Activities in Hatfield

Right at the top of our recommended days out in Hatfield is a visit to the resplendent Hatfield House and the surrounding Great Park. The sublime stately home was built at the beginning of the 17th century by Robert Cecil, the first Earl of Salisbury, and has remained in his family ever since. It’s one of the finest examples of Jacobean architecture in the country, and the house is open to the public, so you can explore its pristine interiors and exceptional collection of fine art and furniture. If the house looks familiar, it probably has something to do with the fact that Hatfield House is a favoured film location, which has appeared in ‘Tomb Raider’, period dramas and ‘Sherlock Holmes’. So follow in the footsteps of some famous names and pay a visit to this stunning piece of history.

When the sun is shining, and you’re looking for ways to enjoy the great outdoors, there are few better options than Stanborough Park in the nearby Welwyn Garden City. Also known as Stanborough Lakes, it’s 126 acres of waterways and walking trails with a popular watersports centre and a cafe if you get peckish, too. The boating lake is less than 3-feet deep, so it’s perfect for people beginning to learn how to sail or row. If you’re visiting Hatfield with a young family, the kids will also love the wildlife that calls Stanborough Park home, including swans, ducks and rabbits. Best of all, it’s less than a five-minute drive from our Hatfield hotel.

The nearby de Havilland Aircraft Museum is the oldest aviation museum in the UK and an excellent day out for aircraft enthusiasts who will know all about de Havilland and their long history of aeronautical innovations. The extensive collection includes more than 30 different de Havilland aircraft, as well as a dozen heritage engines, which helped to reshape the world. The museum is surrounded by beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, and the volunteer staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Entry is very reasonably priced as well. It’s certainly one of the top day trips in Hatfield.

Another fascinating option is the Mill Green Museum and Mill. It’s a working watermill, which dates back to the 18th century. You’ll find it in the sleepy village of Mill Green. It’s a picturesque setting, and the friendly staff do a great job of bringing the mill’s rich history to life. There’s also a lovely little cafe, so you can treat yourself to a delicious cream tea after you’ve finished learning about the mill.

If you are visiting Hatfield with the kids, treat them with a visit to Hatfield Park Farm. It’s a working farm, which stretches across 25 acres of countryside next to Hatfield House. Kids can feed and play with the farm animals, ride tractors and hop all aboard the miniature railway. Prices are very reasonable, especially compared to a lot of other animal farms. You can easily spend a couple of hours here. Obviously, it’s a lot less fun when the weather takes a turn for the worst.