Pretty Hertfordshire villages to visit: From film locations to history

From rolling Chilterns countryside to traditional village greens, the county offers a glimpse into classic English rural life.

Many of its villages combine centuries‑old history with striking scenery, and several have also gained fame on screen, appearing in well‑known films and TV shows.

Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk, a place steeped in heritage or somewhere with cinematic appeal, Hertfordshire has plenty to offer.

We’ve rounded up three postcard‑perfect villages to visit in Hertfordshire and why they are worth a visit:

Letchmore Heath

Tucked just outside Watford, Letchmore Heath is a quintessential postcard village, with its historic houses and cottages set around a traditional green, complete with a duck pond and war memorial.

Letchmore Heath was previously put forward as a contender for the UK’s first “Town of Culture”, with critics praising its “pretty, chocolate‑box” charm and picturesque setting.

With origins dating back to the 12th century, the village began as a small agricultural settlement before expanding during the Victorian era, when many of its current homes were built.

Today, its calm, rural feel remains one of its biggest draws, enhanced by landmarks such as the Aldenham War Memorial Hall and the nearby Bhaktivedanta Manor estate.

Film buffs may also recognise it as a filming location for productions including the 1960 film Village of the Damned and the BBC series As Time Goes By.

Flaunden

Set deep within the Chess Valley and surrounded by the rolling countryside of the Chilterns, Flaunden is a small but striking village known for its blend of natural beauty and long history.

Its origins are thought to stretch back to Roman times, with written records dating from the 13th century, and much of its heritage still on display in buildings like the medieval Sharlowes Farm and timber‑framed Oak Cottage.

The village’s rural lanes, historic cottages and working farmland offer a peaceful setting to walk and explore, along with its traditional pubs such as the 17th‑century Green Dragon.

Midsomer Murders fans may also recognise Flaunden from when it appeared in the ITV drama as a filming location, where several of its buildings were used on screen.

Combined with nearby walking routes along the River Chess and surrounding countryside, Flaunden offers visitors a classic glimpse of Hertfordshire village life shaped by both history and television fame.

Aldbury

Located in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Aldbury is widely regarded as one of Hertfordshire’s most picturesque villages and recently appeared in the Netflix film The Thursday Murder Club, where it doubled as the fictional village of Fairhaven.

Aldbury is known for its mix of rolling countryside views, timber‑framed cottages and a traditional village pond.

Its history stretches back centuries, with key landmarks including the 13th‑century Church of St John the Baptist and long‑standing pubs such as The Trooper, which has served the village since the 18th century.

Aside from The Thursday Murder Club, the village has appeared in many other productions, such as Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason and Killing Eve.

With its strong mix of heritage, scenic beauty and screen appearances, Aldbury continues to attract visitors looking for a classic countryside escape with a cinematic twist.