Hitchin Priory
Historic 14th-century monastery hotel hosting concerts, events, and offering charming stays and afternoon tea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & garden vibes
Hitchin Priory
Best Time
Live music & garden vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 14th-century monastery hotel hosting concerts, events, and offering charming stays and afternoon tea.
"A truly special hotel with beautiful grounds and a delightful afternoon tea experience."
Book Event Tickets Early
Summer concert tickets sell out fast! Secure yours for artists like UB40 or James Bay. :ticket:
Check Event Lineups
The Priory hosts diverse events, from music to Halloween horrors. Know what's on before you book! :performing_arts:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summer Concert Series
The Priory Grounds
Experience live music from top artists like UB40 and James Bay in a stunning outdoor setting.
Historic Monastery Architecture
Main Building
Explore the charm of a converted 14th-century monastery with beautiful gardens and classic rooms.
Afternoon Tea Experience
Restaurant or Gardens
Indulge in delightful afternoon tea with fresh scones and charming crockery amidst beautiful grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event Venue & Historic Stay
Location & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Event Tickets Early
Summer concert tickets sell out fast! Secure yours for artists like UB40 or James Bay. :ticket:
Check Event Lineups
The Priory hosts diverse events, from music to Halloween horrors. Know what's on before you book! :performing_arts:
Enjoy the Gardens
The grounds are beautiful for a stroll, especially during afternoon tea. :deciduous_tree:
Proximity to Town
Conveniently located near Hitchin's shops and restaurants. :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Event Tickets Early
Summer concert tickets sell out fast! Secure yours for artists like UB40 or James Bay. :ticket:
Check Event Lineups
The Priory hosts diverse events, from music to Halloween horrors. Know what's on before you book! :performing_arts:
Enjoy the Gardens
The grounds are beautiful for a stroll, especially during afternoon tea. :deciduous_tree:
Proximity to Town
Conveniently located near Hitchin's shops and restaurants. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hitchin Priory offers a unique blend of historic charm and event-driven vibrancy, with many praising its beautiful gardens and delightful afternoon tea. However, some guests have encountered issues with room maintenance, heating, and hot water, alongside concerns about event organization.
"Disastrous. Had to beg daily to have heat turned on in my room in main building. Snowing &29-36°F outside. Estimate room temp ~50. Took forever to warm up once boiler turned on, multiple times/day. No hot water x4 days despite letting run x 20 minutes-barely lukewarm. Staff defensive, dismissive & overworked. No responses to multiple emails before & during trip. No phone in room. 3 broken toilets on 3rd floor where our classroom was. Had to go down 3 flights & back up 2 to use the one in my icy room, which did flush. Never again. Would give zero stars if I could"
Irene Landaw
"We had the most wonderful afternoon tea at this truly special hotel. The building itself is beautiful, set within fabulous gardens that take your breath away. We arrived for afternoon tea and were warmly welcomed — the staff were so accommodating and even arranged for our table to be set outside so we could enjoy the most beautiful view.
The tea itself was delightful: the crockery was charmingly quirky, the scones were deliciously fresh and fluffy, and the selection of sandwiches and cakes was just perfect. The staff couldn’t have been lovelier — polite, friendly, and genuinely keen to make our visit special.
Thank you so much for such a memorable experience. This is a place that truly stands out and we can’t wait to return."
Z A
"We were delighted with hitchin priory hotel, a beautiful building sett in vast open grounds but at the same time only 100 metres from the shopping streets of Hitchin. Great trip and lovely location."
Chris Bean
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hitchin Priory is conveniently located just 100 meters from the shopping streets of Hitchin, making it easily accessible by foot from the town center. If arriving by car, there is parking available.
Yes, its central location in Hitchin means it's straightforward to locate, especially if you're already in the town center.
The Hitchin train station is a short distance from the town center, and from there, it's a pleasant walk to Hitchin Priory.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for events, especially the popular summer concert series, are typically available through the event organizers' websites or designated ticketing platforms. It's advisable to book in advance as popular acts sell out quickly. 
Hitchin Priory hosts a variety of events, including live music concerts featuring well-known artists, and immersive Halloween horror events.
Depending on the event, there might be different ticket tiers or packages available. Check the specific event details for options.
For popular events, pre-booking is highly recommended to guarantee entry. Availability on the day may be limited or not possible.
As a hotel, general visiting hours for the grounds or restaurant may vary. For specific event times, consult the event schedule.
🎫 🏨 Onsite Experience
Rooms are located in various buildings, including the main monastery. While some reviews mention a dated feel or lighting issues, others highlight enormous beds and cleanliness.
Yes, there is a pleasant inside restaurant-bar and a separate breakfast room.
Absolutely! Afternoon tea is a highly recommended experience, with delightful food and charming crockery, often enjoyed in beautiful gardens.
Yes, the venue is equipped with conference rooms and is also used for special events.
It offers a serene atmosphere within its historic grounds, yet is conveniently close to the bustling town center.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Priory offers an inside restaurant-bar and a breakfast room. Afternoon tea is a particularly popular dining experience. +1
Many visitors rave about the afternoon tea, praising the fresh scones, charming presentation, and accommodating staff who may even set up tables outside.
Yes, you can typically book for afternoon tea or dine at the restaurant without being a hotel guest.
While not explicitly mentioned, it's always best to inquire with the hotel when booking your afternoon tea to confirm dietary accommodations.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic architecture of the monastery, the expansive gardens, and the charming outdoor seating areas during events or afternoon tea offer great photo opportunities. +1
Generally, personal photography is allowed during events, but professional photography might require prior permission. Check event-specific rules.
While not explicitly stated, be mindful of other guests' privacy and any specific venue rules during events or your stay.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 The expansive grounds offer space for children to explore, and the afternoon tea could be a special treat for a family celebration. 🎶 Music Lovers
+5 The outdoor setting provides a fantastic atmosphere for live performances. Securing tickets early is crucial, as these events are highly sought after and tend to sell out quickly. 🥂 Couples & Special Occasions
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Concerts and Live Events at The Priory
+5 These events leverage the expansive lawn area, transforming the historic site into an open-air concert venue. It's essential to book tickets well in advance for these popular summer sessions, as they tend to sell out quickly. Beyond music, the Priory also hosts other unique events, such as immersive Halloween horror experiences, showcasing its versatility as an event space.
While the potential for great events is high, one review mentioned a disastrous firework display, with organizers reportedly becoming unresponsive. When attending an event, consider the outdoor nature of many performances. Comfortable seating or blankets might be advisable for longer concerts, and checking the weather forecast is always a good idea. The atmosphere is often described as fantastic, with attendees enjoying the combination of great music and the unique historical setting.
+1A Stay at Hitchin Priory Hotel
The hotel's location is a significant advantage, being just a minute or two's walk from Hitchin's town center, offering quiet seclusion while maintaining easy access to shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Despite some reported issues with maintenance and staff responsiveness in one detailed negative review,
The Priory's Gardens and Afternoon Tea
The afternoon tea itself receives glowing reviews, with mentions of 'charmingly quirky' crockery, 'deliciously fresh and fluffy' scones, and a 'perfect' selection of sandwiches and cakes.
Beyond afternoon tea, the gardens serve as a picturesque setting for events and offer a tranquil space for guests to relax and explore. The combination of the historic architecture and the well-maintained gardens creates a unique and appealing ambiance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit