Hitchin, lies to the north of the county, four miles south-west of Letchworth.
Britain's oldest road, the Icknield Way, runs nearby.
For hundreds of years Hitchin was a thriving market town and in the 18th century prospered still further as a staging post for London coaches. Many of the inns from that time, with their picturesque courtyards, can still be seen today.
After the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century the Corn Exchange was built in the Market Place and Hitchin soon became established as a major centre for grain trading. In the 20th century the construction of the M1 and A1(M) brought great improvements to Hitchin's communications and prosperity.
The compact town has retained its market feel and there are many fine Tudor and Georgian buildings, particularly around the market square. The historic market is still held near the church every Tuesday and Saturday.
The town's facinating history can be seen in the Hitchin Museum. The intriguing Hitchin British Schools Museum is housed in a unique collection of scholastic buildings in Queen Street.
Hitchin Museum and Art Gallery Paynes Park, Hitchin SG5 1EH
Located in a Georgian town house, this museum illustrates the economic and social history of the busy market town of Hitchin. Among the displays is a recreation of a local Victorian chemist shop, a costume gallery and a section dedicated to the Hertford Hitchin Museum and Art Gallery information
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Redcoats Green Hitchin SG4 7JR MAP Between Hitchin and Stevenage, Redcoats Farmhouse Hotel offers home-cooked food and cosy bedrooms. The historic country house is set in 4 acres of gardens, with scenic views across Hertfordshire’s countryside. The bright and airy bedrooms have free Wi-... More Information and Book ... |
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Taylors Road, Astwick Hitchin SG5 4AZ MAP Tudor Oaks Lodge, on the A1, one mile past junction 10 northbound, is a complex of buildings with characteristic beams. All rooms have LCD TV. Luxe rooms have four-poster beds and spa baths, some with sauna aromatherapy.... More Information and Book ... |
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83 Bedford Road Hitchin SG5 2TY MAP Conveniently located for Stevenage, Letchworth, Luton and Henlow, this family-run hotel and restaurant has free Wi-Fi throughout. There is easy access to the A1 (junction 8) and M1 (junction 10). Enjoy comfortable accommodation, personal service and car... More Information and Book ... |
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Sun St Hitchin SG5 1AF MAP The Sun Hotel is a charming traditional coaching Inn dating back to the 1500s. The hotel offers real cask ales, an extensive menu in the restaurant, free parking and free Wi-Fi. Every bedroom has a CD player, a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. A... More Information and Book ... |
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Kings Walden Road Hitchin SG5 3DS MAP This country house is set in its own spacious grounds and was built in the 17th century for Sir Richard Spencer in the pretty Hertfordshire village of Great Offley. The village of Great Offley has all the charm you would expect from a pretty English vil... More Information and Book ... |
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Tilehouse Street Hitchin SG5 2DL MAP Set in 19 acres of beautiful tranquil parkland, yet only one minutes’ walk from Hitchin town square, this attractive hotel was originally a Carmelite monastery built in 1317. With carefully preserved and sensitively renovated interiors, the hotel combi... More Information and Book ... |
Towns Near Hitchin To Visit - straight line distance:
Letchworth Tourist Information (2.37 miles) Baldock Tourist Information (4.14 miles) Stevenage Tourist Information (4.46 miles) Shefford Tourist Information (6.64 miles)