Major city · United Kingdom
Stevenage
Skip as a base unless you have a reason: one half-day for the Old Town and museum, or use it as a 25-min rail stop from London.
Stevenage is England's first post-war new town, 51 km north of London on the East Coast Main Line. Fast trains reach King's Cross in about 25 minutes, which makes it a commuter town rather than a sightseeing base. The Old Town High Street, the museum and the cycle-path network are the reasons to get off the train; most travellers pass through.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (short days, cold)
- Airports
- LTN · STN · LHR
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Stevenage101 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Stevenage, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyA normal English commuter town; the centre is busy by day and quiet at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers101 police non-urgent · 111 NHS non-urgent (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLTN London Luton (About 16 km (9.9 mi) west; bus 101 or 777, or taxi via the A505.).LTN London Luton (About 9.9 mi (16 km) west; bus 101 or 777, or taxi via the A505.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is compact and walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryFree (donation expected)
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per room£100 (≈ US$140)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per room£95 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per room£160 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £80 (≈ US$110) · High £140 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LTN London Luton (About 16 km (9.9 mi) west; bus 101 or 777, or taxi via the A505.) · STN London Stansted (About 48 km (30 mi) east; coach 777 runs to Stevenage.) · LHR London Heathrow (About 60 km (37 mi) south; train via London, or coach to Luton then bus.)LTN London Luton (About 9.9 mi (16 km) west; bus 101 or 777, or taxi via the A505.) · STN London Stansted (About 30 mi (48 km) east; coach 777 runs to Stevenage.) · LHR London Heathrow (About 37 mi (60 km) south; train via London, or coach to Luton then bus.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Aug
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (11 rain days), driest Jun (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Stevenage: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Jul
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable. Buses run from the bus station at The Quadrant to Lister Hospital and nearby towns; single fares are around £2.30 and a day ticket about £4. The separated cycle-path network lets you cross town without traffic. Car parks are plentiful and cheap; the town is known for its many roundabouts.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Knebworth House
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Taxi or bus from the town centre, about 4 km (2.5 mi) southTaxi or bus from the town centre, about 2.5 mi (4 km) south
House and grounds open July and August only; check dates and prices.
St Albans
goDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Train from Stevenage to St Albans City, change at London or Hitchin
Cathedral, Roman Verulamium and a better day out than Stevenage itself.
Hertford
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus or train via Hertford North
Small county town with a castle and riverside walks.
Door to door: About 25 min
Fast train from Stevenage station
The main reason many visitors use Stevenage at all.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (around the station and The Quadrant)
Walkable to the bus station, shops and the Leisure Park; best for one night with bags.
Old Town (High Street)
Listed buildings, pubs and one-off shops; quieter, 15–20 min walk from the station.
Leisure Park (Six Hills Way)
Cinema, bowling and chain restaurants next to the station; convenient but no character.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 1 night × £95 | £95 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £80 | £160 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £28 |
| Trip total≈ £152 per person per day, bed included | £303≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in pounds; rail fares and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Museum entry | Free (donation expected) |
| Knebworth House, adult | £13 (≈ US$18) house and grounds, £9.50 (≈ US$13) grounds only |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Old Town is quiet at night; the Leisure Park and Old Town pubs are the main evening options.
- Rooks Nest House and the Manor House are private homes and not open to the public.
- St Mary's Church in Shephall is often locked because of past theft and vandalism.
- Knebworth House opens its house and grounds only in July and August; check dates before travelling.
Emergency numbers
- Police non-urgent
- 101
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
StevenageStevenage
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police non-urgent101
- NHS non-urgent111
Embassy
No embassies in Stevenage; most are in London. The US Embassy is in Nine Elms, London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Stevenage → London King's Cross: about 25 min fast, off-peak return £20–30 (≈ US$30–40)
- Bus single in town: about £2.30 (≈ US$4)
- Taxi town centre → Knebworth House: £10–15 (≈ US$14–20)
Say or show
- Where is the bus station? — Where is the bus station?
- A day ticket, please — A day ticket, please
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- Thank you — Thank you
English is the only language you need.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Stevenage. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (short days, cold) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LTN and STN: last bus and coach times field-checked, taxi fallback.
- Walking clusters: station and town centre, Old Town High Street, Fairlands Valley Park.
- Place pages with verified opening hours (museum, Knebworth House) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rail fare bands for Stevenage–London and Stevenage–Cambridge checked against operator sites.
Sources
- officialStevenage Borough Council
- officialStevenage Museum
- officialKnebworth House
- officialIntalink (Hertfordshire bus information)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Stevenage, revision 5327864 (CC BY-SA 4.0)