Hatfield House
Hertfordshire, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Hatfield House
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Hatfield AL9 5HX
Telephone 01707 287000
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
Hatfield House is a Jacobean mansion built around the surviving wing of the older Tudor palace where Elizabeth I spent her childhood. Reviewers rate the guided Old Palace tour highly for its storytelling, and the wider estate offers rambling gardens with walks of varying length alongside the main house.
Worth the trip
The surviving Old Palace wing, where Elizabeth I was educated as a child.
Before you go
Check opening times for the main house tour separately from the Old Palace tour, as reviewers note the two don't always run on the same schedule.
Reviewers overwhelmingly single out one guide, Dermot, and his tour of the Old Palace as the standout part of the visit, describing him as an exceptional and moving storyteller with deep knowledge of English history. The gardens and woodland walks are consistently praised as beautiful, and the cafe and ice cream are mentioned favourably by several visitors. A practical point raised more than once is that Hatfield House only opens on certain days during the summer season, so checking opening times in advance is recommended. Overall the reviews are strongly positive with no significant recurring complaints.
Jacobean house, childhood home of Elizabeth I
“Hatfield House is only open on certain days during the summer, usually from May to September. We thought it was a fantastic place to visit, with loads of history. The staff were really helpful and willing to share…”- John Waller, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “I have to say the best part of our visit was the visit to the old Palace and the tour guide, Mr Dermot , was one of the best tour guides I have ever seen.” - sayeh Ahm
- How long to allow
- “The house itself is wonderful and each room is beautiful laid out with information boards and guides to help you Well worth a visit for a full day.” - Paul Allen
- Facilities
- “This place is less than 20 minutes from London and it is possible to play tennis and you can also have a picnic here.” - sayeh Ahm
Common questions about Hatfield House
Where is Hatfield House?
Hatfield House is in Hertfordshire, England, at Hatfield AL9 5HX.
Do you need a ticket to visit Hatfield House?
Yes - Hatfield House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Hatfield House. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Hatfield House?
The surviving Old Palace wing, where Elizabeth I was educated as a child.
Is Hatfield House a ruin or still intact?
Hatfield House is largely intact - Jacobean house, childhood home of Elizabeth I.
