Herts #11: Hatfield House

Steeped in over 400 years of history, with gardens and over 40 acres of peaceful wandering.

Nearest town: Hatfield

Distance: Flexible

Duration: Around 1 hour or flexible

I absolutely adore Hatfield House as home to my favourite historical figure. Hatfield House is generally a popular tourist attraction because it has so many objects associated with Queen Elizabeth I, including gloves and a pair of silk stockings that are believed to have been the first in England. The library displays a 22-foot long illuminated parchment roll showing the pedigree of the queen with ancestors back to Adam and Eve. The Marble Hall holds the the Rainbow Portrait too. It is said that Elizabeth first found out she was Queen under that very Oak tree.

The added benefit is that the park (not the house itself) is dog friendly and all paths are completely accessible and paved, with a possibility of exploring the less accessible woodland area.

Check out the events page at Hatfield House, there is often something fun, for the families and the community. There is a fabulous café on site.

Please do diligently review the website Visit - Hatfield Park (hatfield-house.co.uk) for charges and opening hours.

Free OS Map link to the general area: Hatfield | OS Maps

Free Hertfordshire Walker routes in Hatfield: Hertfordshire Walker: Search results for Hatfield

And, as you can see on OS map printed below, there are a few free walks you can take from around Hatfield House and into the nearby beautiful villages like Essendon: