A magnificent country house
Hatfield House is a beautiful country house set in the flowing countryside of Hatfield. This magnificent Jacobean house is a leading example of the prodigy house that was built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury and Chief Minister to King James I. It has been the home of the Cecil family ever since. Hatfield House is a prime example of Jacobean architecture. The estate has extensive grounds and the house, currently the home of Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 7th Marquess of Salisbury, is open to the public.
History
Originally there was an earlier building on the site and was the Royal Palace of Hatfield. Only part of this still exists and is a short distance from the present house. That palace was the childhood home and favourite residence of Queen Elizabeth I. It was built in 1497 by the Bishop of Ely. John Cardinal Morton, comprised four wings in a square surrounding a central courtyard. Henry VIII seized the Palace with other church properties.
Inside Hatfield House
Inside the Hatfield House you will see a wealth of amazing history and architecture. From the Rainbow Portrait of Queen Elizabeth to the Marble Hall and Grand Staircase. Walk round the superb Library and stroll through The King James Drawing Room and Long & North Galleries. Marvel at the Adam & Eve Staircase, the Winter Dining Room and Chines Bedroom. And not forgetting the beautiful Chapel. You can see the Old Palace in all its splendour and take a look around the Victorian Kitchen and The Armoury.
The Gardens
There is so much to see in Gardens at Hatfield House. Renaissance, The Garden, The Sundial Garden, Pleached Lime Walk, Queen Victoria's Gates, Stone Frieze of Queen Elizabeth, The East Garden (Open Wednesdays), Old Palace Garden and Woodland Garden are but a few.
The Park
the stunning park includes Hatfield Park Farm, Woodland Walks, Veteran Trees, Woodland & Deer Park, Conservation Policy, Real Tennis Courts and St Etheldreda's Parish Church. Both the Park and Gardens are truly magnificent.
Company Info
- Hatfield House
- Melon Ground, Hatfield, AL9 5NB
- 01707 287010
- visitors@hatfield-house.co.uk
- www.hatfield-house.co.uk
Opening Times
- Tue 10am - 5.30pm
- Wed 10am - 5.30pm
- Thur 10am - 5.30pm
- Fri 10am - 5.30pm
- Sat 10am - 5.30pm
- Sun 10am - 5.30pm
Additional info:
Please check Opening Times as they might vary
Facilities
- Toilets
- Free Parking
- Food and Drink
- Guided Tour
- Disabled Access
- Souvenir Shop
- Group Bookings
- Entrance Fee