Attraction in Hatfield
Hatfield House & Gardens
Hatfield
Hertfordshire
AL9 5NQ | View map
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Home of the Cecil family for 400 years, Hatfield House is possibly the
most celebrated Jacobean house in England. Steeped in Elizabethan and
Victorian political history it stands in its own great park and is
famous for its exquisite furniture, tapestries and paintings.
Built in 1611 by Robert Cecil 1st Earl of Salisbury and designed to
house an extensive family as well as state visits by his Monarch, it was
built from, and contained nothing but, the best. Rich in the
craftsmanship of the day the fine carving and rare stained glass, and
the Grand Staircase all give a new meaning to the word grand. The house
is full of fine furniture and fittings, outstanding portraits including
that of Elizabeth herself, holding a rainbow with the inscription "no
rainbow without the sun" in Latin. The Elizabethans just adored
symbolism.
There are 42 acres of formal gardens which have been developed over the
years to reflect their Jacobean origins. In the grounds stands part of
the historic Old Palace where Elizabeth I spent her childhood, now a
spectacular venue for weddings, private functions and Elizabethan
banquets.
Hatfield Park Farm
Established in 2011, the anniversary year of the House, Hatfield Park
Farm covers an area of approximately 25 acres on the west side of the
House. The working farm shows the animals in a natural countryside
setting. While walking amongst the paddocks visitors can see pigs,
sheep, ponies and many types of ducks and geese as well. By taking
advantage of the feeding stations visitors can see them up close.
Children can play in the sand pits, bounce around on the tractor tyres
and climb up and over the wooden tractor.
There are also tractor and trailer rides around the farm daily and a
miniature train that runs at weekends and during the school holidays.
Next to the Farm is Bloody Hollow, also introduced in 2011. The play
area continues a scale model of Hatfield House for children to play in,
out and on top of.
Stable Yard
The newly refurbished Stable Yard is now home to a variety of
independent retailers as well as our own Hatfield House Gift Shop.
Amongst our retailers you will find a wide selection of presents and
mementos to take home. We hope you will enjoy exploring the antique shop
and gallery where you will find interesting and original works. The
central obelisk topped with a pineapple, a sign of hospitality, welcomes
you to the Coach House Restaurant. Stable Yard hosts many activities
throughout the year including buskers, face painting and craft days!
Stable Yard is open independently of the House and Gardens throughout
the year.
Details
Nearest UK Airport: Luton
Tourist Info Number: 0871 716 2253
Groups/Parties Welcome: Yes
Discount for Groups: Yes
Coach Parking: Yes
Car Parking: Yes
Wedding Facilities: Yes
Conference Facilities: Yes
Contact Name for Groups: CURATOR: Conferences: Old Palace
Gift Shop: Yes
Catering: Restaurant and Tea Rooms
More Attractions nearby
Activity World (0.63 miles)
Toddler World (0.71 miles)
Mill Green Museum and Mill (1.00 miles)
Stanborough Park (1.94 miles)
De Havilland Aircraft Heritage Centre (3.47 miles)
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