Hatfield House

Hatfield House is one of Britain’s most recognised tourist attractions and a very popular Great British Heritage Pass sight. An icon of English heritage, the marvellous Hatfield House should be part of any Britain sightseeing tour.

Hatfield House in Hertfordshire is the magnificent stately home of the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury. Queen Elizabeth spent much of her childhood in this home, and it was sitting under the oak tree in the park where she found out that she would be the new Queen, as her sister Mary, the current Queen, had just died.

Begin your tour of Hatfield House in the Old Palace, one of the foremost examples of medieval brickwork in England. Queen Elizabeth I held her first Council of State in the Banqueting Hall there. The Old Palace was also used as stables for three centuries, until it was restored by the 4th Marquess.

Visit the Great Hall, and notice its wonderfully extravagant oak carving. It was once a dining room and covers two floors of Hatfield House. Be sure to notice the tapestries, which represent mythological subjects and are a part of a se of Brussels tapestry from the 17th century.

The Grand Staircase is one of the finest examples of the period in existence, elaborately carved, with each pillar surmounted by a figure. Wondering what the gates at the bottom of the staircase were used for? It was to prevent dogs running to the upstairs of Hatfield House.

In King James’ Drawing Room you will find the principal reception room in Hatfield House, which has a life-size statue of James I. Admire the windows, furniture, and decorated panels on the doors, which date back to the 18th century.

Head into the Long Gallery, which runs the entire length of the South Front of Hatfield House. No great house of the early 17th century would have been considered complete without one!

The North Gallery is just off of the Long Gallery. Notice its paneling, for part of it slides open to reveal windows to the Marble Hall. Here wives would keep an eye on their husbands after dinner, making sure they didn’t drink too much!

Explore the Winter Dining Room of Hatfield House, which was created from a bedchamber and its adjoining withdrawing room. It was regularly used by the family during the winter months, up until the first World War.

In the Library you’ll find no less than 10,000 volumes dating from the 16th century to the present day. It occupies the site of the original Great Parlour and Withdrawing Chamber, on the ‘Queen’s’ side of the house.

Heading into the Chapel, notice the stained glass window, which depicts scenes from the Old Testament. It dates back to 1610 and was made by English, French, and Flemish glass-painters. The Hatfield House Chapel is still in use today as a place of worship. Afterwards, step into the Armoury and admire the battle gear of knights long ago.

Once your visit in Hatfield House is complete, take a stroll through the Garden and Park. The present Dowager Lady Salisbury dedicated 30 years to the restoration and improvement of the garden. Here you’ll also find one of the finest collections of model soldiers in the world, with eleven showcases each showing a particular aspect of the world of model soldiers.

Your visit to Hatfield House, an essential part of British heritage, will surely be an enjoyable one.

Planning your visit to Hatfield House

Hatfield House will provisionally be open from Easter Sunday (April 7th) until the end of September. From Wednesday to Sunday & on bank holidays Hatfield House is open from 12 noon to 5 pm (last admissions 4 pm).