Cottonmill – Cottonmill Lane is named after a cotton mill at the bottom of the hill, on the River Ver. The cotton mill was previously a water mill, built in the 18th century and used to polish diamonds.There is a small strip of shops on Abbots Avenue West, including a convenience store and a hair salon as well as a larger parade at Vesta Avenue, offering a mix of take aways and grocery stores, among other amenities. More is on offer on the nearby Abbey View Retail Park on Griffiths Way, with the likes of Sainsbury’s, Pets at Home and McDonald’s. Cottonmill is close by Verulamium Park and lake and the sports centre at Westminster lodge. Abbey Station is the closest train station.