Hitchin Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful town of Hitchin with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Hitchin

Hitchin is a charming market town located in Hertfordshire in East of England. Popular among tourists for its quintessential English countryside setting, this picturesque town offers plenty of attractions, both man-made and natural. Hitchin is about 43 miles north of London, and its proximity to the capital makes it an ideal weekend getaway destination.

List of Places to Visit in Hitchin

Here are the top tourist attractions in Hitchin:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. St. Mary’s Church - A magnificent landmark in the town center, this church dates back to the 14th century.
  2. Hitchin Museum and Art Gallery - Home to a varied collection of artifacts, including paintings, pottery, and textiles, that showcase the town’s rich history and cultural heritage.
  3. British Schools Museum - Housed in former school buildings, this museum offers a glimpse into the evolution of education in the UK.

Natural Attractions of Hitchin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Oughton Head Common - An extensive natural park that boasts of an Oak-hornbeam woodland, river meadows, wetlands, and rich wildlife.
  2. Ickleford Common - A beautiful wooded area with scenic trails, ideal for bird watching, walking, and hiking.
  3. Hitchin Lavender - A working lavender farm with over 25 different varieties of lavender. It’s an excellent spot for a relaxing afternoon or countryside picnic.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hitchin

Hitchin is an excellent destination for those who enjoy hiking, cycling, or just exploring nature. Here are some of the popular routes:

  1. Oughtonhead Nature Reserve - A popular 1.5 miles trail that takes you through the tranquil countryside, complete with a river and wildflowers.
  2. William Ransom Trail - This seven-mile track takes you through the rolling hills of North Hertfordshire.
  3. Ickleford Walk - This circular trail is about four miles long and includes picturesque views of the village and nearby countryside.

Best Things to Do in Hitchin: Activities and Tours

From cultural tours to food walks, Hitchin offers a range of activities for travelers. Some of the best things to do in Hitchin are:

  1. Hitchin Ghost Walks - For those who seek the supernatural, the Hitchin Ghost Walks are an excellent way to learn about the town’s darker side.
  2. Hitchin Food Walk - Discover the town’s local culinary scene and feast on the best of Hitchin’s food and drinks with this guided walking tour.
  3. Market Days - Explore the town’s famous market days, held thrice a week, featuring fresh produce, local crafts, and much more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hitchin

If you’re planning on visiting Hitchin, here’s an itinerary for a week-long trip:

Day Activity
Day 1 Enjoy a leisurely walk around the town center and immerse yourself in the charming architecture and history of Hitchin.
Day 2 Visit St. Mary’s Church, the iconic landmark of Hitchin. Take a walk through the peaceful churchyard for magnificent views of the town.
Day 3 Take a self-guided tour of Hitchin Museum and Art Gallery and British Schools Museum to learn about the town’s rich culture and heritage.
Day 4 Spend time in the beautiful Oughtonhead Nature Reserve and soak in the tranquil environment.
Day 5 Explore the town’s local culinary scene with Hitchin Food Walk and indulge in some of the finest dishes of Hitchin.
Day 6 Hike the William Ransom Trail and take in the breathtaking views of the North Hertfordshire hills.
Day 7 Shop at the local market, soak in the last impressions of the town, and bid goodbye to Hitchin.

Food and Drink Scene of Hitchin

Hitchin has a diverse and burgeoning food and drink scene, featuring excellent restaurants, cafes, pubs, and breweries. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages when in Hitchin.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Hertfordshire Cream Tea - A traditional afternoon tea with scones, cream, and jam.
  2. Hitchin Ale Pie - A savory meat pie made with locally brewed ale.
  3. Hertfordshire Puddingstone Cheesecake - A cheesecake made with Hertfordshire’s unique geological feature, the Puddingstone.

Local Beverages

  1. Farr Brew - A local brewery located in Hitchin that produces a range of award-winning beers.
  2. English wines - Hertfordshire is home to several vineyards that produce some of the finest English wines, including the popular Frithsden Vineyard.

Where to Stay in Hitchin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hitchin offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

  1. The Sun Hitchin - A welcoming pub with rooms located in the heart of the town.
  2. Hitchin Priory - A historic mansion converted into a luxury hotel, complete with a restaurant and spa.
  3. Hitchin YHA - A comfortable hostel located in a converted Victorian house, with easy access to the town center.

What to Buy in Hitchin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the souvenirs and local products you can buy in Hitchin:

  1. Hertfordshire honey - Buy a jar of locally sourced honey from the farmers’ market for a taste of Hertfordshire’s flora.
  2. Craft Beer - You can purchase Hitchin’s finest craft beers from Farr Brew Brewery.
  3. Scented candles - Hitchin Lavender farm has a range of scented lavender candles that make an excellent gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Hitchin

Hitchin is a friendly and welcoming town that values traditions and history. Visitors are expected to respect the town’s local customs and behave respectfully.

Best Time to Visit Hitchin

The best time to visit Hitchin is during spring or summer when the weather is mild, and the countryside is in full bloom. However, Hitchin is a year-round destination, and visitors can enjoy the town’s festive spirit during the holiday season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hitchin

Do:

  1. Do visit the town’s markets where you can find everything from artisanal cheese to vintage clothing.
  2. Do explore the town’s rich history and culture by visiting the museums and historical landmarks.
  3. Do hike or cycle through the beautiful countryside of Hitchin.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t litter or damage public property.
  2. Don’t leave valuables unattended or in plain sight in your car.
  3. Don’t be disrespectful towards the town’s traditions and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hitchin

Hitchin is a relatively safe town, and tourists are unlikely to face any significant safety concerns. However, visitors are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their belongings during their stay.

Health in Hitchin

Hitchin has modern healthcare facilities and access to emergency services in case of medical emergencies.

Getting to Hitchin: Transportation Options and Logistics

Hitchin is well connected to London and other major cities in the UK. Here are the transportation options available to reach Hitchin:

Airports Near Hitchin

  1. London Luton Airport - The nearest airport to Hitchin, located 8 miles away.
  2. Heathrow Airport - A major international airport located 43 miles south of Hitchin.

Bus Stations Near Hitchin

  1. Hitchin Bus Station - The main bus station in Hitchin, with services to major towns and cities in the UK.
  2. Luton Airport Bus Station - With frequent services to and from Luton Airport.

Other Options

  1. Hitchin Train Station - Located in the town center, with services to London and other major cities in the UK.
  2. Taxi Services - Several taxi companies operate in Hitchin and provide convenient transportation around the town.

How to Get Around in Hitchin

Hitchin is a compact town, and visitors can easily explore on foot. However, there are other convenient transportation options available, such as:

  1. Bus - The town has an extensive bus network that provides easy access to all major attractions and neighborhoods.

  2. Taxi - Taxis are readily available throughout the town.

  3. Bicycle - Hitchin is a bike-friendly town, and bicycles can be rented from several locations.

Where to Go Next from Hitchin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hitchin is located amidst some of the beautiful towns and countryside of Hertfordshire. Here are some of the popular nearby destinations:

  1. St. Albans - A historic cathedral city located 16 miles south of Hitchin.
  2. Luton - A vibrant town with excellent shopping, entertainment, and dining options located eight miles southeast of Hitchin.
  3. Woburn Abbey - A stunning stately home and deer park located 22 miles south of Hitchin.

Conclusion

Hitchin is a charming and traditional town that is worth a visit for its idyllic countryside setting, rich history and culture, delightful food, and welcoming hospitality. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Hertfordshire or explore the town’s unique attractions and flavors, Hitchin has something for everyone.

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