Hitchin, a town near Cambridge, boasts trendy shops and cafes with a backdrop of historic architecture. It's the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll through the old market square, visit the listed historic school buildings that have been converted into a museum, or enjoy a trip to a modern cocktail bar.
The town of Hertfordshire is also ideal for commuters working in either London or Cambridge. A trip from Hitchin to Cambridge Station, London Kings Cross and St. Pancras takes 30-40 minutes. It's certainly worth the trip: Muddy stiletto included Hitchin on its list of 300 “best places” in the UK, making it one of the 10 Hertfordshire locations mentioned.
If your top priority after getting off the train tends to be a hit with caffeine in the morning, you will be spoiled for your choice.
Local roasted coffee is home to Hitchin Coffee Lab, and Cafe 77 serves breakfast and burgers along with a cappuccino. Wakelin and Son Cafe is located at H-Town Rags, a vintage clothing store that sources high quality clothing from the UK, US and Italy.
Once caffeine begins, you can explore Hitchin's joy. During the summer, Hitchin's stunning lavender fields are a must-see, with sunflowers and poppies blooming depending on the season.
Alternatively, it explores the town history of the British School Museum, located at the original school dates back to 1818, and is located at the local history museum in North Hertfordshire, featuring a collection of soccer, photography and art.
Art lovers don't miss out on contemporary works from Arkley Fine Art Gallery and the local talents on display at Art Nest. If these galleries stimulate your creativity, Haberdashery, which started out as a market stall, is the perfect place to stock up on sewing and knitting.
Visiting Hitchin on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday allows you to browse the 150 stall market where Haberdashery first began. Antique sellers will take part in the market on Friday, with monthly craft and farmers markets taking place in Hitchin.
These vibrant markets reflect Hitchin's strong community spirit, offering plenty of opportunities for locals to socialize and enjoy themselves. The annual Hitchin Festival celebrates arts and culture, but Hermitage Road Day is closed for family-friendly entertainment such as classic car displays and cooking and music.
Hitchin boasts hosts of two tapas joints, Los Reyes and Bar Azita, as well as other restaurants with cuisine from around the world, for those looking to visit with food and drink. There are also plenty of bars and pubs. Perfectly snug, you'll be impressed with the extensive menu of 100 drinks and a 14-pound happy hour deal, but the speakeasy is behind the secret door.
The town is called “hip-hitchin” with its muddy stiletto, thanks to a blend of modern business surrounded by historic architecture and traditional community events, and offers both the world's best for locals and tourists.
