Herts &amp; Beds


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Hip Hitchin is a beautiful market town in North Herts, built on the banks of the River Hiz. It’s historic – with narrow winding streets, gorgeous architecture and a traditional market&nbsp;square – but also oh-so-trendy. There’s also plenty of green space in which to sit with your high-end coffee and watch the world go by. Oh, and the commute to London or Cambridge is a cinch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/10/Kite-at-Red-Hart-main_Fotor.jpg" alt="Kite at the red hart hitchin" class="wp-image-74064" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/10/Kite-at-Red-Hart-main_Fotor.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/10/Kite-at-Red-Hart-main_Fotor-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/10/Kite-at-Red-Hart-main_Fotor-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kite at the Red Hart</figcaption></figure>



<p>You won’t go hungry in Hitchin, that’s for sure. For the coffee connoisseur, there’s the <a href="https://www.coffeelab.co.uk/pages/locations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hitchin Coffee Lab</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Wakelinandson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wakelin and Son</a> (part of a vintage shop), <a aria-label="Fussey and Baer (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.fusseyandbaer.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fussey and Baer</a>, plus <a href="https://www.thegroundworks.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Groundworks</a> for dirty burgers and brunch. If it’s a stronger drink you’re after, there’s <a aria-label="The Snug (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thesnugbar.co.uk/hitchin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Snug</a> cocktail bar, <a aria-label="The Speakeasy  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thespeakeasyclub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Speakeasy </a>(accessed through a cleverly disguised door), the <a href="https://www.beershophq.uk/pages/hitchin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beer Shop</a> and Muddy Award Winner 2022, bottle shop and bar, <a href="https://weevinoteca.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wee Vinoteca</a>, which runs tastings and events too. </p>



<p>If you’re after a pub, try the <a href="https://www.kiteredhart.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kite at Red Hart</a> for fab food, <a href="https://www.thevictoriahitchin.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Victoria</a> (The Vic) for a lively atmos and street food, or <a href="https://highlanderhitchin.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Highlander</a> for British and French fare. Restaurant-wise, check out Muddy Award-winning <a aria-label="Los Reyes (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.losreyes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Reyes</a> or <a aria-label="Bar Azita (opens in a new tab)" href="https://barazita.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bar Azita</a> for tapas, <a aria-label="Lussmanns (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.lussmanns.com/restaurants/hitchin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lussmanns</a> for stylish European cuisine, <a aria-label="Cantina Carnitas (opens in a new tab)" href="https://cantinacarnitas.co.uk/menu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cantina Carnitas</a> for Mexican street food, or <a aria-label="Hermitage Rd (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.hermitagerd.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hermitage Rd</a>, set in an old ballroom, for food, cocktails and a slick oyster and Champagne bar. Plus there&#8217;s the restaurant at <a href="https://farmhouseatredcoats.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Farmhouse at Redcoats</a> (a stunning rustic wedding venue with rooms) just out of town, too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1454" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Rubarb.jpg" alt="Rubarb Hitchin fashion boutique pink shop front and floral display" class="wp-image-80322" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Rubarb.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Rubarb-800x775.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Rubarb-1000x969.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Rubarb-542x525.jpg 542w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The town is home to an exciting number of great independents, including funky gift shop (and, yep, another Muddy Award winner!) <a aria-label="Treat yo' Self (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.treatyoselfgifts.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Treat yo&#8217; Self</a>; traditional jewellers,<a aria-label="Gatwards Jewellers (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.gatwardsofhitchin.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Gatwards of Hitchin</a>; <a aria-label="Allingham’s Butcher (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.allinghamsbutchers.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Allingham’s Butcher</a>; multiple Muddy Award winner, <a aria-label="Rubarb boutique, (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/RubarbHitchin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rubarb Boutique,</a> the quirky and colourful <a aria-label="Riot Lounge (opens in a new tab)" href="https://riotlounge.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Riot Lounge</a> and crafter&#8217;s dream, <a aria-label="The Haberdashery (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thehaberdasheryshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Haberdashery</a>. </p>



<p>Hitchin also offers a large collection of trendy East-London-style vintage stores (try <a aria-label="Jolly Brown (opens in a new tab)" href="https://jollybrown.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jolly Brown</a> and <a aria-label="H-town Rags (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/htownrags/?rf=894171153994751" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">H-town Rags</a>), plus two fab vintage emporiums, including <a aria-label="Vintage Bay (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thevintagebay.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vintage Bay</a>. Regular events are also held in the Market Square throughout the year – so there’s a good dose of community spirit in the air. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>As well as a decent amount of medical centres in town, including four GP surgeries and two health centres, there&#8217;s also a private hair and skin clinic, <a href="https://aventusclinic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aventus</a>, and <a href="https://theburyhillclinic.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Buryhill Clinic</a> for physiotherapy.  As for relaxation and pampering, you&#8217;ll find <a href="https://www.pebble-sanctuary.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pebble Sanctuary</a> for manis, massage and aesthetics, <a href="https://www.amoresalon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amoré Salon</a> for skin, hair and nails, and <a href="https://www.thecovespa.co.uk/location/hitchin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cove Spa</a> for holistic and wellbeing therapies. Find your new favourite hair stylist at <a href="https://www.salonbonbon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salon Bon Bon</a>, <a href="https://greyshairdressing.co.uk/hitchin-salon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greys</a> or <a href="https://foundlove.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foundlove</a> &#8211; just a few of a huge choice in the town. For active types <a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/hitchin-swimming-and-fitness-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre</a> will be your go-to, with a gym, fitness classes, indoor 25m pool AND an outdoor lido for the summer months. There are also a handful of private gyms and studios including <a href="https://www.thepilatespod.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pilates Pod</a>, <a href="https://www.mycorepilates.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MyCore Pilates</a>, <a href="https://hitchin-fitness-studio.square.site/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hitchin Fitness Studio</a>, <a href="https://www.bodyethics.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Body Ethics</a> and <a href="https://www.brooksgym.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooks Gym</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Hitchin has a thriving community spirit, with a busy year-round events, from monthly street food markets to arts fairs. Highlights include the <a href="https://www.hitchinfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hitchin Festival</a> in June/July, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1092336348554861?utm_campaign=Mums-Guide-To&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_source=hitchin-event&amp;utm_content=Hermitage-Road-Day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hermitage Road Day</a> – where the road closes to give way for food, music, classic cars and family entertainment – and the BIG weekend of Christmas-themed. Sports wise, there&#8217;s <a href="https://hitchintownfc.club/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hitchin Town Football Club</a> as well as girls&#8217; club <a href="https://hitchinbelles.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hitchin Belles</a>, <a href="http://hitchinrugby.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hitchin Rubgy Club</a> (with men&#8217;s, women&#8217;s and youth sides), as well as cricket, tennis, squash, hockey, netball, running and cycling. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/from-hitchin-lavender.jpg" alt="Hitchin Lavender" class="wp-image-71122" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/from-hitchin-lavender.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/from-hitchin-lavender-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/from-hitchin-lavender-900x507.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hitchin Lavender</figcaption></figure>



