Hitchin Market
A vibrant market square offering diverse goods from antiques to crafts, with special events and a strong community feel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for antique bargains
Hitchin Market
Best Time
Best for antique bargains
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant market square offering diverse goods from antiques to crafts, with special events and a strong community feel.
"Great market, Friday is best as it is bric a brac and secondhand bargains. Highly recommended!"
🎯 Friday is Bargain Day
Fridays are prime for bric-a-brac and secondhand finds. Don't miss out! :moneywithwings:
📅 Check Market Schedule
Market themes vary daily. Confirm the schedule to catch your preferred vendors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Antique & Bric-a-Brac Finds
Market Square
Hunt for unique treasures and secondhand bargains on Friday market days.
Local Produce & Crafts
Market Square
Discover fresh produce and handmade crafts from local vendors on market days.
Vintage & Nostalgia
Market Square
Explore stalls filled with vintage Pokémon, retro games, and nostalgic items.
Themed Events
Market Square
Catch special events like the Mayday Streetfood Feastival for live music and food.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Market Days & What to Expect
Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Friday is Bargain Day
Fridays are prime for bric-a-brac and secondhand finds. Don't miss out! :moneywithwings:
📅 Check Market Schedule
Market themes vary daily. Confirm the schedule to catch your preferred vendors.
🛍️ Support Local Traders
Many friendly traders offer unique goods. Show your support for local businesses!
📍 Explore the Square
Beyond the market stalls, discover shops upstairs for more hidden gems.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Friday is Bargain Day
Fridays are prime for bric-a-brac and secondhand finds. Don't miss out! :moneywithwings:
📅 Check Market Schedule
Market themes vary daily. Confirm the schedule to catch your preferred vendors.
🛍️ Support Local Traders
Many friendly traders offer unique goods. Show your support for local businesses!
📍 Explore the Square
Beyond the market stalls, discover shops upstairs for more hidden gems.
☀️ Summer Beach Vibes
In summer, enjoy Hitchin Beach in the Market Place for family fun.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hitchin Market is praised for its friendly atmosphere and the variety of goods available, especially on Fridays for antiques and bric-a-brac. Visitors appreciate the local produce and the community feel among traders. However, some find the antique market can be sparse on occasion, and the overall offerings might not always meet expectations for a large produce market.
"Went on a Friday Antique day. Barely any stalls there. Walking thru to main square there are a couple of "emporiums" housing loads of antique stalls. Very interesting but fail to see why you'd need a market day for Antiques too. Expected it to a produce market it being Friday and the start of the weekend. However, we bought some plants which are doing very well. And it is such a pretty setting and parking is easy too."
Linda Harris
"Hitchin Markets is a happening place at least 3 days a week. Lots of people come in to visit the stalls as there is a different market format each operational day. I believe it's Tuesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. It's beside a historic church and a water body which has ducks and pigeons always surrounding it."
Atif Bilal Siddiqui
"If you love to buy everything in your nan's frontroom then this place is for you."
stuart roberts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hitchin Market is located in the Market Square, easily accessible by car and public transport. Parking is generally straightforward in the town center.
Yes, parking is usually easy to find around Hitchin town center, making it convenient to visit the market.
Hitchin railway station is a short walk from the town center and the market square, making it a convenient option for visitors arriving by train.
Several bus routes serve Hitchin town center, with stops close to the Market Square, providing good connectivity from surrounding areas.
Absolutely! Hitchin Market is a great focal point for a day trip, offering shopping, food, and a pleasant town atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hitchin Market is generally free to enter. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase from the stalls.
Market days and hours can vary depending on the theme. Fridays are popular for antiques, and special events like the Mayday Feastival have specific timings. It's best to check local listings for the most up-to-date information.
While the regular market is free, some special events like festivals might have associated costs or activities that require payment.
Friday is highly recommended for antique and bric-a-brac lovers. The last Saturday of the month hosts a Farmers Market.
Entry to the market and browsing the vintage stalls is free. You'll only pay for any items you decide to buy.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Vendors
You can find a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, antiques, bric-a-brac, crafts, vintage items like Pokémon cards and retro games, and artisanal products like soaps and baked goods. +1
Yes, you can often find food vendors, especially during special events like the Mayday Streetfood Feastival, offering diverse culinary options.
Look for traders specializing in collectibles and vintage items; one reel specifically mentioned finding vintage Pokémon and old-school consoles.
Yes, Hitchin Market often features craft stalls, offering unique handmade items from local artisans.
Absolutely! The variety of vendors, from antique dealers to craftspeople, makes it a great place to find unique and thoughtful gifts.
📸 📸 Photography & Atmosphere
Yes, the market square, historic church nearby, and the variety of stalls offer many picturesque opportunities.
The atmosphere is often described as lovely and friendly, with a strong community feel among traders and visitors.
Indeed, footage from 1977 shows the market's vibrant history, and the adjacent historic church adds to the visual appeal.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of individual vendors or their specific displays.
The combination of diverse stalls, the historic market square, and the lively atmosphere creates a visually engaging experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The general market days also offer a variety of sights and sounds that can engage younger visitors, from colorful produce to interesting crafts. Remember to check for any special family-friendly events like the Mayday Streetfood Feastival, which often includes entertainment suitable for all ages. When visiting, consider the variety of stalls. While some might be more adult-oriented, there are often vendors selling toys, sweets, or unique crafts that children will enjoy. The atmosphere is generally friendly and community-oriented, making it a relaxed environment for families to explore. Parking is usually convenient, which is a big plus when managing children.
🎁 Bargain Hunters & Collectors
Beyond specific collectibles, the general market days offer a chance to discover unique crafts and artisanal products that can be great value. The friendly nature of the traders means you might find opportunities for a bit of haggling, especially on less busy days. Exploring the 'emporiums' that house multiple antique stalls can also yield surprising finds at competitive prices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Hitchin Market's Themes
This variety ensures that each visit can offer something new and exciting, catering to a wide range of interests.Beyond the regular market days, Hitchin Market Square also hosts special events and festivals. The Mayday Streetfood Feastival is a prime example, bringing live music, community performances, and a diverse array of food vendors to the square.
During the summer, the Market Place can even transform into Hitchin Beach, offering a fun, family-friendly spot with deckchairs and sandy play areas. These themed days and events add an extra layer of vibrancy and make the market a dynamic hub for the town.For those interested in the market's history, vintage footage from 1977 captures its lively past, especially during celebrations like the Queen's Silver Jubilee.
This historical context adds depth to the experience, reminding visitors of the market's enduring presence in the community. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a foodie, or just looking for a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, Hitchin Market offers a rich and varied experience.Discovering Hidden Gems and Collectibles
This appeals to a strong community of collectors looking for rare finds and items that evoke childhood memories. The thrill of the hunt for these specific items makes the market a destination for enthusiasts.Beyond the popular collectibles, the market also features artisanal products from local makers. You can find stalls offering handmade soaps, skincare, and delicious baked goods like cookies, cinnamon rolls, and decorated biscuits.
These items are perfect for personal indulgence or as thoughtful gifts. Additionally, exploring the 'emporiums' that house multiple antique stalls can lead to discovering a wide array of interesting objects, from furniture to decorative pieces. For those who enjoy browsing, the market offers a chance to find unique gifts and items that you wouldn't typically see in mainstream shops. The furniture parlour, for instance, showcases special pieces, and you can even engage with Annie Sloan chalk paint demonstrations.
The friendly and supportive nature of the traders creates a welcoming environment for discovery, making Hitchin Market a place where both vendors and visitors feel a strong sense of community. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit