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Hatfield House

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Hatfield House Summary

 

Hatfield House Description

Home of the Cecil family for 400 years, Hatfield House is possibly the most celebrated Jacobean house in England. Steeped in Elizabethan and Victorian political history it stands in its own great park and is famous for its exquisite furniture, tapestries and paintings.

Built in 1611 by Robert Cecil 1st Earl of Salisbury and designed to house an extensive family as well as state visits by his Monarch, it was built from, and contained nothing but, the best. Rich in the craftsmanship of the day the fine carving and rare stained glass, and the Grand Staircase all give a new meaning to the word grand. The house is full of fine furniture and fittings, outstanding portraits including that of Elizabeth herself, holding a rainbow with the inscription "no rainbow without the sun" in Latin. The Elizabethans just adored symbolism.

A strong political connection comes down over the centuries, dealing ably with the gradual transition of power from the Monarch to the elected government. One can imagine leading politicians of the day pacing the 170 feet long gallery after its lengthening in 1781, or King James's drawing room now with its lifesize statue of the King himself.

There are 42 acres of formal gardens which have been developed over the years to reflect their Jacobean origins. In the grounds stands part of the historic Old Palace where Elizabeth I spent her childhood, now a spectacular venue for weddings, private functions and Elizabethan banquets.

The Hatfield of the present day carries its historic legacy with grace and a splendour that does not overwhelm. Historic homes can be a prey to those who would rob them of their integrity, but 21st century visitors to a Jacobean Hatfield are entertained by a house, garden and estate that stays true to itself.

For instance, Hatfield enters wholeheartedly into the enjoyment of Christmas. A seasonal Market assembles Christmas shopping of good taste and ample choice, a Christmas Frost Fair, a Christmas Shopping coffee morning, Swazi voices in concert in the Marble Hall, and the Concert of Christmas Music, with plenty of mulled wine and mince pies in evidence, all combine to offer a convincing display of ongoing useage and pleasure.

The party rolls on through the year with a Wedding Fair, Living Crafts, Battle Proms, a display of Art in Clay with the chance to purchase from young designers to international makers, Shakespeare in the Park and the ever popular Hatfield House Country Show.

Hatfield is a fine example of an historic property that has handled the transformation of a private home into a place than can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you seek quiet parkland, beautiful gardens, a gracious house or something more rumbustious from their wide range of events. For those who are fortunate enough to be married at Hatfield there could be few finer places at which to join the wedding cord. Why not visit their comprehensive Website for details and events information?

Weddings, Banquets and Conferences
Weddings, banquets, and conferences are grist to their mill at Hatfield and excellent opportunities for anything from a cup of tea to a full on meal can be enjoyed in the Coach House Restaurant. Should you want to meet the Victorians of Hatfield you can arrange to arrive with your group and be met by Thomas the Footman before having an audience with Queen Victoria who happens to be the guest of her Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury. By way of some light relief after that experience a musical interlude with songs from Gilbert and Sullivan brings everyone back to earth.

Opening Times - 2012

7th April - 30th September:

  • House: Wednesday - Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays, 12 - 5 pm (last admission 4 pm)
  • East Garden: Wednesday, 11 am - 5.30 pm (last admission 4.30 pm)
  • West Garden: Tuesday - Sunday & Bank Holidays, 10 am - 5 pm (last admission 4.30pm)
  • Park: Daily, 11 am - 5.30 pm (last admission 5 pm)
  • Stable Yard Shops: Tuesday - Sunday & Bank Holidays, 11 am - 5.30 pm
  • Restaurant: Tuesday - Sunday & Bank Holidays, 10 am - 5 pm
  • Hatfield Park Farm & Bloody Hollow: Tuesday - Sunday & Bank Holidays, 10 am - 5.30 pm (or dusk)

Admission Prices - 2012

(except during major events - see website)

Hatfield House & Park

  • Adult - £10.00
  • Senior - £9.00
  • Child - £5.50
  • Pre-booked Group (20+) - £8.00

Hatfield House, West Garden & Park

  • Adult - £15.50
  • Senior - £14.50
  • Child - £8.50
  • Pre-booked Group (20+) - £13.50


West Garden & Park

  • Adult - £9.50
  • Senior - £8.50
  • Child - £5.00
  • Pre-booked Group (20+) - £7.50


Park Only

  • Adult - £3.00
  • Senior - £3.00
  • Child - £2.00

East Garden - (extra cost – open Wednesday only)

  • Adult - £4.00
  • Senior - £4.00
  • Child - £4.00
  • Pre-booked Group (20+) - £4.00

Hatfield Park Farm & Bloody Hollow (Tuesday - Sunday)

  • Adult - £6.00
  • Senior - £6.00
  • Child - Free

Stable Yard - Free Entry
House Audio Tours - £3.00
Guided House Tours (per tour – up to 30 people) - £40.00

Contact:

Weddings, Functions: +44 (0)1707 287080

Elizabethan Banquets: + 44 (0)1707 262055

Owner: The 7th Marquess of Salisbury

Director Visitors: Julie Loughlin

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.

Further information including opening times and prices

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Additional Info for Hatfield House

  • YesParks
  • YesGardens
  • YesPlaygrounds
  • YesDogs allowed
  • YesWeddings
  • YesDisabled Access
  • YesEducation
  • YesRefreshments
  • YesPicnics
  • YesGuides
  • YesMeals Available
  • YesConferences
  • YesFilming
  • YesGifts
  • YesLive Entertainment
  • YesShop
  • YesCar Parking

Credit Cards Accepted

  • YesMastercard
  • YesVisa
  • YesDelta
  • YesSwitch

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