East of England - Hertfordshire

The House
The House was splendidly decorated for entertaining the Royal Court, with state rooms rich in paintings, fine furniture and tapestries. Visitors can see superb examples of Jacobean craftsmanship can be seen throughout the House such as the Grand Staircase with its fine carving and the rare stained glass window in the private chapel. On display in the House are many historic mementoes collected by the Cecils, one of England’s foremost political families.

The Tudor Old Palace
Built in 1485, the building was originally a large quadrangle of russet brick and the side which includes the Great Hall still stands. Hatfield is most associated with Elizabeth I who spent much of her childhood at Hatfield with her younger brothers, sharing his education. In November 1558, following the death of her sister Mary Tudor, Elizabeth was proclaimed Queen and held her first Council in the Great Hall.

The Gardens
The garden dates from the early 17th century when Robert Cecil employed John Tradescant the Elder to collect plants for his new home. Tradescant travelled all over Europe to bring back trees, bulbs, plants and fruit trees, which had never previously been grown in England.

Enjoy the West Garden’s beautiful blue and silver border and the fascinating Longitude dial. The adjoining woodland area is at its best in spring with masses of naturalised bluebells and daffodils, followed by camellias and rhododendrons. The Old Palace Garden adjoins the Tudor Old Palace where Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood. Guided tours of the Tudor Old Palace are available on restricted dates and limited tickets are available on arrival on a “first come, first served” basis.

The East Garden is only open on Wednesdays by kind permission of Lady Salisbury. The East Garden begins close to the House with a formal parterre and Kitchen Garden, but relaxes into informality as they descend to the New Pond, one of the few surviving features from the 1600’s.  Numerous trained fruit trees - varieties both heritage and modern - can be found in many parts of the East gardens.

The Park
Hatfield House is the centre of a large agricultural estate with extensive parkland and visitors can enjoy marked walks through the woodland and by the tranquil riverside. In the Park there are some hugely imposing oak, hornbeam and beech pollards. Visitors can purchase a booklet detailing the history of the trees and follow a trail around the Park, taking in not only the Veteran Oaks but some of the newly created woodlands, such as the Jubilee Wood.

St Etheldreda’s 12th century church
The church is open most afternoons and is the resting place of three Prime Ministers. Robert Cecil has a monument, designed by Maximilian Colt, in the Salisbury Chapel.

Hatfield Park Farm
Our 25 acre farm on the west side of Hatfield House shows the animals in a natural countryside setting. The Farm features animals such as donkeys, pigs, sheep, cows, goats and ponies as well as many types of ducks, chickens and geese. There are regular demonstrations including lambing and sheering.

Next to the Farm is Bloody Hollow play area. The play area contains a 2.5 metre scale model of Hatfield House for children to play in, on and around.

Stable Yard retail area
Stable Yard is a popular shopping destination with a range of exclusive shops including offers of beautifully designed gifts, jewellery, plants and treats.

The Coach House Restaurant serves a wide variety of delicious food throughout the day, serving morning coffee, light lunches and cooked meals plus afternoon tea. Snacks, drinks and ice creams are also available.

The retailers and restaurant are open Tuesday – Sunday almost all year round. There is no admission charge and parking is free.

Location
21 miles north of London
M25 junction 23, 7 miles - A1(M) junction 4, 2 miles – signed off A414 & A1000.
Pedestrian entrance opposite Hatfield Railway Station (Kings Cross, 20 minutes)
Free Parking is available for private cars and coaches. For Sat Nav please use AL9 5HX and follow the brown tourist signs.

Please check our website www.hatfield-house.co.uk prior to visiting for opening times / days, prices and full details of our facilities and events.

2015 season ends 30 September 2015
2016  season runs from 26 March  – 30 September 2016