Top 15 Attractions in Hitchin, Hertfordshire

Located in the northern region of Hertfordshire at the base of the Chilterns, Hitchin is a charming market town characterized by its Medieval layout.

The Market Place, historically a hub for corn trading for centuries, is particularly picturesque, complemented by the charming old cobblestone streets that extend from it.

For enthusiasts of historical architecture, Hitchin showcases a variety of half-timbered homes alongside impressive Georgian flat-fronted structures, notably on Bancroft, Sun Street, and Bucklersbury.

Since the early 2000s, Hitchin has gained prominence as a tourist destination for its summer lavender fields, while the grand parish church serves as a reminder of Hitchin’s prosperous Medieval wool trade, preserving numerous 15th-century features.

1. Hitchin Lavender

Lavender, a crop reminiscent of regions like Provence, has been cultivated in the Hitchin countryside since the 16th century.

In the late 18th century, the Perks and Llewellyn Pharmacy, located in the heart of Hitchin, established the town’s national reputation for lavender products.

In 2000, the lavender industry experienced a revival at Cadwell Farm, situated north of Hitchin, resulting in expansive rows of lavender that enhance the landscape with vivid color.

Visitors in the summer can enjoy leisurely walks, photography sessions, and the opportunity to pick their own flowers.

Adjacent to the lavender fields, one can find a wildflower meadow and a sunflower field.

A café, housed in a 17th-century barn, offers refreshments, while a shop sells lavender plants, essential oils, and cosmetics.

The farm’s museum features a meticulously crafted replica of the Perks and Llewellyn Pharmacy interior, with the original displayed at the North Hertfordshire Museum.

2. St Mary’s Church

Hitchin’s parish church is the largest in Hertfordshire, exceeding the needs of a town of its size during Medieval times.

Thus, St Mary’s Church stands as a testament to the affluence derived from the wool trade in the 14th and 15th centuries.

The majority of the structure dates back to this period, although its origins extend much further back in time.

The church tower dates from 1190, while the remains of a Saxon church, established in the 7th century and expanded up to the 10th century, were uncovered beneath the current edifice in 1911 during renovations.

Inside the church, take note of the baptismal font, intricately carved in the 15th century, featuring figures of the apostles at its base, some of which were damaged during the Civil War.

The pulpit, along with the ornate “Angel” rood screen, dates back to the 15th century, as do the stalls belonging to the guild of Our Blessed Lady St Mary the Virgin.

3. British Schools Museum

This esteemed museum occupies a vast school building, originally established in a defunct malthouse in 1810 and expanded throughout the 19th century.

Among the extensions, the “monitorial schoolroom” from 1837 (designed for classes of 300!) was founded based on the educational theories of Joseph Lancaster, while another notable space is a unique galleried classroom, completed in 1854 for 110 pupils. The school ceased operations in 1969, yet the complex serves as a significant educational heritage site and was converted into a museum in the 1990s.

Children have the opportunity to dress as Victorian pupils and practice writing with dip pens.

Visitors will discover how a single schoolmaster was capable of instructing 300 children in the expansive schoolroom, while the galleried classroom includes sand trays used for lettering prior to advancement to slates.

In early 2019, the “Carrot and Stick” exhibition illustrated various methods of punishment and commendation employed in Victorian schools.

4. Market Place

Besides lavender, Hitchin’s principal crop was corn, traded at the Market Place for over 300 years.

A testament to this history is the Corn Exchange located on the square’s western edge, established in 1853 and once bustling with stalls run by corn merchants and seed dealers.

The square, primarily pedestrianized, features rows of historic structures on the western, northern, and southern sides, while the eastern side accommodates the modern Churchgate Shopping Centre.

The striking half-timbered building adorned with intricate studwork on the northern side is Grade II* listed and currently houses a Starbucks, while on the southern end, Café AIR operates a kiosk with outdoor seating that extends into the square.

5. Bancroft

After exploring the Market Place, visitors may stroll up the High Street, which expands into Bancroft, another route adorned with historical architecture.

Bancroft served as the primary entry into Hitchin from the north.

This explains the street’s width, designed to accommodate livestock drives through the town, alongside the numerous coaching inns marking Hitchin’s role in the stagecoach network.

The segment just north of Hermitage Road is particularly beautiful, featuring a row of Georgian and older timber-framed houses, some of which are obscured by facades updated in the 1700s.

The notable half-timbered structure at 105-106, easily identifiable by its towering chimney stack, is Grade II* listed and dates back to the 15th century.

6. Barton Hills National Nature Reserve

The northernmost spurs of the Chilterns arise just west of Hitchin at Barton Hills.

The grasslands covering these steep downs support a variety of rare wildflowers that bloom in spring and summer.

Included are pasqueflowers, fleaworts, and greater pignuts.

Additionally, the reserve is home to diverse butterfly species, such as grizzled skippers, marbled whites, and chalkhill blues.

Dartmoor ponies are permitted to graze on the hills during the summer, and a spring at the base of one hillside feeds a crystal-clear chalk river that meanders through a patch of ancient beech woodland.

7. North Hertfordshire Museum

Inaugurated in the summer of 2017 as a modern extension to the renovated Town Hall, the North Hertfordshire Museum showcases collections from former museums in Hitchin and Letchworth.

The “Discovering North Herts” Gallery provides a chronological overview of the county’s history, highlighting notable marine reptiles that inhabited the area when it was submerged by the sea, as well as significant figures associated with Hitchin’s Biggin Friary in the 14th century.

