Living in Waltham Cross
Waltham Cross sits 12 miles north of central London in the Borough of Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, and takes its name from the medieval Eleanor Cross that still stands at the heart of the town centre. It’s an established Hertfordshire market town with quick rail access into Liverpool Street, direct road access onto the M25 at Junction 25, and a property mix that runs from Tudor and Georgian period homes through to modern apartment developments along the Lea Valley.
If you’re considering moving to Waltham Cross, our local team handles both sales and lettings across the town and the wider Broxbourne area. Browse our current houses for sale in Waltham Cross and properties to rent in Waltham Cross, or get in touch with the Waltham Cross branch for advice on the local market.
Did You Know?
- The Eleanor Cross at the centre of town is one of three remaining crosses built in 1290 by King Edward I in memory of his wife, Eleanor of Castile. Twelve were originally constructed along the route of her funeral procession from Lincoln to Westminster Abbey.
- The Lee Valley White Water Centre was built in 2012 to host the Olympic canoe slalom events. It’s the only purpose-built Olympic venue to have opened fully to the public and now welcomes around 150,000 visitors a year for rafting, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Cliff Richard, Anthony Trollope and Bill Treacher all spent time in Waltham Cross. Bill Treacher, who played Arthur Fowler in EastEnders, worked as a porter at Waltham Cross station before his acting career took off.
Why Waltham Cross?
Waltham Cross combines Hertfordshire property prices with central London transport links, a pedestrianised high street still anchored by independent retailers, and one of the larger green-space catchments of any town this close to the M25. The town has grown steadily as buyers from inner London look further out for more space without giving up the quick rail journey into the City.
The high street is a mix of independents and chain retailers, with the Pavilions Shopping Centre at one end and pubs, cafes and restaurants spread along the route. There’s a strong cluster of state primary and secondary schools, and Cedars Park and Theobalds Park keep wide open green space within walking distance of the town centre.
Architecture & Property
The local property market reflects centuries of building. Tudor and Georgian houses sit on the older streets, Victorian and Edwardian terraces and semis fill the residential roads, and modern new builds and apartment developments line the Lea Valley corridor. Larger detached family houses tend to cluster around the conservation streets near the town centre and Theobalds Park, while flats and starter homes are more concentrated near the two stations.
Going Out
The high street and Pavilions Shopping Centre area cover most of the everyday eating and drinking. Kervansaray, a few minutes from Waltham Cross station, is a reliable Turkish restaurant and a long-standing local favourite. The Vine on the High Street serves a carvery in a converted 1930s building, and the Moon and Cross is the local Wetherspoons housed in one of the more ornate buildings on the high street. For wider choice, central Cheshunt and Enfield are both within easy reach.
Local Amenities
The Pavilions Shopping Centre sits a few minutes from Waltham Cross station and houses national chains including Argos, Boots and Costa Coffee alongside independent retailers. Tesco and Aldi supermarkets are within walking distance for weekly food shopping. For larger trips, the retail parks around Enfield and Harlow are both a short drive away.
Green Spaces
Cedars Park sits a few minutes’ walk from the High Street. The former 16th-century royal estate now opens to the public, with formal gardens, ponds and walking trails through the grounds. Theobalds Park, on the other side of the town, opens out into wider Hertfordshire countryside and is a regular weekend walk for local families.
Education
Waltham Cross has a broad range of state schools from primary through to sixth form. Primary options include Brookland Junior School, Burleigh Primary School, Downfield Primary School and Kings Road Primary. Secondary choices include Cheshunt School, Turnford School and Goffs Academy. For independent schooling, Haileybury and St Edmund’s College are both within reasonable travelling distance.
Transport Links
Trains
Waltham Cross has two stations. Waltham Cross station, on the Greater Anglia Lea Valley line, runs direct trains to London Liverpool Street and Stratford in around 30 to 35 minutes. Theobalds Grove, also in the town, is on the London Overground Weaver line via Seven Sisters, with services to Liverpool Street. Both stations sit in TfL fare zone 7.
Buses
The 217, 279, 317 and 66A buses connect Waltham Cross with surrounding towns and onwards into north London. The N279 covers the night service. Junction 25 of the M25 sits immediately south of the town for road journeys, giving direct access to the A10 and the M11.
