Hatfield House
Hatfield House
4.5
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Park, Gardens & Woodland Walks are open each Wednesday to Sunday from 30th March 2024. The East Garden is only open on Wednesdays. Hatfield House itself reopens Thursday to Sunday from 23rd May 2024.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Jasmin Anisa A2 contributionsExcellent experience and Value for money.Today my mother and I spent some time at Hatfield house. We had a tour of the Old Palace by a tour guide Dermot, who was absolutely amazing. The wealth of knowledge and detail he gave during the tour was incredible. He was friendly and made us all feel so welcome. As Hatfield house was closed, we will definitely be going back in the Summer so Dermot can give us a tour of Hatfield house. The gardens were breathtaking and with the sun coming out from behind the clouds, just made the trip all that more special. Absolutely value for money and will be sure to go back again soon.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 May 2023
- Tricia J1 contributionFantastic StaffHatfield House and Gardens are beautiful even in the pouring rain! My friend who uses a mobility scooter and I visited on Wednesday and were delighted with the kindness and support shown by the staff, namely Neil, Trish, Julie and Mary. We will be back!Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 14 May 2023
- Mobile342790334731 contributionBee jeering experienceBee Keeping experience. This was a fantastic day and we were able to get up close yo the Bees. Barry, Terry and Georgine were so interesting and informative. I cant recommend this day enough. I will drfdo it again next year. It was great value for money suppling food and drink. If uou are interested in bees this is definitely a day for you.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 14 May 2023
- Elmfro9 contributionsFab beekeeping experienceWe had a great day learning about all things beekeeping. Lunch and refreshments were provided along with a goodie bag. Barry, Terry and Georgina were organised, friendly and knowledgeable, making the whole interactive day excellent value for money. Thank you very much!Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 17 May 2023
- Emma T1 contributionWonderful tour guide, well kept gardens for the whole family to enjoyBeautiful day visiting the park and gardens with my family . The old palace tour was very worthwhile and learnt a great deal thanks to Dermot and his amazing knowledge. He is a great asset to Hatfield house. Would highly recommend the coach house cafe for coffee and cake aswelVisited May 2023Written 22 May 2023
- shafir_arielTel Aviv, Israel33 contributionsA boost of beauty, oxygen, colors, composition and tranquility to your dietWhat a wonderful place ! Quiet ! Virgin ! A lot to see and walk - filling a full day. I recommend you start with one of the offered trails. We took the Red Way (7 km.). Select Hatfield Park ONLY in a sunny day and you get a paradise. Leave the 2nd part of your day for the western garden, the southern garden (if open) and the house. Full with harmony, beauty, history, posh splendor and very atmospheric. Back to paradise.Visited April 2023Written 25 May 2023
- Macey G5 contributionsStunning!Hatfield house is absolutely beautiful and so well kept and fascinating. There are tour guides in every room and one in particular, Dermot, was extremely helpful and informative. Such a gorgeous piece of history, an absolute must visit.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 2 June 2023
- Sophie D2 contributionsAMAZINGWhere to start! The house and gardens are absolutely beautiful! I must mention that my new freind Dermot who spoke to us In king George's drawing room was so lovely, informative and absolutely gorgeous! I can't thank him enough for making the visit even more amazing! The food in the Coach House Kitchen is especially lovely as well!Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 2 June 2023
- Richard PLondon, United Kingdom24 contributionsExcellentHad an amazing day at Hatfield House. The house and gardens are stunning. So much interesting history that was really brought to life by the staff, particularly Neil and Dermot who looked after my disabled mother beautifully and gave us the VIP history tour. Feel very lucky and privileged. Many thanks to them!Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 June 2023
- Carol FNiagara Falls, Canada19 contributionsAmazing! Thanks Dermot!My husband and I had the most lovely day here. My whole life I have wanted to see the place where Elizabeth I was staying when she inherited the throne. The main house was beautiful and the grounds even lovelier - but the truly hidden gem here was the staff! I had travelled around the world to see the old palace, and to walk the same hallways as Elizabeth. When I found out there was a possibility I might not be allowed to go to the old palace as there was a wedding the night before, I was beyond devastated. But in the true hospitable English way, the staff made sure my dream was fulfilled! A lovely lady at the front door of the House helped steer us in the direction of the best person to help us achieve our goal….Dermot! Dermot truly seems to be the heart of Hatfield! His love of this property and history was so delightful and truly made our visit more special than we could have hoped! He gave us a mini-private tour of the old palace. And it changed my life to be in the very building where Elizabeth and Cecil planned their first ideas of how they wanted their future England to be ruled. His explanation of all things Elizabeth made me so happy and really made the hallways come to life. He made our last day in England a memory that will last a lifetime! Thanks Dermot! And Hatfield House!Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 June 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,564 reviews
Excellent
934
Very good
340
Average
143
Poor
62
Terrible
86
Cath D
Preston, UK5 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We really enjoyed our visit to the Old Palace. Dermot was a very entertaining and well informed guide. It was an absolute pleasure to meet him. The grounds and gardens are lovely and we had a really enjoyable walk around. The only slight disappointment was the restaurant- my daughter bought a sandwich which had no mozzarella in it and when she took it back, was asked if she had taken the mozzarella out! This seems a strange way of apologising for selling her a sandwich that had the key ingredient missing. However, they did replace it and they were extremely busy - even at 2.30 pm, so I suppose mistakes do happen. Overall we had a lovely visit - my daughter wanted to say,’Thanks Dermot for a fab tour and for being so lovely’ so I have passed on the message!
