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EuropeUnited KingdomEngland

Hitchin

England, United Kingdom · Europe

About Hitchin

Hitchin is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Pirton, 39km from The Backs, Cambridge.

Hitchin is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 35,220, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Hitchin sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Hitchin to your route.

About Hitchin

Hitchin () is a market town in the North Hertfordshire district of Hertfordshire, England. The town dates from at least the 7th century. It lies in the valley of the River Hiz at the north-eastern end of the Chiltern Hills. It is 16 miles (26 km) north-west of the county town of Hertford, and 35 miles (56 km) north of

Read more London. The population at the 2021 census was 35,220. Hitchin grew around a market place and the adjoining parish church of St Mary on the western bank of the River Hiz. At the southern end of the town centre is Hitchin Priory, a former monastery dating back to 1317, which was partially rebuilt into a large country house with extensive parkland following the dissolution of the monasteries. The ancient parish of Hitchin covered a large rural area as well as the town itself, including several hamlets which subsequently became separate parishes, including Langley, Preston, St Ippolyts, and Walsworth. The town's economy was historically based on serving as the market town for the surrounding agricultural area, which was primarily arable with some sheep farming. Lavender has long been grown in the fields around the town, and an early industry in the town was lavender distilleries. The Great Northern Railway built its main line from London King's Cross to York through the town; Hitchin railway station opened with the line in 1850. The Cambridge line opened shortly afterwards, diverging from the main line just north of Hitchin, which therefore became an important junction station. The A1(M) motorway passes Hitchin a short distance to the east. The town's historic character and accessibility make it popular with commuters.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Hitchin

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Hitchin?

Hitchin offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Hitchin?

Plan your road trip to Hitchin with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Hitchin as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Hitchin located?

Hitchin is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.9492 latitude, -0.2850 longitude.

What is the population of Hitchin?

Hitchin has a population of approximately 35,220 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.

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Quick Information

Population
35,220
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Region
England
Timezone
Europe/London
Coordinates
51.9492, -0.2850

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United Kingdom

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomEnglandTown

Worth the detour from Hitchin

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

cafe

Caffeine & Machine: The Bowl

The Bedfordshire location set in a dramatic former quarry bowl, opened in 2023 as the brand's third venue.

16 km · about 30 min drive

landmark

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

The UK's largest zoo set across 600 acres of Bedfordshire parkland with drive-through animal enclosures.

21 km · about 25 min drive

museum

Bletchley Park

Victorian estate where Alan Turing and thousands of codebreakers cracked the German Enigma cipher, arguably shortening WWII by years. Restored huts, working Bombe machine, and the National Museum of Computing next door.

32 km · about 35 min drive

landmark

Aston Martin Works Heritage

The spiritual home of Aston Martin at the original Newport Pagnell factory, offering heritage servicing, restoration, and sales.

34 km · about 40 min drive

landmark

Santa Pod Raceway

Europe's premier drag racing venue in Northamptonshire, hosting iconic events like the FIA European Finals and Flame & Thunder.

38 km · about 45 min drive

landmark

King's College Chapel, Cambridge

Pinnacle of late Gothic architecture with the world's largest fan vault ceiling and Rubens' masterpiece altarpiece, an icon of Cambridge University.

39 km · about 45 min drive

scenic viewpoint

The Backs, Cambridge

The famous riverside meadows behind the Cambridge colleges, offering iconic views of King's College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs and punts on the Cam.

39 km · about 45 min drive

cafe

High Beach Tea Hut

A simple roadside tea hut in Epping Forest that has been a legendary biker gathering spot for decades.

39 km · about 45 min drive

Driving roads near Hitchin

  • 39 kmThe Backs, CambridgeThe famous riverside meadows behind the Cambridge colleges, offering iconic views of King's College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs and punts on the Cam.

Driving in United Kingdom

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.73/litre
Motorway tolls
None

When to drive here

April to October

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Hitchin.

Pirton

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

4 km awayPop. 1,274

Letchworth Garden City

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

5 km awayPop. 33,990

Stondon

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

6 km away

Arlesey

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

7 km awayPop. 5,584

Shillington

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

7 km awayPop. 1,447

Stevenage

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 91,774

Baldock

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 10,615

Stotfold

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 6,838

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence