Hatfield: Culture, History and Aviation

Hatfield can be explored from several distinct perspectives: Hatfield House, the West Garden and the Old Palace represent architecture and royal history; Mill Green Museum combines a working watermill with art and local history; Ellenbrook Fields, the Hatfield Beacon and a listed building on Comet Way add to its aviation history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Hatfield, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: would you rather explore historic buildings, changing museum exhibitions or the history of the former Hatfield Aerodrome?

Hatfield House, Old Palace and West Garden

Hatfield House was completed in 1611. Hatfield House features examples of Jacobean craftsmanship, including the finely carved Grand Staircase. The Old Palace provides an older architectural focal point and is one of the country’s most outstanding examples of medieval brickwork. The West Garden is laid out around the historic Old Palace, where Elizabeth I held her first council meeting as queen. This makes it possible to consider the town’s history by theme and distinguish between architecture and royal history: the Old Palace’s brickwork and the carved staircase are specific architectural details, while the West Garden is associated with a political event.

Mill Green Museum: watermill and changing exhibitions

Mill Green Museum is a working watermill in Hatfield, Hertfordshire; the building is listed Grade II*. Three galleries host changing exhibitions on art and local history. The listing applies to the building; the galleries and events offer different thematic points of interest. If you’re interested in a particular exhibition topic, check in advance whether it will be on display during your visit. The museum also offers events featuring family craft activities, baking workshops and live performances. Individual dates may vary, so if you have a particular event in mind, check whether it is scheduled during your visit.

Aviation history in landscapes and buildings

Ellenbrook Fields is an open grassland area on the site of the former Hatfield Aerodrome. The Hatfield Beacon was installed on the roof of the London Aeroplane Club in 1934 to help pilots return to Hatfield Aerodrome. These references highlight different aspects: Ellenbrook Fields is primarily a landscape on the former site, while the Beacon reflects its former navigation function. Another testament to aviation history is The Flight Test Hangar, Offices, Fire Station and Control Tower, British Aerospace, a building on Comet Way in Hatfield. It is listed Grade II*.

Getting your bearings around Hatfield Park

The pedestrian entrance to Hatfield Park is opposite Hatfield railway station. The station is therefore a useful landmark if Hatfield Park is part of your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Bayford, Meriden, Standon, Sawbridgeworth, Wadesmill, Bishops Stortford, Hitchin, Royston.

For the wider travel overview: Hertfordshire.