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
Bu hikaye Hertfordshire Life dergisinin January 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Hertfordshire Life dergisinin January 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week
