Hitchin’s town square (Image: Getty)
Hitchin, a town near Cambridge, boasts trendy shops and cafes set against a backdrop of historic architecture. It’s the perfect spot for those who enjoy a leisurely stroll around an old market square or a visit to a listed historic school building that has been converted into a museum, followed by a trip to a modern cocktail bar.
The Hertfordshire town is also ideally located for commuters working in either London or Cambridge. The journey from Hitchin to either Cambridge railway station, London King’s Cross or St Pancras takes between 30 and 40 minutes. It’s certainly worth the trip: Muddy Stilettos included Hitchin in its list of the 300 ‘best places to live’ in the UK, making it one of just ten Hertfordshire locations mentioned.
Hitchin has lavender fields where you’ll spot sunflowers in summer (Image: Getty)
If your first priority after stepping off the train tends to be a mid-morning caffeine hit, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
For locally roasted coffee, there’s Hitchin Coffee Lab, while Cafe 77 offers breakfasts and burgers alongside your cappuccino. Wakelin and Son cafe is situated in a vintage clothes shop, H-Town Rags, which sources high-quality clothes from the UK, the USA and Italy.
Once the caffeine has kicked in, you can explore the delights of Hitchin. In the summer months, the stunning lavender fields of Hitchin are a must-see, where sunflowers and poppies also bloom depending on the season.
Hitchin in autumn (Image: Getty)
Alternatively, delve into the town’s history at The British Schools Museum, housed in a listed former school dating back to 1818, or the North Hertfordshire Museum of Local History, showcasing collections on football, photography and fine art.
Art enthusiasts should not miss the contemporary pieces at Arkley Fine Art Gallery or the local talent displayed at The Art Nest. If these galleries spark your creativity, The Haberdashery, which began as a market stall, is the perfect place to stock up on sewing or knitting supplies.
Visiting Hitchin on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays will allow you to browse the 150-stall market where The Haberdashery first started. Antique sellers join the market on Fridays, while monthly crafts and farmer’s markets also take place in Hitchin.
These vibrant markets reflect the strong community spirit in Hitchin, offering plenty of opportunities for locals to socialise and enjoy themselves. The annual Hitchin Festival celebrates arts and culture, while Hermitage Road Day sees roads closed for classic car displays and family-friendly entertainment including food and music.
For those looking to round off their visit with a meal and a drink, Hitchin boasts two tapas joints, Los Reyes and Bar Azita, as well as a host of other restaurants with cuisine from around the world. There are also plenty of bars and pubs. The Snug impresses with its extensive menu of 100 beverages and a two-for-£14 happy hour deal, while The Speakeasy can be found behind a secret door.
The town has been dubbed ‘hip Hitchin’ by Muddy Stilettos, thanks to its blend of contemporary businesses nestled amongst historic architecture and traditional community events, offering locals and tourists alike the best of both worlds.