Bovingdon is a large, attractive village situated on the edge of the Chilterns, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was once a thriving cottage industry of straw plaiting for the hat industry and farming area. Now it is largely home to London commuters although some cottage industries remain in the area. The first church was built in 1235 and the churchyard is one of the largest in Hertfordshire containing some fine yew trees, which, were allegedly planted to stop the vicar grazing his animals given they are poisonous! Bovingdon is surrounded by delightful countryside popular with walkers and there are three pubs in the village.