Old Town Stevenage | Local history & Highlights
Explore Old Town Stevenage, from historic St Nicholas Church to the independent shops, cafés and pubs along Main Street, near the Nexus development.
Old Town Stevenage: A Walk Through Time
Living in Stevenage – a town of two halves
Stevenage has a fascinating history and is widely known as one of the UK’s first “New Towns”. Large parts of the town didn’t exist 80 years ago. Now a picture of modernity, with lush, biodiverse green spaces, plenty of local retail and almost 50 km of cycleways connecting the town and beyond, it’s easy to forget that Stevenage had an earlier chapter.
A large portion of local history is preserved in the area known as the Old Town. At the centre of it is Stevenage High Street, lined with independent businesses and historic buildings that give the area a distinct sense of character. Here you’ll find everything from traditional florists to old pubs, including The Old Town Bar. Old Town High Street is just a six-minute walk from our Nexus development, so you can enjoy the area’s food spots, local events and shopping whenever you choose.
Must-visit spots in Old Town, Stevenage
St Nicholas Church
A leisurely 25-minute walk from our Stevenage apartments, you’ll find St Nicholas Church, an 11th-century Norman building at the heart of Old Town. Now a parish church, this Grade I-listed building features a flint tower, a ring of eight bells and a Victorian organ.
Lolo Café and Bistro
Lolo Café and Bistro is one of many gems on the Old Town's High Street. Start your weekend right with a hearty brunch of syrup-doused pancakes or a full English breakfast.
Thistle & Willow
When it’s time for some gift shopping, head over to Thistle & Willow, where you’ll find organic skincare products, scented candles, handmade jewellery and more.
Marquis of Lorne
Ready for a post-shopping pint? Marquis of Lorne is waiting. This laid-back, quintessentially British pub always shows the football and is great for a budget-friendly bite to eat.
Golden Siam Thai Restaurant
Book yourself a table for late lunch or date-night dinner at Golden Siam and enjoy the unique infusions of smells and flavours from classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Pad Gra-Pra and Massaman curry.
El Bar de Tapas
Alternatively, if you’re with friends and fancy a little bit of everything, El Bar de Tapas is close by. This family-run Spanish restaurant is known for its excellent service and an impressive selection of fish, meat and vegetable dishes that always go down a treat.
Old Town Library
Stevenage Old Town Library is a public facility where you can enjoy a quiet hour or two of reading, Monday to Saturday. Library entry is completely free, and the venue hosts regular events, so keep an eye out for family-friendly afternoon activities and opportunities to learn more about local history.
Old Town Live Festival – August 2026
Each year, Stevenage hosts the Old Town Live festival on Main Street. A ticket gives you access to a kids’ play zone, all the outdoor music stages and the world food stalls lining the streets. It’s perfect for a family day out or an evening of dancing and drinks with friends.
The Nexus development: created for living in Stevenage
Want to keep exploring Stevenage? Read more about the area around the Nexus development through our blog, where you’ll find area guides, information on the best places to visit and the best commuting options nearby.
