Hatfield
Hatfield’s historic coaching inns and Georgian houses contrast with the post war new town and the bright new cosmopolitan seat of learning: the University of Hertfordshire’s main campus.
The 400 hundred year old Hatfield House is the most amazing treasure house, a royal Palace, and a Great Park. Allow the kids to let off steam in the 1,000 acres of history and see where Elizabeth I learnt of her ascension to the throne. Head for one of the park’s major events showground, Queen Elizabeth Oak field.
Top tip
Take to two wheels, armed with the Romans and Royalty Cycling Discovery Map, to ride the North Way, available to download for free at www. visiteastofengland.com
Shopping time
Don’t miss Hatfield’s great shopping bridge! Straddling the motorway yet close to the town itself, The Galleria boasts 60 stores over two floors with designer goods at great discount prices.
Once you’ve had your fill of bargains, the town promises more treats with various shops, Wednesday and Saturday markets and selection of restaurants. Take a relaxing break at one of Old Hatfield’s historic pubs for a refreshing reward – the Eight Bells perhaps, all beams and good ale.
Things to do
At Hatfield House the surviving redbrick wing of the Royal Palace might be dwarfed by Robert Cecil’s fine Jacobean house, but you can’t help feeling that Elizabeth I might step out of her childhood home at anytime for a stroll around the knot garden.
Though the Old Palace is reserved for celebrations these days, the Jacobean house has plenty of rooms to peer into and over 400 years of Cecil family history to explore. Take in the gardens, the pride and joy of the current green-fingered Marchioness of Salisbury.
There are 42 acres of plants originally sourced back in the17th Century by the famed John Trandescant the Elder. Take a trip out of town for more refreshing delights - head to the River Lea and the Mill Green Museum, the centre for Hatfield’s history. A visit to a remarkable 200 year old wooden watermill where milling has taken place for over a thousand years is a fascinating experience. Now fully restored it offers a full programme of family activities making an enjoyable day out.