Hemel Hempstead, England
The Magic Roundabout Vortex
"Where All Roads Lead Nowhere in Particular"
Official Coat of Arms
A shield quartered by five interlocking ring roads rampant, centred upon a stylised roundabout sign, with a confused motorist couchant in the base. Above, a banner depicting the Water Gardens fountain, the only place in town where the water moves in a straight line.
TripAdvisor Review
★★★☆☆ 3/5
"Drove into Hemel to visit my sister and spent forty-five minutes orbiting the Magic Roundabout trying to find the exit to Adeyfield. The Old Town is actually lovely with proper pubs and a river, which nobody tells you because everyone's too busy screaming at the six mini-roundabouts. Marlowes shopping centre is fine if you enjoy the same shops as everywhere else, just with more wind tunnels between them. Three stars because the water gardens are genuinely nice once you escape the automotive Bermuda Triangle."— Gary Fenwick, Berkhamsted
Property Listing
Nestled in the Chilterns' gateway, this vibrant New Town offers unparalleled access to literally every direction at once via our world-renowned road network! Enjoy the tranquil Old Town charm just a thrilling seven-roundabout drive from your front door, with the picturesque Water Gardens providing a serene escape from the gyratory excitement beyond.
Twinned With
Le Mans — Both are internationally famous for people driving round in circles at high speed and getting nowhere.
Supporting Evidence
Hemel Hempstead's 'Magic Roundabout' is actually six mini-roundabouts arranged around one large central roundabout, and it was voted one of the scariest junctions in Britain.