Car Hire Hitchin

Nestled in the heart of Hertfordshire with a population of just over 35,000, Hitchin offers the perfect blend of historical charm and modern accessibility. The town enjoys excellent connectivity via major routes, including the A505, A600 and A602, placing you just three miles from the A1(M) motorway and ten miles from the M1. The temperate maritime climate brings warm summers reaching the high twenties and mild winters that rarely drop below freezing, making any season ideal for exploration. With average temperatures hovering around 8-10°C throughout the year, you’ll find comfortable driving conditions whether visiting during the sun-drenched summer months or the crisp, refreshing winter period.

Hitchin boasts one of England’s largest and most beautiful market squares, dominated by the magnificent 14th-century St Mary’s Church with its impressive 183-foot spire. The town serves as an antiques centre with numerous dealers clustered around the historic streets, plus regular markets including the renowned Saturday farmers’ market.

Attractions In Hitchin

Lavender fields once defined this market town’s prosperity, today replaced by thriving independent businesses, weekend farmers’ markets and the magnificent St Mary’s Church that dominates the historic marketplace with its soaring medieval spire.

Hitchin Swimming Centre

This beloved public swimming facility on Fishponds Road has earned tremendous popularity among visitors, boasting over 1000 reviews that highlight its exceptional family appeal. Open weekdays from 6 AM until 10 PM and weekends from half past seven in the morning until 6:30 in the evening, the centre promises an invigorating start to summer mornings. Early visitors often enjoy the perfect water temperature and clean surroundings, though arriving before noon on hot weekends helps avoid queues.

St Mary’s Church

Situated in the heart of Hitchin, this magnificent Anglican church, dating from 1220, showcases remarkable historical significance spanning eight centuries. The striking wooden beam ceiling serves as one of its most captivating architectural features, enhanced by beautiful paintings and impressive stained glass windows. Dating back to medieval times, the church stands as a testament to centuries of continuous worship and community life, perfectly positioned next to the bustling market square.

North Hertfordshire Museum

Located on Brand Street, this exceptional museum operates Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with Sunday hours extending from 11 AM to 3 PM. You’ll discover meticulously curated local collections spanning an incredible timeline from Neanderthals to the present day, featuring interactive displays and fascinating archaeological discoveries. The museum’s café provides a welcome respite, making it an ideal stop during your historical exploration of the region.

British Schools Museum

Queen Street houses this unique educational treasure, open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 AM until noon, then Friday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. The museum preserves the world’s only complete Lancasterian schoolroom, built in 1837 to demonstrate revolutionary peer tutoring methods. Staff members provide engaging tours that transport visitors back to Victorian-era education, creating memorable experiences for families and history enthusiasts alike.

Hitchin War Memorial

The Hitchin War Memorial, unveiled by Viscount Hampden on 6 August 1922, is a distinct monument taking the form of a striking Celtic cross on a pillar with three side walls. Designed by Walter Millard, the memorial features 11 panels holding 356 names from the First World War. Interestingly, the names for the Second World War are held separately in a Book of Remembrance which has recently been digitised. The memorial’s location near the churchyard was a deliberate choice to ensure all local non-conformist servicemen were commemorated.

Looking for car hire in nearby locations? Consider these convenient options:

• Preston
• Letchworth Garden City
• Stevenage
• Weston
• Baldock
• Harpenden
• Knebworth
• Wheathampstead

Gerry’s Hole

Gerry’s Hole is a unique voluntary conservation area near Hitchin, famous for its unusual name, which comes from the local tale of poor Gerry drowning there after a late night at the pub! Historically, the site is a ‘borrow’ pit, where material was taken to build the Hitchin-Bedford railway line in the mid-19th century. Today, it’s a tranquil haven for wildlife, including many species of birds, dragonflies and toads. It is looked after through a local conservation project, so please respect the area.

Bunyan’s Barn

Maydencroft Lane in Gosmore houses this remarkable historical landmark that doubles as a live music venue, creating a unique blend of heritage and contemporary entertainment. The barn’s historical significance intertwines with its modern role as a cultural hub, hosting performances that echo through its ancient timber frame.

Memorial Fountain

The Memorial Fountain is a lovely memorial located right outside St Mary’s Church in Hitchin. It was originally installed to commemorate Sir Ian Dixon, a late construction figure who had strong ties to the town. The fountain had a new lease of life and was officially re-opened following restoration work in late 2019, making it better equipped to handle the local river conditions. It’s a peaceful spot and a nice nod to a significant local figure.

Market Theatre

The Market Theatre is often called Hitchin’s ‘Hidden Gem,’ tucked away on Sun Street right in the heart of the town centre. This small professional venue is known for its intimate setting, typically seating only around 60 people, giving audiences a really close experience. They put on a cracking programme of plays, comedies, thrillers and their famous Adult Panto. It also hosts popular stand-up comedy nights, making it a vibrant cultural hub.

The Factory Playhouse Theatre

Wilbury Way hosts this exceptional 200-seat theatre that transforms intimate performances into West End-quality experiences. The wrap-around stage design and close seating arrangement create remarkably personal connections between performers and audience. Young talents showcase extraordinary singing, acting and dancing abilities in professional-standard productions that rival London venues, making booking essential for popular shows.

Market Place

Hitchin Market Place is the vibrant, historic heart of the town centre, surrounded by charming buildings and independent shops. The market tradition here is ancient, with a charter dating back as far as the 7th century, making it one of the oldest in the country. It remains a huge focal point, hosting busy market days every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. It’s the perfect bustling spot to grab a bite or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of Hitchin.

Oughtonhead Common Nature Reserve

Oughtonhead Common is a fantastic Local Nature Reserve just outside Hitchin, hugely popular for its peaceful walks. The site is historically significant as grazing land but its most important feature is the River Oughton, a rare and protected chalk stream that flows through it. It provides a crucial habitat for water voles and kingfishers. It’s a wonderful spot to escape the town, offering open space, woodland and a real feel for local rural heritage.

Purwell Meadows

Purwell Meadows is a beautiful open space and local nature reserve on the eastern edge of Hitchin. The meadows border the peaceful River Purwell and are managed through traditional grazing methods, encouraging a brilliant display of wildflowers in the spring and summer. It’s a perfect spot for gentle walks and a haven for wildlife, especially various bird species. It connects directly with the famous ‘Ninesprings’ area, making it a key component of the town’s green network.

Purwell Ninesprings

Purwell Ninesprings is a wonderful little wildlife site and the very spot where the River Purwell rises before flowing into the nearby meadows. The name refers to the multiple natural springs that bubble up here, creating an area of marshy ground. It is recognised as a protected County Wildlife Site, offering a rare habitat for water-loving plants and insects. It’s a fascinating, tranquil place to visit and see the beginnings of one of Hitchin’s local rivers.

Hitchin Physic Garden

Located within Paynes Park, this community garden welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday from 9 AM until 6 PM, with Sunday hours from 10 AM to 6 PM. The carefully tended medicinal and culinary plants offer insight into traditional herbal knowledge and sustainable gardening practices. This peaceful green space provides educational opportunities for those interested in botanical heritage and natural remedies.

Butts Close

Butts Close is a large, accessible green space located conveniently close to Hitchin town centre. The name is historically fascinating, as ‘Butts’ refers to the mounds of earth that were once used here for archery practice. Today, the park is mainly used for recreation and sports, featuring popular football pitches and a modern children’s play area. It serves as a great, central spot for the community to exercise, picnic and host various local events.