Written 7 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunshine00191025953
1 contribution
May 2024 • Family
Walked around the woodlands followed by the old palace talk by Dermot who was absolutely brilliant. His tour of the old palace and knowledge was absolutely fantastic. He is an excellent guide and story teller and I highly recommend doing this talk for anyone visiting Hatfield House.
Written 7 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DorothyHerts
Herts17 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We visited Hatfield at the weekend. We love the courtyard and looking at the beautiful old buildings.
We went on the palace tour and had Dermot as our guide. He was so fantastic. He was so passionate and knowledgeable and kept the engagement of our 2 children for the whole hour. He shared facts we had never heard before and made us want to know more. It was amazing to be inside a building where the walls had so many secrets they could tell.
We walked around the beautiful gardens and had a wonderful afternoon.
The main house wasn’t open but we will be back in the summer to see the ‘Rainbow painting’ that Dermot had spoken about.
5*
We went on the palace tour and had Dermot as our guide. He was so fantastic. He was so passionate and knowledgeable and kept the engagement of our 2 children for the whole hour. He shared facts we had never heard before and made us want to know more. It was amazing to be inside a building where the walls had so many secrets they could tell.
We walked around the beautiful gardens and had a wonderful afternoon.
The main house wasn’t open but we will be back in the summer to see the ‘Rainbow painting’ that Dermot had spoken about.
5*
Written 6 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin S
0 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We had a fantastic historical tour of the Old Palace with Dermot, and discover led the true history of Hatfield House and an insight into the life of Elizabeth I by an incredible enthusiast! Thanks Dermot!
Written 5 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gillian P
1 contribution
May 2024 • Couples
We went to Hatfield House only to find the main house was shut until June.
We paid £7 each for a tour of the old Palace . We'll worth it. Our tour guide was the marvellous Dermot ...he lives and breathes the Tudor period and knows absolutely everything there is to know...He was the highlight of the day.
The gardens are beautiful and extremely well kept.
We are planning to go back again when the main house is open .
We paid £7 each for a tour of the old Palace . We'll worth it. Our tour guide was the marvellous Dermot ...he lives and breathes the Tudor period and knows absolutely everything there is to know...He was the highlight of the day.
The gardens are beautiful and extremely well kept.
We are planning to go back again when the main house is open .
Written 4 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma W
Chigwell, UK0 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Enjoyed a tour of the Old Palace. Our guide, Dermot, was absolutely fantastic - extremely knowledgeable and very personable. It was a real pleasure to be escorted through Tudor history by him.
Following our tour, we delighted in a lovely cream tea at the Coach House Kitchen, before taking in a scenic stroll around the park.
It was a wonderful day and we would highly recommend a visit.
Following our tour, we delighted in a lovely cream tea at the Coach House Kitchen, before taking in a scenic stroll around the park.
It was a wonderful day and we would highly recommend a visit.
Written 4 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara L
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
The gardens and woodland walks are well worth a visit, even on a cold day. My friend and I very much enjoyed a talk by Dermot, in the Old Palace. The staff are very welcoming and helpful. An apprentice gardener was keen to share his knowledge when we asked if he could identify a plant, plus he explained a large piece of land which had previously been a croquet lawn, was used to grow food for a local food bank during lockdown. It's now being used as a wild flower meadow.
Written 25 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Passenger640619
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Friends
Even though the weather was very cold, we enjoyed our visit to Hatfield Old Palace and gardens. Although we are repeat visitors, the gardens still offered plenty to see. The wild areas had carpets of blue bells and cowslips in bloom, while the east and west gardens had spectacular peonies. We stopped to ask a gardener about a few plants and he was very helpful in identifying them. At the recommendation of the friendly staff in the ticket booth, we decided to have a tour of the Old Palace. Our guide was Dermot and he brought the palace to life with his extensive knowledge of the history, a passion for the house, kindness and humour. We had a delicious lunch at the cafeteria where again the staff were very friendly and helpful. A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all and we will be visiting again.
Written 25 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandraW7204KO
London, UK12 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Had a wonderful time. Will definitely be back. Hadn't realised how big the park was so comfortable shoes a must if you plan on going for a walk. So many wonderful trees.