The “Living in North Herts” exhibit explores traditional trades and industries such as wool production, showcasing jewelry from various eras and containing a counter from Hitchin’s renowned Perks and Llewellyn Pharmacy.

The adjoining Terrace Gallery presents an eclectic display, including football boots worn by the illustrious Sir Stanley Matthews, along with insights into North Herts’ royal connections, local folklore, and notable individuals like suffragette Elizabeth Impey.

8. Stotfold Watermill & Nature Reserve

For over a millennium, a watermill has operated at this site on the River Ivel.

The initial reference dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086. The mill, predominantly constructed at the close of the 19th century, suffered a fire in 1992. Fortunately, most of its machinery was salvaged, leading to its restoration to working condition by 2006, with the surrounding wetlands established as a nature reserve in 2011. Informational boards are displayed across three floors, detailing mechanisms such as the cast iron hursting frame from 1897 and the millstones located on the upper level.

Children can attempt to mill their own flour using quern stones.

The top floor is equipped with tools for grain cleaning and flour sifting, as well as a functional scale model of the mill.

Those visiting should not miss the opportunity to purchase items from the gift shop, which features the mill’s own flour, also used in cakes and bread at Randall’s tearoom located on the premises.

9. Biggin Almshouses

Across the River Hiz from St Mary’s Church is a notable site that merits attention on your tour of Hitchin.

The Biggin Almshouses are situated near the former site of Hitchin’s Medieval friary on Queen Street, housed in a half-timbered structure dating back to the early 17th century.

In 1654, John Kemp designated this property, along with its grounds and outbuildings, as a residence for ten disabled women.

The building comprises four ranges surrounding a small open courtyard, featuring a Tuscan colonnade.

10. Oughtonhead Nature Reserve

Situated on Hitchin’s northwestern perimeter, this significant tract of fen woodland lies on the southern bank of the River Oughton.

Covering a little over 15 acres, the reserve contains a diverse range of habitats, including fens, riverbanks, and both wet and dry woodland.

The wetter portions of Oughtonhead previously facilitated the production of rush, reed, and willow.

This reserve offers worthwhile visits during all seasons; one can observe bird species such as redwings, goldcrests, redpolls, and fieldfares in autumn and winter while marveling at the vibrant kingfishers frequenting the area in spring.

Furthermore, keep an eye out for a herd of English longhorns grazing in the pasture.

11. Purwell Ninesprings

The eastern Purwell district adjoins a 15-acre nature reserve located on the fertile floodplain of the river from which it derives its name.

The rich open water and reedbeds at Purwell Ninesprings attract a variety of birdlife depending on the season.

In spring, grey herons, reed buntings, and little egrets are frequently sighted, while autumn brings warbler species such as chiffchaffs and blackcaps.

Even in winter, activity abounds, as buntings roost among the reeds and siskins and snipes can be spotted foraging in the meadows and alder woodland.

The arrival of early summer introduces vibrant colors as the yellow iris and water forget-me-nots bloom.

12. Market Theatre

Located on the historic Sun Street that leads to the Market Place, the Market Theatre hosts a year-round schedule of productions alongside numerous activities for younger visitors.

This 100-seat venue is recognized as a producing theatre, particularly noted for its “Adult Pantos.” Running from December through May, these pantomimes based on classic fairytales and folk tales (including Aladdin, Snow White, and Sinbad the Sailor) incorporate adult humor.

Although these productions are designed for adult audiences, a “Kids’ Club” operates on Friday and Saturday mornings during the school term, offering opportunities for singing, acting, movement, teamwork, and improvisation, along with additional workshops during Easter and summer breaks.

13. St. Paul’s Walden Bury

Situated in the countryside, five miles south of Hitchin, this impressive country house serves as the residence for the Bowes-Lyon family.

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (1900-2002) spent part of her childhood at St Paul’s and may have been born there.

This early 18th-century red brick house remains a private residence (available for hire for weddings), while the 50-acre Baroque woodland garden opens periodically during spring and summer.

This is an experience not to be overlooked: akin to the house, the garden dates from around 1720 and features long formal avenues arranged in a pattern reminiscent of a goose’s foot. These lead visitors to striking statues, temples, a lake, and ponds.

Visitors will find meadows and woods adorned with wildflowers such as spotted orchids, bluebells, and cowslips, while the gardens boast delightful magnolias, rhododendrons, lilies, and irises.

14. Standalone Farm

This family-friendly outing is easily accessible from Hitchin.

Standalone Farm features beloved farmyard animals and offers a comprehensive schedule of activities.

Children can interact with a variety of animals including cows, shire horses, sheep, goats, ponies, pigs, and even alpacas.

There are numerous activities available, such as observing a milking demonstration, grooming ponies, feeding pigs, and enjoying tractor trailer rides.

The selection of experiences varies with the seasons; during spring and early summer, visitors may have the chance to bottle-feed lambs and kid goats, while demonstrations featuring birds of prey and reptiles occur regularly.

The recently opened Greenway Café is situated at the farm, alongside a gift shop and a play area for young children.

15. Hitchin Swimming Centre

On a warm summer day, Hitchin’s elegant 50-meter outdoor pool offers an economical way for families to enjoy several hours in the sun.

The pool, which dates back to 1938, is enveloped by parkland and surrounded by gardens, a fountain, terraces for sunbathing, and stunning Art Deco pavilions.

A dedicated paddling pool is also available for toddlers and infants.

In 1991, an indoor pool was added next to the lido, providing year-round swimming and housing a gym with a total of 80 exercise stations.

Additionally, there are three fitness suites offering over 80 classes each week.