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Hatfield House
Hatfield House Review
Six miles east of St. Albans, this outstanding brick mansion surrounded by lovely formal gardens stands as a testament to the magnificence of Jacobean architecture. Robert Cecil, earl of Salisbury, built Hatfield in 1611, and his descendants still live here. The interior, with its dark-wood paneling, lush tapestries, and Tudor and Jacobean portraits, reveals much about the era. Perhaps the finest feature is the ornate Grand Staircase, with carved wooden figures on the banisters. By the knot garden is the Old Palace (not open to the public), built around 1485, with its medieval brickwork. Wednesday is the only day on which the East Garden, with topiaries, parterres, and rare plants, is open.
The Elizabethan Banquet is a hearty five-course dinner accompanied by kitschy entertainment from the minstrels. St. Albans. 01707/262055. www.hatfield-house.co.uk.
- Address: Off AI, Hatfield, AL9 5NQ | Map It
- Phone: 01707/287010
- Cost: House, gardens, and park £12.50; East Gardens £4; park £3; farm and adventure playground £6
- Hours: Easter-Sept., mansion Wed.-Sun. and national holidays Mon. noon-5; West Garden Wed.-Sun. and national holiday Mon. 11-5; East Garden Wed. 11-5, farm and adventure playground Tues.-Sun. and national holiday Mon. 10-5:30
- Website: www.hatfield-house.co.uk
- Location: St. Albans
Contact Information
Member Reviews
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thunter, from San Diego
Hatfield is wonderful. I visited the banquet hall where Elizabeh I and other Tudors had spent time. The grounds are beautiful. The tree where Elizabeth I was told she was Queen has died but the spot is marked with a new tree planted by Elizabeth II. Would have loved to attended one of the evening banquets. The cast was great. Across the street from the Train.
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