Pretty English market town is home to European-style flower attraction and overlooked lido
A TOWN in the UK is often overlooked as a staycation destinations – despite a number of interesting attractions.
Located in Hertfordshire, Hitchin has its own European-style attraction that’s been dubbed “Little Provence” by visitors.
The pretty English market town is home to Hitchin Lavender – an Instagram-worthy lavender field that’s been generating a huge online buzz over the last few years.
In a TripAdvisor review, one person wrote: “It feels like France rather then Hitchin!”
Several other day-trippers also compared Hitchin Lavender to destinations across France, including Provence.
Between July and August, visitors flock to the town to experience a slice of the French countryside in the UK.
Hitchin Lavender is a 60-minute drive away from London, but the site can be reached on a direct train from London King’s Cross Station or London St Pancras International Station.
We’ve found return train tickets for £15.80 for a full-paying adult.
From Hitchin train station, visitors will need to take a 10-minute taxi ride to reach the lavender field.
Alternatively, there’s a car park for visitors who want to drive there directly.
Early bird tickets into the lavender field cost £6.50 per adult and £5 for children aged 3 to 16.
Visitors who purchase a small bag for £3 are allowed to take some lavender cuttings home with them.
As well as getting the perfect postcard picture, there are other activities on site, including a visit to the tea room that’s housed in a 17th Century barn.
Other activities include the lavender museum, the sunflower field, and the wildflower field.
There are other draws to visiting Hitchin in the summer, including a dip in the town’s outdoor swimming pool.
The art deco Hitchin Lido first opened to the public in 1938, and it’s still a popular spot with both locals and day trippers alike.
Hitchin Lido is home to a 50m heated swimming pool and a couple of sunbathing terraces as well as a lawned area where swimmers can have a picnic.
Young visitors can make the most of the baby pool and a sandpit fun zone.
The original outdoor changing cabins are still in use or you can use the indoor cubicles if you find the outside ones a bit too alfresco.
Entry to Hitchin Lido costs £7.20 for a full-paying adult and £3.60 for kids, with visitors having to pay £5 to reserve a sun lounger.
There are plenty of other attractions in Hitchin, including the British Schools Museum, which has displays of historic classrooms from years gone by.
Hitchin also has a thriving food scene, with restaurants like Los Reyes Tapas Restaurant and DeRoka Hitchin Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant adding more European charm
And Hitchin isn’t the only location in the UK that’s been compared to places abroad.
Skegness
The traditional seaside town of Skegness has been likened to Las Vegas because of its arcades, nightlife and sandy beaches.
Dubbed “Skeg Vegas” by locals, the town of Skegness in Lincolnshire has slot machines and a busy nightlife with cabaret performances.
In honour of the town’s title, a local business owner spent £36,000 installing a replica Las Vegas sign with the inscription: “Welcome to Fabulous Skeg Vegas, not in Nevada.”
Cefn Sidan, Wales
Cefn Sidan Beach has been compared to the coastline of California.
The Welsh beach was even given the first Blue Flag in the country, as well as often being named one of the best beaches in Europe.
Cefn Sidan, in Wales, was given the prestigious award for its cleanliness and safety, with more than eight miles of sand.
Best staycation locations for 2024
Bristol
The arty harbour city was the top spot on the list and is bursting with culture and trendy cafes scattered along the River Avon.
A bubbling hub for creatives, Bristol is the birthplace of street artist Banksy, and you can admire some of his best early works on a free walking tour.
2. Hull
The Humberside port city started to get recognition last year, and it has a thriving nightlife scene – if that’s something you’re after.
The old town is crawling with history and classy buildings, whose walls have many stories to tell and The Deep is a fascinating aquarium attraction.
3. Isles of Scilly
Just off the Cornish coast, it’s easy to see why the archipelago made it into the top three.
Here, you can expect golden sandy beaches where you will be able to spot dolphins beyond the shoreline, as well as seafront pubs serving up hearty grub.
Another tiny village in the UK has been compared to a retro 1940s film set.
And an abandoned village in England only opens to tourists once a year.