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Market town in Hertfordshire, England
Photo: OLU, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hitchin is a town with 33,350 inhabitants in 2011 35 mi miles north of London in the county of Hertfordshire. Hitchin is an old market town first mentioned 1,000 years ago.
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The key node of the town centre. No longer used for 'proper' markets, which were moved to a nearby site at the end of the dismal Churchgate passage many years ago. Mostly pedestrianised now, setting off the fine variety of Victorian and older buildings around most of the square. Farmers' and other specialised markets held from time to time. Delightful wooden cabmen's shelter resited here from the railway station, after decades in a private garden.
Slightly marred by the 1960s Churchgate development but otherwise an architectural gem.
Historically the main approach to the centre from the North. Unusually broad due to its original usage as a cattle market as well as thoroughfare. Still well-lined with old buildings as well as some, mostly lamentable, modern ones.
Historic street, interesting back yards of former coaching inns
Sometimes nicknamed "Hitchin Cathedral"
The largest parish church in the county and has two side chapels. Worth seeing in its own right as well as for the small shops along the paths surrounding the churchyard
Medieval buildings with courtyard, still in use
In a rare and historic complex of buildings dating back to 1837, the museum tells the story of elementary education from 1810. Also includes the restored Victorian Headmaster's House.
Also mysterious fragments of much older building incorporated in the Coopers Arms pub.
Complete historic pharmacy preserved. The adjoining Physic Garden contains many plants once used medicinally - some poisonous.
Outdoor swimming pool
Rare survivor of the 'Lido' style
Courts in North Herts College on Cambridge Rd (£4.40 for 45 min, booking required) and in Ickleford (members only).
Unbelievably small theatre off Sun St. Varied (professional) repertoire, see local posters.
More conventional, modern building. Home to local amateur group as well as professional productions.
Small restaurant on Bucklesbury offering superb Mexican street food.
Bricklayers Arms
Best local chippy according to some locals, though some favour The Town Fryer
Former pub re-opened in 2009, rather good quality and value food, nice cafe-restaurant atmosphere during the day, no longer a pub but has a good beer selection including 2 real ales (usually from Buntingford Brewery).
Best local chippy according to some locals, though some favour Murphys
best curry take away in the county, amazing food, low prices and great staff
Reliably good value Bangladeshi cuisine.
Tiny Bangladeshi restaurant, some unusual dishes, less overwhelming servings than the Deroka
Good quality Chinese restaurant on the first floor, the only 'eat-in' Chinese in town
Serves Thai/Malaysian/Japanese food, outstanding quality, well presented food
Parade of takeaway joints - kebabs/chips, pizzas, Chinese, Indian all represented. Area sometimes rather rowdy late at night.
Brilliant bread and pastries
Only Wetherspoons in Hitchin.
Chain bar/pub.
Near library. McMullen pub, interesting old building, nice outdoor yard at rear. Food available lunchtime/evenings.
This pub is a regular CAMRA pub-of-the-year with 8 real ales (Young's Special, Adnams Bitter, 5 SIBA, 1 free-of-tie) and several real-ciders/perrys. Eccentric cat, excitable springer spaniel, well-behaved pets welcome. Lunch & dinner served, including good value burgers and tapas. Themed food nights on Thursdays. Open daily from midday until late.
Reopened mid 2011 but interior has been "sanitised" and has lost much of its former charm. A close second to the Nightingale for proximity to the railway station.
Lively local music venue with comedy nights.
Large McMullen pub serving good quality but expensive food £15+ per person. Pints are expensive, coffees are lovingly prepared.
formerly Gloucester Arms
Notably friendly, inoffensively Irish-themed pub, Marstons, rather a lot of TV screens. Great variety and volume of live music.
24 Bancroft. Rambling and friendly free house with up to 8 real ales, and also Leffe blond. Good lunches, door-burstingly busy some evenings.
Greene King house not far from the town centre. Secluded beer garden and outside barn often used for events. Four real ales. Lunch available daily, evening supper on Mondays. Very cliquey; unless you look like a regular you will be made to feel awkward. Landlady can be incredibly rude at times. Free ATM opposite.
Moderately expensive rooms in very old (16th century) building in the heart of town.
No restaurant but many nearby.
Easy walking distance to town centre if restaurant does not impress.
Two double rooms available in this former pub just outside town; see Eat section above for link.
Quality hotel with good breakfast. Very varied styles of rooms.
15th-century farmstead, now a country inn with 27 rooms and great dining.
Modern buildings in woods on North edge of village. Bus 100/1/2 passes nearby.
General stalls Tu F Sa; plus "antique" stalls on F, garage/boot sale on Su, and a farmers' and craft market on the last Saturday of each month
Local hardware and kitchenware shop (postoffice inside) (Bucklersbury, note: trade counters on Cadwell lane in industrial estate)
(Deli) Delicatessen with a good range of premium foods and goodies, great cheese, also local produce (Market Square).
By train
Frequent, generally fast, trains run to and from London King's Cross and London St Pancras International (which is 20 minutes faster), Stevenage, Cambridge and Peterborough.
By plane
The nearest main airport is Luton Airport about 15 minutes drive from Hitchin.
On foot, or nearby villages within easy reach by bike. Pleasant rides (with pubs at the far end) to Willian, Shillington, Charlton, Gosmore, Great/Little Wymondley, Ickleford, Pirton etc.
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Luton, Luton · International · LTN
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