Old Hatfield Hertfordshire
Discover Hatfield House, a stunning Jacobean mansion and childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I, set in beautiful Hertfordshire parkland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom
Old Hatfield Hertfordshire
Best Time
Gardens in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Hatfield House, a stunning Jacobean mansion and childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I, set in beautiful Hertfordshire parkland.
"Step into history at Hatfield House, a place of royal legacy and breathtaking gardens."
🎯 Book Hatfield House Tickets
Check opening times and book tickets online in advance, especially for special events .
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be exploring extensive grounds and historical sites, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hatfield House
Hatfield
A magnificent Jacobean mansion with stunning gardens, once Queen Elizabeth I's childhood home.
Old Palace Garden
Hatfield House
Wander through the historic gardens where Queen Elizabeth I spent her formative years.
Roman Verulamium
St Albans (nearby)
Explore the remnants of Britain's second-largest Roman city, a short trip from Hatfield.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History (and the Quiet)
Beyond the House: Explore St Albans
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Hatfield House Tickets
Check opening times and book tickets online in advance, especially for special events.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be exploring extensive grounds and historical sites, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Consider Public Transport
Hatfield is accessible by train from London. St Albans is also well-connected.
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of picturesque spots at Hatfield House and Roman Verulamium for your photos. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Hatfield House Tickets
Check opening times and book tickets online in advance, especially for special events.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be exploring extensive grounds and historical sites, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Consider Public Transport
Hatfield is accessible by train from London. St Albans is also well-connected.
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of picturesque spots at Hatfield House and Roman Verulamium for your photos. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Explore St Albans Food Scene
Don't miss the diverse culinary offerings in nearby St Albans, from pubs to international cuisine.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Old Hatfield, Hertfordshire, is primarily celebrated for the magnificent Hatfield House and its rich royal history, offering beautiful gardens and a glimpse into Tudor and Jacobean life. While some find the town itself quiet, the nearby city of St Albans provides a vibrant contrast with Roman ruins and a lively atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the historical significance and scenic beauty, though some note the town's understated nature.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a direct train from London King's Cross to Hatfield station, which takes about 25 minutes.
St Albans is also easily reachable by train from London, with frequent services.Yes, there are car parks available in Hatfield town centre. Parking at Hatfield House is also available for visitors to the house and grounds.
Absolutely! St Albans is a short train or bus ride away from Hatfield, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Hatfield is well-served by National Rail services, making it accessible for those traveling without a car. Buses also operate within the town and surrounding areas.
The town centre is walkable, and local buses connect different parts of Hatfield. For exploring further afield, trains are a convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, tickets are required for Hatfield House, its gardens, and the park. Prices vary depending on what you wish to visit.
Check their official website for current pricing and opening times.Family tickets and concessions are often available for Hatfield House. Keep an eye on their website for any special offers or group rates.
Yes, the Verulamium Park and Museum in St Albans are open to the public. There may be an admission fee for the museum and specific attractions within the park.
Hatfield House has seasonal opening hours, and parts of it may be closed for private events. It's essential to check the official Hatfield Park website before your visit.
No, The Galleria Outlet Shopping Centre in Hatfield is free to enter. You only pay for the items you purchase.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Explore the grand Jacobean house, wander through the beautiful gardens and parkland, and discover the historic Old Palace.
Family tours are often available.Yes, Hatfield House and its grounds are very family-friendly, with open spaces for children to explore and specific family tours.
You can see the remains of Roman walls, a theatre, and a hypocaust system. The Verulamium Museum provides further context and artifacts from the Roman era.
Yes, guided tours are often available, particularly focusing on the history of the house and its connection to Queen Elizabeth I.
The Galleria is an outlet shopping centre featuring a variety of retail stores, a cinema, and dining options.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Hatfield town centre has various cafes and restaurants. The Coach House Kitchen at Hatfield House offers refreshments.
The Galleria also has dining options.St Albans has a fantastic food scene with many pubs, cafes, and restaurants offering diverse cuisines, from traditional British to Vietnamese.
Picnic areas are usually available in the parkland of Hatfield House, but check their specific policies regarding outside food and drink.
The Galleria offers a range of casual dining options, including fast food, cafes, and family-friendly restaurants.
Most restaurants in Hatfield and St Albans will offer vegetarian options. Vegan choices are becoming more common, especially in St Albans' diverse eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand facade of Hatfield House, the formal gardens, the Old Palace Garden, and the surrounding parkland offer numerous stunning photo opportunities.
Photography rules inside historic houses can vary. Generally, photography is allowed in the gardens and grounds, but may be restricted inside the house itself. Check signage upon arrival.
Yes, the historic Abbey, the charming streets, and the Roman Verulamium site provide excellent backdrops for photography in St Albans.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for photographing Hatfield House and its gardens. Midday can be harsh but still works for architectural details.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites like Hatfield House and its grounds due to privacy and safety concerns. Always check the official policy before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
🛍️ Shoppers & Entertainment Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hatfield House: A Royal Legacy
The surrounding Hatfield Park is equally impressive, featuring formal gardens designed in the 17th century and vast expanses of woodland. The Old Palace Garden is particularly significant, as it's believed to be where Queen Elizabeth I received news of her accession to the throne. The estate also hosts various events throughout the year, adding another layer of interest for visitors.
The Roman Echoes of Verulamium
The Verulamium Museum complements the outdoor ruins by displaying a wealth of artifacts discovered on the site, such as mosaics, pottery, and personal items. Walking through the park, you can still trace the outlines of the Roman city walls and imagine life as it was over 2,000 years ago. It’s a stark contrast to the grandeur of Hatfield House, offering a different, yet equally compelling, historical perspective.
The Galleria: Modern Retail Amidst History
It stands as a testament to Hatfield's evolution, offering a stark contrast to the historical sites like Hatfield House and Roman Verulamium. It's a place where locals and visitors can enjoy shopping, catch a movie, or grab a bite to eat, proving that Hatfield offers a blend of historical depth and modern convenience, even if some find its pace more relaxed.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit