All Saints' Church

The church sits on the high street in Hitchin, a grade-listed building that's been holding services since medieval times. Inside, the stonework is genuinely impressive - proper vaulted ceilings and some original medieval glass if you get the light right. The real draw for most visitors is the sheer sense of age the place carries. You're not getting dramatic ruins or theatrical architecture here; it's an honest working church that happens to be centuries old.

Historie types will spend a solid hour poking about. The brass plaques alone tell the story of Hitchin's merchant class going back to the 1400s. Kids might get a bit restless unless you give them the hunt-the-gargoyles task beforehand. It's free to wander in during opening hours, though these aren't always reliable, so ring ahead if you're making the trip specifically.

For anyone camping nearby - Norcott Campsite and Highridge Farm are both within easy walking distance - it's worth a morning visit while you're in Hitchin proper. The town centre itself has decent cafes and a market square worth exploring after. The church works best as part of a wider Hitchin wander rather than a standalone destination. Allow 30 to 45 minutes if you're thorough, less if you're just dropping in. The setting's lovely but undramatic, which suits the building perfectly.