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.