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Hatfield House and its collection

Hatfield House
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Hatfield House is a Jacobean style country house located in a large park to the east of Hatfield city, in Hertfordshire county, England. It was built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, the first Earl of Salisbury and minister to King James I. The house has been home to the Cecil family ever since and is currently the residence of Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, the 7th Marquess of Salisbury. The house is open to the public.

Queen Elizabeth's Artifacts at Hatfield House

Hatfield House is a popular attraction for tourists due to its collection of objects related to Queen Elizabeth. Among these are some gloves and a pair of stockings, which are believed to have been the first of their kind in England. The house also displays a parchment showing Queen Elizabeth's genealogy tracing back to Adam and Eve, and the Marble Hall houses the 'Ermine Portrait' of Elizabeth by Nicholas Hilliard.

Artifacts and Features of Hatfield House

The state rooms of Hatfield House showcase a variety of important artifacts, including paintings, furniture, tapestries, and armor. Among the most original Jacobean features of the house are the richly carved wooden Grand Staircase and the rare stained glass of the private chapel.

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History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Art & Design Art & Design Historic house Person & Artist Religion Medieval art & Early Renaissance art Renaissance art & Early modern art Garden & Park

#140 Art & Design in England #106 Gardens & parks in England #27 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in England #70 Person & artist museums in England #39 Religion museums in England #20 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in England #171 Art & Design in United Kingdom #117 Gardens & parks in United Kingdom #35 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in United Kingdom #83 Person & artist museums in United Kingdom #47 Religion museums in United Kingdom #24 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in United Kingdom

#140 Art & Design in England #106 Gardens & parks in England #27 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in England #70 Person & artist museums in England #39 Religion museums in England #20 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in England #171 Art & Design in United Kingdom #117 Gardens & parks in United Kingdom #35 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in United Kingdom #83 Person & artist museums in United Kingdom #47 Religion museums in United Kingdom #24 Renaissance art & Early modern art museums in United Kingdom

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Hatfield House
Hatfield Park
AL9 5NQ Hatfield

Images of Hatfield House

Visitor information Hatfield House

Opening hours

Open February half term & weekends in March 11am-4pm, last entry is at 3pm. Open Wednesday to Sunday & bank holidays from Saturday 5th April 2025

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Admission

Ticket Prices vary. Please check the website.

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Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop
Parking
Coffee
Restaurant
Child-friendly

Location & Map

Hatfield Park, Hatfield

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Hatfield House have been found.

Hatfield House Reviews

Hatfield House has 2 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    Hatfield House is a well-preserved Jacobean estate that offers visitors a glimpse into English history and architecture. The house, set in beautiful gardens and parkland, features stunning examples of 17th-century craftsmanship and decor. Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained interiors, including the Long Gallery and the Marble Hall, which showcase intricate details and historical artifacts. The gardens are often highlighted as a particular draw, with their manicured lawns, colorful flower beds, and peaceful woodland walks.

    The estate's connection to Tudor history, particularly its association with Queen Elizabeth I, is a significant point of interest for many. The Old Palace, where Elizabeth spent much of her childhood, adds an extra layer of historical significance to the site.

    While most visitors find the experience positive, some mention that the entrance fee can be considered steep, especially for families. Additionally, a few reviewers note that certain areas of the house may have limited access during events or filming, which can occasionally disappoint visitors.

    The on-site café and gift shop receive mixed reviews, with some praising the quality of food and souvenirs, while others find them overpriced.

    Overall, Hatfield House is generally regarded as a worthwhile visit for those interested in English history, architecture, and gardens, offering a well-rounded experience that combines educational value with aesthetic appeal.

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  • C
    Camille • Aug 21, 2023

    Beautiful and fascinating house.The guides were friendly and informative however ,the guide in the first room was talking at length about the unattributed portrait of Queen Elizabeth the First but allowed American tourists to monopolise his talk choosing to ignore me and my friends.Rather rude ,we paid the same entrance fee.

    Visited on Aug 20, 2023

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