The ‘sweet spot’ commuter town between London and Cambridge with houses £284,000 cheaper

Surrounded by countryside but only 37 minutes from King’s Cross by train, it’s no wonder Londoners are packing up and heading to Royston.

Close to 2,000 people moved from London boroughs to North Hertfordshire last year, according to ONS estimates, and estate agents say Royston is the jewel in the county’s crown. 

The leafy commuter town is also just 15 minutes from Cambridge on the fast Thameslink service, putting it within easy reach of the city’s thriving science and technology sector. 

‘Royston has become increasingly attractive to buyers because it offers the balance many movers are now prioritising, namely more space, better value for money and a far better quality of life without losing access to the capital,’ CEO of Yopa, Verona Frankish, tells Metro.

‘What makes Royston particularly appealing is that it sits in a sweet spot between both London and Cambridge. Buyers benefit from strong rail connectivity, access to green open countryside and a genuine market town feel.’ 

Things to do in Royston

For a small town, there’s a lot going on. 

Therfield Heath (known locally as ‘Royston Heath’) is a major draw, with idyllic hills leading to a pretty forest. The Heath Cafe Bar offers delicious coffee, cakes, salads and sausage rolls against the stunning backdrop. Or, if you’re feeling sporty, there are tennis courts, a golf course, plus regular bootcamp classes you can join.

The town itself is bucking the national trend of high street closures, with lots of thriving independent businesses opening in recent years.

Cafes at both ends of the spectrum are covered: Kooky Nohmad offers trendy brunch while Moreno’s caters perfectly to those looking for a greasy spoon. 

And unlike other commuter hubs, it’s not a complete ghost town in the evening. You’ve got plenty of dinner options, including MITR Restaurant (fusion cuisine), Thai Rack Glass House and Ashiana Spice (Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine). The Chalk Hare is also lovely for upmarket fare in a bright garden room.

For pubs, the Old Bull Inn gets my vote, or there’s a Wetherspoons in a pretty building if that’s more your thing. 

Just up the road, you’ll find Bury Lane Farm Shop, which hosts all sorts of pop-ups, including a man-made beach for under-10s in the summer. 

Kids will also love Royston Museum, which is small but child-friendly, plus the splash pads and playground in the pretty Priory Memorial Gardens.

The park will also play host to the town’s annual Arts Festival again this September. And just over the road, there’s Royston Picture Palace, a 130-seat cinema in the old Town Hall. 

The town’s most unusual attraction has to be Royston Cave, which attracts visitors from across the UK thanks to its intricate carvings and enduring mystery.  

For more practical purposes, you’ve got the leisure centre, a Tesco, an Aldi and an M&S Foodhall.

What are house prices like in Royston?

Let’s be clear: this isn’t the cheapest place to live in the country. But compared to other in-demand towns, prices in Royston are an absolute steal. 

Homes in the area had an average price of £393,714 last year, according to Rightmove data. That’s compared to £659,781 in nearby St Albans and £570,988 in Cambridge.

Londoners moving from the capital stand to save a whopping £284,000 if they sell the average city home, which last year went for £678,328.  

Current homes for sale include a lovely three-bed end terrace house with a guide price of £475,000 and a charming three-bedroom detached cottage for £545,000. 

What do the locals say about living in Royston?

I lived in this gorgeous North Herts town for seven years before my husband’s job took us elsewhere, and we’d be back in a heartbeat if our circumstances changed.

It’s friendly and comforting, in the sense that you’ll get to know the shop owners and restaurant staff, but surprisingly, it’s never boring. Though if you do find yourself craving a bit more buzz, you’ve got two major cities within 40 minutes.

On Reddit and Mumsnet, reviews are more mixed, with some calling the town ‘too quiet’ and ‘bland’.

‘If you’re younger, then you might find it that way, and might not be the right choice for you. As a family man, we are very happy to be here in a green, quiet location,’ one commenter said. ‘Our little one has a packed schedule of activities all available within walking distance. Cambridge is our go-to for anything more cultural.’

Another added: ‘I’ve lived in Royston for 15 years. Previous to that I lived in central Cambridge but moved to afford a flat in my 20s. I love it and couldn’t recommend it enough. It’s got everything you need with good transport links.’

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