Last updated on 26 September 08

Hatfield House Garden

  5.0/5 (1 ratings)
  • East Garden, Hatfield House Photograph © Hatfield House
  • Hatfield House Photograph © Hatfield House
  • Hatfield House Garden, Hertfordshire Photograph © Hatfield House
  • Hatfield house spring Photograph © Hatfield House
  • Hatfieldknotgarden Photograph © Hatfield House

Gardenvisit Editorial

An Elizabethan park with a famous Jacobean house which had a great Jacobean garden, designed by Thomas Chaundler, Salomon de Caus and John Tradescant. The layout has changed many times since then but now has a 'seventeenth century character' with terraces and garden enclosures, including a knot garden, herb garden and privy garden. The East Garden adjoining the Jacobean house is more formally planted with its parterre, topiary, herbaceous borders and vegetable garden. The park is well-wooded has an ancient avenue of oak trees.

Head Gardener's Comment

Dating from the 17th century, the gardens at Hatfield House have evolved into a gardeners’ paradise. Visitors can enjoy the peace of the West Garden with its scented garden and fountains, and view the famous knot garden adjoining the Tudor Old Palace where Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood. Formal and wilderness gardens, delightful in spring with bluebells and daffodils, are open throughout the season. The East garden bordering the Jacobean house, home of the Cecil family for 400 years, is more formally planted with its parterre, topiary, herbaceous borders and vegetable garden. The Park has extensive walks and picnic area. Dogs welcome in park. Part of the RHS Member Gardens scheme & National Gardens Scheme. Major events include Country Show, Living Crafts and Rose Weekend/Garden Show in June.

History

Dating from the 17th century, the gardens at Hatfield House have evolved into a gardeners’ paradise. Visitors can enjoy the peace of the West Garden with its scented garden and fountains, and view the famous knot garden adjoining the Tudor Old Palace where Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood. The East garden bordering the Jacobean house, home of the Cecil family for 400 years, is more formally planted with its parterre, topiary, herbaceous borders and vegetable garden.

Address - The House Office, Hatfield House, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, AL9 5NQ
Opening times - Easter to September. House, Park & West Garden open Wed-Sun & BH Mon. East Garden only open Thursdays Open 11am to 5:30pm.
Admission - Adult House, Park & West Garden £10.50, Park & West Garden £6, Park only £2.50, Extra charge of £3.50 for East Garden.
Website - Visit the Hatfield House Garden website

Designers and Influences

This garden has been designed and influenced by Salomon de Caus, Alicia Amherst, John Tradescant

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Recent Reviews

  • about 1 year ago Anonymous said

    i feel its a great shame.the green outside the house itself has been turned into a car park.i used to love watching the cricket matches when i was achild and in my teens/

    (5.0/5)

See all the reviews of Hatfield House Garden