Hitchin is one of the most desirable places to live in Hertfordshire, thanks to its historic town centre full of beautifully preserved Tudor and Georgian buildings, as well as convenient rail and road links. We found out more...
The town of Hitchin is a hotspot for commuters, due to its location three miles from the A1(M), 10 miles from the M1 and half an hour by train from London King's Cross.
During the 17th century, the area was prominent in the wool trade, and became a popular place for travellers to break up their journeys on their way to and from London.
Today the cobbled Market Place, which is flanked by shops and restaurants, is a favoured location for special events in the town.
Amenities and attractions
The town centre offers a wide range of the usual chain stores along with a mix of independent shops, restaurants and cafés.
Hitchin has a busy market which trades four days a week. There is a general market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, along with antiques and collectibles on Fridays and a car boot sale on Sundays.
A craft market and a farmers' market are held on the last Saturday of each month.
Hitchin also has a rich history. The town is home to St Mary's, the largest parish church in Hertfordshire.
While the church dates back to 1190, many believe King Offa founded a church on the same site in the eighth century.
Meanwhile the British Schools Museum is based in original Victorian and Edward school buildings on Queen Street.
The museum gives visitors an insight into what education used to be like, and there is also a tearoom and a shop.
North Hertfordshire Museum in Brand Street offers four galleries of exhibitions with a local theme, and has a shop and on-site café.
The town has a thriving cultural scene, with Hitchin Festival - a month-long celebration of the arts - taking place every July.
The festival features a range of events including poetry, concerts and children's entertainment.
In the summer months visitors flock to Hitchin Lavender, which features 25 miles of lavender fields and the opportunity to take stunning photographs.
Owned and operated by a local family, the area also has a restaurant, gift shop and a play area, making it an ideal spot for a day trip.
Hitchin Swimming Centre has two indoor pools, as well as a heated outdoor pool which is open in the summer.
Green space
Windmill Hill is a good spot for a summer picnic, offering great views of the town centre.
Meanwhile Bancroft Gardens has a splash park, basketball court, bandstand, children's play area, two bowling greens and a private tennis club.
Just outside the towns centre is Butts Close, an 11-acre park which is believed to have been used as an archery ground in medieval times.
Claims to fame
Hitchin has its fair share of celebrity connections, including England and Arsenal star Jack Wilshere, singer James Bay and TV journalist Jennie Bond, who are all from the town.
Popular TV drama Doctor Foster, starring Suranne Jones and Jodie Comer, was also filmed in Hitchin.
Schools
One of Hitchin's significant appeals for families is its many state schools.
Popular primary schools include Samuel Lucas JMI, St Andrew's and William Ransom, all of which are rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted.
Hitchin Boys' School – which was attended by singer James Bay – and Hitchin Girls' School are also rated 'outstanding'.
Food and drink
There are many options for places to eat in Hitchin, with food from a variety of cultures.
Popular independent eateries include Los Reyes tapas restaurant, Bar Azita Mediterranean grill and Japanese restaurant Kazoku.
Hermitage Rd Bar and Restaurant, which sits on the street of the same name, is a popular restaurant and theatre hybrid inside a former ballroom, with private dining and live music.
Chilli B's, which is housed in a Victorian building on pretty Bucklersbury, is an ideal place for breakfast or lunch, while The Victoria is a live music pub with a buzzing beer garden.
Property
According to Rightmove, properties in Hitchin had an overall average price of £477,751 over the last year.
Homes currently on the market in the town include a four-bedroom grade II listed late medieval terrace house on Tilehouse Street for £700,000 and a two double-bedroom end of terrace property at Periwinkle Lane for £560,000.
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