Hemel Hempstead town centre

Hemel Hempstead town centre has much to offer its many visitors and is a great family-friendly place to shop.

Marlowes, the outdoor pedestrianised shopping zone, boasts many facilities to help turn your visit into more than just a shopping trip. There are innovative play areas for children, an attractive food court and a town square with entertainment from the musical fountain, the Rainbow Stage and a large LED screen.

Most of the major high street stores you'd expect of a busy modern town can be found in Hemel Hempstead. The area is covered by CCTV and there is a Safe Child Scheme, baby changing facilities and easy parking.

Shopping

The Marlowes Shopping Centre is an indoor mall and features a range of independent and well-known high street shops, as well as cafes, seasonal pop-up outlets, covered parking and comfort facilities.

Riverside, the newest addition to the shopping area, has been attractively landscaped around the River Gade and features many favourite high street stores. There is a bustling, cafe society feel with a wide range of eateries, many with outdoor seating facilities.

Big screen

In the heart of Hemel Hempstead town centre is New Town Square, which is the location for our community big screen. During the summer months we often show family-friendly films, turning the area in front of the screen into a picnic lawn and seating area.

For information about advertising on the big screen, please email communications@dacorum.gov.uk.

Rainbow Stage

On the other side of New Town Square, is our outdoor performance space, the Rainbow Stage. This stage is available for hire for entertainment, charity, community and promotional events.

To make a reservation, please email gail.buckland@hemelhempsteadbid.com or call 07708 326871.

Musical Fountain

In the centre of New Town Square is our music and light fountain. The fountain features 24 ground-level water jets surrounding the bronze Waterplay sculpture. The jets use recycled water and spout in patterns, from bubbling trickles to two-metre high spurts, which are synchronised to colour-changing lights and music tracks.

During summer months the fountains operate between 10am and 5pm with music played on the hour. There may be occasions when the fountain is switched off due to routine maintenance or breezy weather.

Please remember to supervise your children when playing near the fountain and ensure that shoes are worn at all times.

Market days

On Wednesdays, the town plays host to an antiques market, while on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays the market stalls cover everything from fruit and veg to handbags and clothes.

Old Town High Street

For something unique, why not stroll up to the Old Town High Street and browse around the antique, gift and other shops. Here, you'll also find plenty of restaurants and pubs.

Town centre vehicle access

If you need to access the pedestrianised area of Marlowes by vehicle, you will need to apply for a permit. For more information, please visit our Hemel Hempstead town centre vehicle access page.

Busking

For information about busking in the town centre, please visit our Busking in Hemel Hempstead page.

Cycling

Cycling in the pedestrianised area of Marlowes in Hemel Hempstead town centre is prohibited. For more information, please visit our Cycling page.