<p>The nearby <a aria-label="Hitchin Lavender (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.hitchinlavender.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hitchin Lavender</a> for a Provençal hit, or the <a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/hitchin-swimming-and-fitness-centre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hitchin Lido</a> for a delightful summer dip. If you like walking, there&#8217;s the <a href="https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/oughtonhead-common" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oughtonhead Common Nature Reserve</a> just on the outskirts of town and <a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/nature-reserves/pegsdon-hills-and-hoo-bit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pegsdon Hills</a> a little further away. Out of town big hitters include English Heritage&#8217;s <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wrest-park/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wrest Park</a> in Silsoe, <a href="https://www.culturetrust.com/venues/wardown-house-museum-gallery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wardown House</a> in Luton and <a href="https://standalonefarm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Standalone Farm</a> for the kids, just outside Letchworth. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>You can catch amateur theatre, live music, films and other events at The <a href="https://www.queenmothertheatre.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mother Theatre</a> and <a href="https://www.markettheatre.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Market Theatre</a>, whilst <a href="https://www.factoryplayhouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Factory Playhouse</a> is, as the name suggests, a disused playhouse, turned musical theatre venue. Finally there&#8217;s a brilliant outdoor venue, <a href="https://www.thelivingtheatrewhitwell.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Living Theatre Whitwell</a>. There&#8217;s also the annual <a href="https://www.hitchinfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hitchin Festival </a>of arts, culture and entertainment, usually taking place in July. Plus there&#8217;s the <a href="https://northhertsmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Hertfordshire Museum</a> of local history and, if you&#8217;re into art, there&#8217;s gallery <a href="https://arkleyfineart.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arkeley Fine Art</a> and local art hub <a href="https://www.ownart.org.uk/gallery/the-art-nest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Art Nest</a>.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>The average price for Hitchin property stands near the higher end for the area at a smidge under £450,000. You’re looking at £410,000 – £570,000  for spacious terraces and semis, while you can nab yourself a flat here for under £250,000. Not bad at all for such a happening place. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Radcliffe-Rd-Hitchin.jpg" alt="Radcliffe Rd Hitchin" class="wp-image-83487" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Radcliffe-Rd-Hitchin.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Radcliffe-Rd-Hitchin-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aim high, this 4-bed, 4-storey Victorian townhouse is close to the station and town centre. <a href="https://www.norgans.co.uk/view-property/radcliffe-road-hitchin-18802363/">On the market for £850,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>You&#8217;ve got the Outstanding <a href="https://childbasepartnership.com/nursery/highbury-lodge-day-nursery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highbury Lodge Day Nursery</a>, plus the Good <a href="https://thpsn.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tilehouse Street Pre-School and Nursery</a>, and there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.highbury.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highbury school Nursery and Pre-school</a>, too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Hitchin-area independents include <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/kingshott-school-hitchin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kingshott School</a> and <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-christopher-school-letchworth-herts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St </a><a href="https://www.stchris.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christopher</a><a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-christopher-school-letchworth-herts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> School</a>, while <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-francis-college-letchworth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Francis&#8217; College</a> is in nearby Letchworth. Outstanding primaries are <a href="https://samlucas.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samuel Lucas</a>, <a href="https://www.standrews.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Andrew&#8217;s C of E</a> and <a href="https://www.wransom.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The William Ransom Primary School</a>, while there are also a handful of Good schools including <a href="https://www.highbury.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highbury</a> and <a href="https://www.whitehill.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whitehill</a>. And you can&#8217;t go far wrong with the two Ofsted Outstanding comprehensives, <a href="https://www.hbs.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hitchin Boys</a> and <a href="https://www.hgs.herts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hitchin Girls</a>.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk" target="_blank">The British Schools Musuem</a> is housed in a Grade II listed former school, which was founded in 1810 (80 years before the government provided free elementary education). It&#8217;s a piece of hands-on local history for adults and kids. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>You&#8217;re just 37.2 miles from the capital. Trains take 30 mins to Kings Cross (every half hour during peak times) or St Pancras (every 15 mins).</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a></em></p>


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