Stevenage in Hertfordshire has a history dating back at least 2000 years. Its prosperity came in part from its location beside the Great North Road (A1), with many inns in the High Street servicing the stage coach traffic. Until the end of World War II Stevenage remained a quiet country town, but in 1946 it was declared as Britain's first 'New Town'.

The modern Town Square has many interesting examples of post-War architecture and is a designated conservation area. The Stevenage Museum, near the centre of the new town, depicts the fascinating history of the town.

Stevenage's pedestrianised town centre was the first traffic-free shopping zone in Britain. The town has good leisure and entertainment facilities: the award-winning, 120 acre Fairlands Valley Park, running through the town centre, is a picturesque space with sailing facilities, a cafe, five large lakes with lots of local wildlife, and three huge playgrounds complete with paddling pools. The renowned contemporary art gallery, Boxfield Gallery, is also located in the town. Close to Stevenage is Knebworth House, a gothic stately home and venue of globally well-known rock concerts since 1974.

Adjoining the residential parts of the town is the industrial area. For many years, British Aerospace (link opens in a new browser window) was the largest employer in the town, but now GlaxoSmithKline (link opens in a new browser window) operates a large pharmaceutical research laboratory there.