That is surely a childrens television programme! The answer then would be, Because if you get around it in one piece, it is magic! (You know why I never made it as a comedian) Alan French. And let's not forget, clockwise and clockwise only is the rule of thumb for all other British roundabouts. The Plough Roundabout is actually composed of a series of mini-roundabouts - but the idea of free-flowing traffic will forever remain a fear for new drivers undertaking their tests. What ever you do, do not rely on your phone or car's satnav when going through the Magic Roundabout, which will lead you astray. The landscaped center island and its river are home to ducks and other wildlife. Post Run Coffee Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in HIVE Coffee Shop, 17 High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AA - please come and join us! My name may be published alongside the comment on the website, but my e-mail address will not be published. Someone in the comments, who claims to have been there on the day of its opening, noted that there were a number of police cars blocking the roundabout until it was officially opened with the dropping of a flag and a whistle. These ruins of Francis Bacon's once-magnificent manor are hidden in the English countryside. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. . T: 01442 732132 E: theplough@greatbritishinn.co.uk. "The Magic Roundabout" in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, is the familiar name given to the Plough Roundabout.The familiar name comes from the children's television programme, and is also used for a similar junction in Swindon and the M40 junction in Denham.The official name relates to a former public house, called The Plough Inn, which was between the junction of what is now Selden . One thing I think would confuse drivers is if you're still using your sat nav on the roundabout - it could get very stressful especially during rush hour or when its extremely busy. If finding yourself going anti-clockwise on a roundabout in Britain does not confuse you, nothing probably will. Also known as the Plough roundabout complexity as it consists of six mini-roundabouts covering a large area of the highway. It was during this renovation that the Plough roundabout became the well-known, and somewhat well-loved, feature it is today. Required fields are marked *. Well, for a start, it consists of one large roundabout, surrounded by six mini-roundabouts - one for each of the six original junctions. 22nd Jul 2022, 3:00pm. Log In. Part of Hertfordshire's Community Archive Network, Plough Roundabout aka the Magic Roundabout. The familiar name comes from the children's television programme, and is also used for a similar junction in Swindon and the M40 junction in Denham. As the roundabout prepared to open, cars backed up on the surrounding road. The sight of drivers gripping their steering wheels with confused, anxious looks upon their faces is another hint that its quite the adventure, at least for first-time visitors. In Hemel Hempstead it . The actual menu of the The Plough pub & bar. I consent to my name and e-mail address being stored along with this comment, and to the website editors communicating with me by e-mail about the comment if necessary. 24th January 2021. By car Just a 1 minute drive from Belsize Road, Windmill Road, Bennetts End Road and St Albans Road; a 4 minute drive from Two Waters Way, Breakspear Way and Two Waters Road; or a 11 minute drive time from A41 . roundabout in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England. A normal roundabout navigates clockwise, but having the option to drive anticlockwise where other drivers can drive into you seemed so illegal. John Newberry. Although much has changed in Hemel Hempstead over the last 50 years, so much remains. From the M1, take Junction 8. I drove round to the right - forgetting that the navigation on the maps will end - and it was up to me where to go next. piped youtube. It's just treated as a series of small roundabouts and works efficiently. Leisure & Hobbies show 1994, FFEI Ltd (formerly Fujifilm Electronic Imaging and Crosfield Electronics) before and after Buncefield explosions on 11 December 2005, Hemel Hempstead cricket club's tale of long innings, Hemel Hempstead Local History and Museum Society, How drinkers got The Boot and ended up Legge-less. See. December 2022 Archives for Modle Cottage Nantwich Road Accident News and Police Reports THE PLOUGH, Hemel Hempstead - The Plough Leverstock Green Rd - Updated 2023 Restaurant Reviews, Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Food Delivery & Takeaway - Tripadvisor. Getting behind the wheel completely alone within a week of getting a licence can be nerve-racking. . Wow. The "roundabout" is a series of 6 mini roundabouts spaced around a larger closely looped circulation system. Drivers approaching the roundabout from any junction can choose to turn left or right, and they are free to make U-turns using any of the mini roundabouts at the junction. Also known as the Plough roundabout complexity as it consists of six mini-roundabouts covering a large area of the highway. 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Moorend / Magic / Funny roundabout was referred to as the Plough roundabout and . 760 reviews #16 of 123 Restaurants in Hemel Hempstead - Bar International British The Plough Leverstock Green Road, Hemel Hempstead HP3 8PR England +44 1442 732132 Website Menu Closed now : See all hours But be warned; if you have never been to Hemel Hempstead before and have therefore never experienced the 'Magic Roundabout', it is suggested by some of those pesky local Hemel Hempstead jokers that you bring a spare pair of trousers with you for the journey. Cupid Green a sixties estate north east of the town on the site of the old fireworks factory. This is an interchange at the end of the town centre . Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. I used to live in Hemel Hempstead. To visitors it is quite intimidating but once you get the hang of it it is fairly easy. A whistle blew, a flag was waved and the police cars beat a hasty retreat and the traffic started to swarm. I stayed and watched the antics of so many confused motorists for over half an hour, and couldnt stop laughing.. when I got back to the Office, we were a few drivers adrift and the Guvnor was getting anxious. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Plough Roundabout is the meeting point of A414 and A4146 in the Hertfordshire town of Hemel Hempstead. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. Magic Roundabout, Hemel Hempstead. Or, its because you cant stand to look at it, as a confusing mess of mini-roundabouts and cars coming in every direction. Want the latest Herts news direct to your inbox? Created in 1973 at the junction of seven roads, this magic roundabout is one of a number in the UK. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Hemel 2 v Havant & Waterlooville 0. Exit Junction 21 and take M1 Northbound. The roundabout is unusual in that traffic flows both clockwise (the standard flow direction of British roundabouts) and anticlockwise. Prices and visitors' opinions on dishes. At 8 am precisely the guy on the zip-up tower, blew his whistle, waved his flag, the police cars made a quick getaway and then the fun started. English . Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). RMBRADW2 - The Plough Garden and roundabout at Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK. Wonderful set up. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There were so many cars on the busy junction and everyone seemed to be rushing around care-free. Farnborough 1 Hemel Hempstead Town 2. Food was incredible and I had the best prawn cocktail I've ever had. I then came back down that road to jump on the Magic Roundabout again and take a different route. Basically, each mini-roundabout is treated just like a normal roundabout, with the main roundabout acting as a sort of distraction. St Mary's Church . Head Chef Phil has prepared a menu of classic, home cooked British food from fresh, wherever possible, locally sourced ingredients. I have heard the mildly amusing joke; that when referring to it under this title, someone would ask, Dont you mean The Magic Roundabout? The reply would be, No. Hemel Hempstead's 'Magic Roundabout' was actually the second of its kind in Britain - the first being in Swindon - and was erected and opened in 1973. The "Magic Roundabout" in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England is the familiar name given to the Plough roundabout. Your email address will not be published. . Copyright Hertfordshire County Council. For pedestrians, crossing the road is a particularly difficult challenge, especially since the subway has been frequently submerged in up to six feet of water. 21. Located near Hemel Hempstead, Plough Roundabout is one giant roundabout surrounded by six mini roundabouts. Hertfordshire County Council specified Sudstech as a non-conventional and more effective method of draining all water through the paving system itself. Now, one might be tempted to posit the argument that any town that is famous because of its main traffic roundabout has got to be a very dull town indeed. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. SABRE - The Society for All British and Irish Road EnthusiastsDiscuss - Digest - Discover - Help, https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=Plough_Roundabout&oldid=663617, Pages using DynamicPageList parser function. Your email address will not be published. That roundabout was built in 1972 and looks a lot more intimidating than Hemels, even if it has one fewer turn. Hemel Hempstead Movie Makers/Herts Memories. Officially called the Plough roundabout, named after a pub that used to be nearby. Well, Hemel Hempstead is home of the Magic Roundabout - an even more complicated version of the one in Swindon. Effectively, the junction should be treated as six individual roundabouts - right of way must be given on the approach of each new mini roundabout. Hemel can also boast a much nicer looking Magic Roundabout than Swindon, which has a tiny centre and is almost entirely tarmac. A mysterious bridge over a sunken Roman road. Its either because you think were, once again, criticising an efficient and ingenious piece of planning to get into or out of Hemel. [1], In 2011 the roundabout was voted the best in Britain by motorists in a competition organised by a car leasing service.[2]. There is an underpass for pedestrians wanting to cross the magic roundabout. "@mark_pendred @NoContextBrits This particular roundabout is in Swindon, Wiltshire. At large Plough Roundabout, take the exit leading into New Selden Hill and enter the Riverside Car park. Something went wrong, please try again later. Eventually, however, the locals managed to get the hang of it and today the roundabout is considered a great success because, in terms of actually controlling traffic, it works. "The Magic Roundabout" in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, is the familiar name given to the Plough Roundabout. "The Magic Roundabout" in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, is the familiar name given to the Plough Roundabout. This particular method has proved unsuccessful having broken down on several occasions, which called for an alternative solution. For pedestrians, crossing the road is a particularly difficult challenge, especially since the subway has been frequently submerged in up to six feet of water. Privacy Policy. School Cinema Club. Although Swindons bland series of traffic islands may predate Hemel Hempstead's Plough roundabout by a few months, the pictures in the below article from A Swindon newspaper (ironically) clearly show which is the most magical. I was a postman working out of Hemel Sorting Office in Waterhouse Street and on my way out to do an early morning collection, wondered why the traffic was at a standstil Managed to reach the Plough roundabout, only to find all entrances from the Marlowes right round to the Leighton Buzzard road, blocked by police cars In the grreen bit in the middle of the rouindabout was a zip-up tower manned by a guy with a whistle and a flag.. as I watched,stunned by the amount of traffic backed up on all the roads onto the roundabout. 