Market Place

The heart of Hitchin beats around its Market Place, a proper Georgian square that's been the town's focal point for centuries. On market days the whole thing comes alive with stalls and traders, but even on quiet afternoons it's worth a wander to clock the architecture and grab a coffee at one of the cafes lining the edges.

You'll find yourself surrounded by period buildings - some timber-framed, others elegant Georgian brick - that give the place real character without feeling like a museum piece. The square itself is pedestrianised, so you can actually move about without dodging cars. There's a decent mix of independent shops and chain stores tucked into the surrounding streets, and the overall vibe is that of a working market town rather than a contrived tourist attraction.

It's brilliant for a couple of hours of ambling about, particularly if you time it with the regular market days when there's genuine buzz. History buffs will appreciate the layers here, but honestly most people will just enjoy the fact it's a proper place where locals actually shop and meet. Families won't find rides or entertainment as such, though younger kids might enjoy the market energy if you visit on the right day.

If you're staying at any of the nearby sites - Almshoe Glamping, Jacks Hill Caravans, or Radwell Lake campsite are all within a few miles - Hitchin town centre makes for a straightforward evening trip or wet-weather diversion. Free to explore, naturally, and you can spend as little or as much as you like in the shops and cafes.