A day out in Hitchin

Londoners have flocked here in recent years, pushing up house prices to extraordinary levels. It’s gentrified, yes, but its strong, almost defiant character means Hitchin has a vibrancy all of its own

- Casey-Drew

Surrounded by farmland and villages, Hitchin sits in one of north Hertfordshire’s most beautiful areas. Easily within the London commuter belt, it has boomed in the past decade as classy couples and young families have moved here for its abundance of amenities, great schools and its close connections to nature.

With notable history, Hitchin is perhaps the classic market town. Once reliant on the wool trade, thanks to conveniently placed trade routes, today Market Place – a lovely jumble of architectural styles around a central square in the heart of the town – still holds time-honoured events and more modern gatherings (the Street Food Monthly and French Market events get packed). A traditional market under striped blue and white roofed stalls also takes place in a dedicated neighbouring space by St Mary’s Church.

The most vibrant areas of the town centre can be found from Bucklersbury and Sun Street over towards Bancroft and Hermitage Road, encompassing Market Place and the little alleys around St Mary’s. There’s a healthy mixture of independent stores and high street chains, with plenty of hip and trendy hangouts in between. Retro emporiums are popular browsing destinations, coffee shops seem to spring up wherever there is space to let; chain eateries neighbour independent establishments and you’re never far from a home accessories store (or hair salon) no matter which side of the town you wander around. Its vibrant and independent nature is reflected in the town being selected as a finalist for the Great British High Street Champion Award 2019.

WALK