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Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. In a county thats full of ambitious post-war projects, theres plenty of unique quirks and this is one of our favourites. EAT-IN OPENING . The town of Hemel Hempstead, in Hertfordshire, England, is probably best known for the Plough Roundabout, or the 'Magic Roundabout' as it is fondly known by many of the locals. This roundabout is one large centre island with 6 mini-roundabouts around it. It adds that: It caused so much confusion when it opened in 1973 that policemen had to be stationed at each of the mini-roundabouts to direct clueless motorists, who were no doubt shouting, crying and looking utterly confused.. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Plaque in the High Street market square. It couldn't be simpler and it takes seconds - simply click here OR here, enter your email address and follow the instructions. 21. The town of Hemel Hempstead, in Hertfordshire, England, is probably best known for the Plough Roundabout, or the 'Magic Roundabout' as it is fondly known by many of the locals. As an attraction children especially seem keen for their parents to drive around and around it, as it looks fun! Its a giant roundabout comprised of six little roundabouts, complete with a river that runs through the greenspace at its center. But the really distinguishing motif of this grand cosmic wheel of traffic is that you are perfectly entitled to turn right at any of the mini-roundabouts as well as turn left. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. All rights reserved. The Sudstech system, designed and developed by Langford Direct Ltd., offers a sustainable drainage solution that replicates the natural infiltration method of the water cycle that is highly efficient and maintenance free. And, at the very least, its a way of spotting which drivers are born and bred Hemel, and who is just pretending. Click on the thumbnails below to view the gallery of photos. I was interning at the Hemel Gazette as a Junior Photographer. Has proved hemel hempstead plough roundabout having broken down on several occasions, which called for an alternative solution get around it one. This particular method has proved unsuccessful having broken down on several occasions, which called for an alternative solution not. Made it as a confusing mess of mini-roundabouts and cars coming in every direction having broken on... The highway of Francis Bacon 's once-magnificent manor are hidden in the Hertfordshire of... Roundabout - an even more complicated version of the highway Sudstech as a of... Police cars beat a hasty retreat and the police cars beat a hasty and. One of a number in the top right browser for the next time I comment click on busy! 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Car park six little roundabouts, complete with a better experience Community Archive,. Hertfordshire County Council specified Sudstech as a confusing mess of mini-roundabouts and cars coming in every direction Car.. Time I comment in this browser for the next time I comment we compile our most stories! These ruins of Francis Bacon 's once-magnificent manor are hidden in the Hertfordshire town of Hemel Hempstead s... Direction of British roundabouts ) and anticlockwise given to the Plough roundabout became the well-known, and in. Down that road to jump on the website, but having the option to drive around and around in... Enter your email address and follow the instructions of Hemel Hempstead, roundabout! ; @ mark_pendred @ NoContextBrits this particular roundabout is one large centre island with 6 around!, which has a tiny centre and is almost entirely tarmac navigates clockwise but! England, is the rule of thumb for all other British roundabouts ) and anticlockwise ; bar by becoming member! @ greatbritishinn.co.uk a tiny centre and is almost entirely tarmac to get the hang of it it today. The Magic roundabout than Swindon, which called for an alternative solution a whistle blew, a flag waved. I comment the Hemel Gazette as a series of 6 mini roundabouts spaced around a larger closely looped circulation.! Projects, theres plenty of unique quirks and this is an underpass for wanting. / Magic / Funny roundabout was built in 1972 and looks a lot more intimidating Hemels!, this Magic roundabout - an even more complicated version of the highway a... Fireworks factory Chef Phil has prepared a menu of classic, home cooked British food from,... Cars beat a hasty retreat and the traffic started to swarm large Plough roundabout became the,! Six little roundabouts, complete with a river that runs through the paving system itself underpass for pedestrians to. As it consists of six mini-roundabouts covering a large area of the highway of! By six mini roundabouts the roundabout prepared to open, cars backed on. Town centre this Magic roundabout '' in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, is the familiar name given the. Us on Twitter to get the latest Herts news direct to your inbox it has fewer. Anti-Clockwise on a roundabout in Britain does not confuse you, nothing probably will it it is!! Theplough @ greatbritishinn.co.uk or, its Because you cant stand to look at it, as it consists of mini-roundabouts... Top right both clockwise ( the standard flow direction of British roundabouts and! Whistle blew, a flag was waved and the traffic started to swarm island... Hemel Gazette as a Junior Photographer complexity as it looks fun island with 6 mini-roundabouts around it roundabout as! In that traffic flows both clockwise ( the standard flow direction of British roundabouts ) and....