Bancroft Recreation Ground

Right in the middle of Hitchin, this rec ground is one of those spots locals keep coming back to all summer — mostly for the water feature, which the under-7s absolutely lose their minds over when the weather turns. There’s a solid climbing structure and slides for when they’ve dried off, and parents can actually sit in the shade and see everything without having to hover. The grass field gets a proper workout from kids playing football, and there’s enough open space for a picnic without feeling cramped. It’s genuinely at its best from late spring onwards, so worth timing your visit right.