Markyate lies on Watling Street, originally the Roman road between St Albans and Dunstable. When the town was a coach stop on the London to Birmingham route there were over forty inns and public houses along the main road. The town prospered in the 18th century serving the needs of travellers and the straw plait trade employed many people. There are some delightful woodland and country walks around the town and is one of the best areas in Hertfordshire to see skylarks in spring and summer. Visitors may also see song thrushes, yellowhammers and bullfinches. Markyate Cell was the home of the notorious 17th century highwayman known as The Wicked Lady; she is still said to haunt the area.