Hitchin Town
Hitchin: A Charming Market Town in Hertfordshire
Welcome to Hitchin town, a delightful market town nestled in the picturesque county of Hertfordshire, England. Known for its historic charm, vibrant community, and scenic surroundings, Hitchin offers visitors a unique blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. Whether you’re exploring its historic streets, shopping at its bustling markets, or enjoying the tranquility of its parks and green spaces, Hitchin town has something to offer for everyone.
Things to Do in Hitchin Town:
Hitchin Lavender:
Hitchin Lavender is a lavender farm located in Ickleford, Hitchin town, England. It’s a popular tourist destination, especially during lavender season, which is typically from late June to mid-July. The farm is open to the public for visitors to walk through the lavender fields, take photos, and purchase lavender-infused products from their shop.
The lavender fields at Hitchin Lavender are a beautiful sight to see, and the scent of lavender is said to be very relaxing. The farm also has a shop that sells a variety of lavender-infused products, including soaps, candles, essential oils, and even gin.
Hitchin Market:
It’s an all-weather market featuring over 150 covered stalls, opens every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There are specialist market days throughout the year, including a weekly Antiques Market every Friday and a Craft & Farmers Market once a month.
Here’s a quick rundown of the market:
Opening Days: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Opening Hours:
Market Days: Open from 6:00 am
Specific Closing Times:
- Tuesday: 3:30 pm
- Friday: 3:00 pm
- Saturday: 4:30 pm
- Sunday: 1:00 pm
St. Mary’s Church:
St. Mary’s Church is a beautiful and historic church located in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England. It is the largest parish church in Hertfordshire and is remarkably large for a town of Hitchin’s size. This is attributed to the town’s prosperity during the wool trade era.
Here’s a summary of what you might find interesting about St. Mary’s Church:
History: The present church stands on the site of two previous churches and dates from the 14th and 15th centuries, with its tower dating from around 1190. During the laying of a new floor in 1911, foundations of a more ancient Saxon church building were found.
Denomination: Church of England
Architecture: The church was rebuilt with flint, rubble, and stone from Totternhoe in 1305. The south porch, with its original door and described as “the chief glory of the church”, was added in about 1450.
Service Schedule:
Regular Sunday Communion Services: 8 am and 10 am in Church.
Midweek communion: 11 am on Wednesdays.
Evensong with the choir: Twice a month.
Other services: Early evening services and monthly meetings of the Theological Society.
Opening Times:
Except when special services occur, the church is open for visitors from 9 am until dusk in winter or 5 pm in summer.
Hitchin Museum:
The Hitchin Museum, unfortunately, closed its doors in 2015. The collections from the Hitchin Museum and Art Gallery were relocated to the brand-new North Hertfordshire Museum which opened its doors in 2015.
The North Hertfordshire Museum is located next door to Hitchin Town Hall in Brand Street, Hitchin. The museum is free to enter and showcases the history of North Hertfordshire with exhibits on nature, art, and archaeology.
Here are some of the interesting things you can see at the North Hertfordshire Museum:
- Discovering North Hertfordshire Gallery: This gallery deals with the history of the district from geological times to the present day.
- Exhibition Gallery: This gallery features regularly changing exhibitions of art.
- Living in North Hertfordshire Gallery: This gallery explores how people’s lives have changed over thousands of years in the area.
- Terrace Gallery: This gallery houses a football collection, objects from around the world, items from the museum’s art collections, and animations of local folklore tales.
Queen Mother Theatre:
The Queen Mother Theatre is a modern purpose-built theatre located on Walsworth Road in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England. Named for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the theatre offers a varied program of events, including:
- Amateur theatrical productions
- Live music events
- Cinema screenings Hitchin Films – Twice A Month … bringing cinema back to Hitchin
The theatre is the home of the local performing group the Bancroft Players and the critically acclaimed Big Spirit Youth Theatre, founded in 1984, which included the actor Ben Whishaw among its members.
Here are some interesting facts about the Queen Mother Theatre:
- It is the only theatre in the United Kingdom to be named after Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
- The theatre was opened by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1983.
- The theatre has been extended to include a larger foyer and a new workshop and studio, now named the Richard Whitmore Studio.
Hitchin Priory:
Hitchin Priory is a unique place that blends history with modern hospitality. Located in Hitchin town, Hertfordshire, England, it boasts a fascinating past as a Carmelite friary founded in the 14th century. Today, it has been transformed into a luxurious 52-bedroom hotel situated amidst 19 acres of tranquil parkland.
Here’s a glimpse into what Hitchin Priory offers:
- History: Built on the grounds of a former Carmelite friary, parts of the original priory are incorporated into the existing building. The priory was closed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII and later became a private residence in the 17th century.
- Accommodation: Hitchin Town Priory Hotel offers a variety of comfortable and stylish rooms, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
- Events: The hotel’s elegant function rooms and beautiful surroundings make it a popular venue for weddings, conferences, and other special occasions.
- Restaurant: The hotel’s restaurant offers a delicious menu of seasonal British cuisine.
- Leisure: Guests can enjoy relaxing walks in the hotel’s parkland gardens or explore the nearby town of Hitchin
Hitchin Swimming Centre:
Hitchin Town Swimming Centre is a leisure complex located in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England. It features both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, making it a great place to enjoy a swim year-round. Here’s what you can expect at Hitchin Town Swimming Centre:
- Indoor swimming pool: A 25-meter main pool suitable for lane swimming, fitness classes, and recreational swimming.
- Outdoor swimming pool: A heated 50-meter outdoor pool, perfect for enjoying a swim during the summer months.
- Technogym fitness suite: A well-equipped gym with a variety of cardio and weight training machines.
- Workout class studios: Studios offer a variety of fitness classes, such as spin cycling, yoga, and pilates.
- Splash Cafe: A cafe serving hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Dining and Shopping:
Hitchin town boasts a diverse culinary scene, with an array of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and eateries offering everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine. Whether you’re craving a hearty pub meal, a cozy afternoon tea, or a gourmet dining experience, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your appetite in Hitchin town.
For shopping enthusiasts, Hitchin’s charming streets are lined with an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, artisanal shops, and well-known brands. From fashion and homeware to gifts and souvenirs, there’s something for every taste and budget in Hitchin’s shops and markets.
Getting to Hitchin:
Hitchin town is conveniently located within easy reach of major transportation hubs, including London Luton Airport and London Stansted Airport. The town is also served by regular train services from London Kings Cross, making it easily accessible from the capital and other destinations across the UK.
Plan Your Visit to Hitchin:
Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, Hitchin offers a warm welcome and plenty of attractions to explore. Plan your visit to this charming market town with airport pickdrop service and discover all that Hitchin Town has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you to Hitchin soon!
Booking Your Transfer
Booking your Hitchin town transfer with Airport Pick Drop is easy and convenient. Simply visit our website or contact our customer service team to make your reservation. Provide us with your travel details, including your pickup location, destination, flight information, and any special requests, and we’ll handle the rest. Our goal is to make your travel experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.