopping vibe going on. It’s very pretty with a huge park in the middle and the River Lea running through it. Lots for families. See also Bishops Stortford which is a bit further out, but similar to Hertford and benefits from the Stansted express for fast trains to London or Cambridge.

If thinking about old Welwyn, it's nice. Be aware though that Welwyn North station is not in old Welwyn, it's in Digswell.

I’m familiar with Welwyn village but it’s too expensive near the welwyn north station.

I have been to WGC a few times for kids stuff like gosling leisure centre and the Campus West, have been to the Howard Centre. We know the QE2 hospital. I’m just wondering what it’s like to live.

We are looking at private schools around Herts, liked some in Letchworth, Hitchin, Hatfield etc. Sp need to move further out into Hettfordshire. I’m a Londoner and reluctant to move out but have to do this for our children. Been to Hertford but it’s not in the right direction. We would be moving out to a cheaper house to help pay the fees.

Well it’s fine, and plenty to do with little kids, but a touch boring I think :). That said you can get into London easily enough

More for your money the closer you get to Stevenage (don’t recommend Stevenage itself, though my tweens and teens go to the leisure park a lot- but Knebworth, Woolmer Green, Old Stevenage, Bragbury end, Aston, Great Ashby and surrounding villages). All great for getting to WGC, Hitchin, Letchworth but without the price tag.

can I suggest harpenden, wonderful schools many ofsted outstanding, trains to London and a good bus service

ive lived in WGC and harpenden as well as St Albans, harpenden was by far the best