We knew the House would be closed so it was a bonus to find that the Okd Palace was open to visits. We had a guided tour with Dermott who is brilliant. He is a natural storyteller and has a way of making history come alive and keep your attention throughout. The hour flew by. Hope to see him do tours of the House when it opens.
We knew the House would be closed so it was a bonus to find that the Okd Palace was open to visits. We had a guided tour with Dermott who is brilliant. He is a natural storyteller and has a way of making history come alive and keep your attention throughout. The hour flew by. Hope to see him do tours of the House when it opens.
Written 21 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josie M
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Friends
We visited Hatfield House yesterday and joined a tour around the Old Palace. The building is incredibly beautiful and our guide Dermot was excellent. He told us in a really enjoyable and informative way about the Tudor and their links and influences upon Hatfield house. He made the visit memorable, thank you.
The gardens and grounds are also stunning. We will come again
The gardens and grounds are also stunning. We will come again
Written 21 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you have to pay to walk the grounds and park? From what I've seen on Google Maps there are multiple possible points of entry that are not supervised, nor are there any fences in place. A bit odd.
LBrand22
Merritt Island, FL139 contributions
Hi - there is one main entrance off the car park. You can walk around the buildings for free, but have to pay to enter the gardens and park areas. This is still a family home, with the family in residence at times. It’s well worth the visit. We loved the tour as well - the guide brought it all to life.
Safe travels!
Lamont G
Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom14 contributions
What time can I arrive at Simply Red concert, and what entrance?, I have V.I.P. tickets
N7603PScarols
London, England, United Kingdom5 contributions
map of the catchment
area for free pass
Caroline P
Grantham, UK9 contributions
We are planning on visiting may bank holiday Monday 6th May. Are the shops and restaurant open as well?
wombleok
Colchester, UK64 contributions
Sorry for the late reply erm yes they are open hope you had a great day
Hannah G
Bristol, UK4 contributions
Will the house be open Easter Saturday 2019? What are the facilities for the elderly, is the house easy to walk round/Not lots of steps/places to sit?
Hatfield H
Hatfield, UK
Hi Hannah, the house will be open on Easter Saturday as we re-open to the public on the 6th April (however will be closed on Good Friday).
We have a buggy service which can be used by our visitors at any point during their visit, to transport you to the various points of interest. Any member of staff can request this for you throughout the day. There is a Victorian lift within the house, which can be used by visitors who struggle to use the stairs. Just ask one of our members of staff and they will be able to assist. There is also a chair in each room of the house for visitors who are unable to stand for long periods of time. If you require further information please do not hesitate to contact us via our website.
talbar153
Tel Aviv, Israel2 contributions
Is it possible to arrive at this time of the year and take some pictures outside of the house? Even though it’s closed?
Hatfield H
Hatfield, UK
Unfortunately the House, Park and Gardens are all now closed to the public for the season and so this would not be possible. We will be opening back up on the 6th April for the 2019 season. We hope to see you next year! Thank you.
MFun_W8
London, UK119 contributions
Is this place dog friendly? We're at Knebworth House this weekend for Dog Fest, and always wanted to visit Hatfield House.
Hatfield H
Hatfield, UK
Thank you for your message.
Dogs are allowed in our park area, however not within the gardens.
We asked for dogs to remain on a lead when in the Stable Yard.
Jodie F
Sanford, FL63 contributions
I will be visiting Hatfield house in September. I heard that there is only one date that the old palace will be open during my stay, so I am planning my visit for that day. I see the house is open from 11-5, how much time should I allow to see both the house and the old palace? I am traveling solo.
FrintonDave
Frinton-On-Sea, UK25 contributions
The tour around the old palace needs to be booked on arrival and takes about an hour. You need a couple of hours for the house although it can be done in a lot less, depending on the detail you go into.
MaggieTurner
Hitchin, UK30 contributions
Are dogs allowed in the stable yard, cafe/restaurant if outside area and on leads?
Hatfield H
Hatfield, UK
Hi, yes dogs are most welcome as long as they are kept on a lead.
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Claim your listingHATFIELD HOUSE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hatfield House
- Hatfield House is open:
- Wed - Sun 11:00 - 16:00
- Hotels near Hatfield House:
- (0.25 mi) Lawn House
- (1.49 mi) The Comet Hotel
- (5.29 mi) Fleuchary House No. 29
- (1.17 mi) Premier Inn Hatfield Hotel
- (6.00 mi) Number One Port Hill
- Restaurants near Hatfield House:
- (0.17 mi) Coach House Kitchen
- (0.22 mi) Eight Bells
- (0.26 mi) Horse and Groom
- (0.26 mi) Amber Tea Room
- (0.27 mi) Taste of India
- Attractions near Hatfield House:
- (0.22 mi) The Eight Bells
- (0.87 mi) Welwyn Escape Rooms
- (0.86 mi) Mill Green Museum and Working Mill
- (4.65 mi) Your London Cabbie
- (5.53 mi) Locked Escape Rooms