Why Baldock is attracting Londoners
Baldock, a market town about 40 miles north of London, has seen a 62% increase in renter interest for flatshares over the past year, according to SpareRoom. The town offers a 'lovely' community feel and significantly lower house prices. The average home in Baldock sold for £362,018 in the last year, compared to £671,643 in London, a difference of £309,625, based on Rightmove data.
Transport links
The fastest direct train from Baldock to London King's Cross takes 36 minutes, with stops at Letchworth Garden City, Hitchin, and Welwyn North. A peak return ticket costs around £11.30. The station connects to the Victoria, Piccadilly, Northern, Circle, Metropolitan, and Hammersmith & City lines.
Housing market
While the UK average house price is £291,000, Baldock's average is higher but still much cheaper than London. Flats in Baldock average £229,519. The town's affordability and proximity to London make it a popular choice for commuters.
Things to do in Baldock
Baldock offers a range of dining options, including Italian restaurant Delizia, which serves burrata, bruschetta, and carbonara, and offers a bottomless brunch on Saturdays for £42 per person. Eight restaurant features cocktails and vegetables from the chef's own allotment, with coffee roasted locally by Campervan Coffee. Pubs include the George IV and The Orange Tree, the latter listed in CAMRA's top 16 pubs in the UK. Maltings Fish and Chips, Baldock Fish Bar, and Harry Ramsden's provide fish and chip options. The Charter Market runs every Wednesday from 8am to 3:30pm, and the Country Market on Fridays offers coffee and goods.
Nearby towns: Hitchin and Letchworth
Baldock is close to Hitchin and Letchworth, which offer additional attractions. Hitchin, known as 'H town,' has a market square, Groundworks for brunch, Halsey's Deli for tea and cake, and St Mary's Church, the largest in Hertfordshire. Pubs include The George, Kite at The Red Hart, The Coopers Arms, and The Victoria. Letchworth, the UK's first garden city, features David's Bookshop with a bookshop, record store, and café, plus Garden City Brewery serving local beers like Garden City Blonde. The art deco Broadway Cinema shows blockbusters, Royal Ballet, and National Theatre Live.
