Hitchin has once again been recognised as one of the UK's most picturesque places to live and visit – this time making it onto HELLO! magazine's list of the country's eight prettiest market towns.

The lifestyle feature celebrates towns that combine history, charm and accessibility, with Hitchin proudly taking its place alongside some of the nation's most celebrated destinations.

HELLO! describes Hitchin as:

"Another market town that is accessible from London is Hitchin in Hertfordshire, roughly 35 miles north of the capital. The quaint market town is known for its medieval history, Tudor buildings and the surrounding countryside, like the famous lavender fields close by. There are also plenty of shops and a wide variety of restaurants, perfectly balancing modernity with history and culture."

Adding a personal touch to the accolade, HELLO!'s Lifestyle Editor, Nichola Murphy, revealed she once called Hitchin home. She said:

"I only lived in Hitchin for two years, but it remains one of the most picturesque and charming towns I've ever called home, thanks to its cobbled streets, large St Mary's Church, bustling markets with 150 stalls, and abundance of coffee shops (one of which I used to work in!). It's as practical as it is pretty, with trains to London taking just 20 minutes."

This latest accolade cements Hitchin's reputation as not just a great place to visit, but a truly special place to live.