Hatfield House

For the 2020 season groups visiting Hatfield House will be able to enjoy a special exhibition about the life of Lord Burghley. Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch, learned of her accession to the throne when she was living at Hatfield. She was to rule England and Ireland for over 40 years. At her side for most of that time was one man: William Cecil, Lord Burghley. He was Elizabeth’s most trusted and loyal advisor. When she appointed him as her Secretary of State at Hatfield in 1558, three days after her accession, a political dynasty was founded in the very place that would later become the Cecil family home. 　 Burghley was involved in all areas of government policy and presided over some of the most significant events of Elizabeth’s reign, including the religious settlement of the 1550s, the trial and execution of Mary Queen of Scots, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Burghley’s story is the story behind the “Golden Age”. This exhibition, on the 500th anniversary of his birth, celebrates his achievements and legacy. It will be enjoyed by all those visiting Hatfield House during the 2020 open season.

Group rates are available for pre-booked and pre-paid admission for groups of 15 or more to the House, Garden, Park & Woodland Walks. One organiser per group will be admitted free of charge. Groups rates are not available on arrival. Normal admission prices will apply. GUIDED HOUSE TOURS Pre-booked guided House tours are available at an additional cost of £50 per group (up to 20 people). A house tour lasts approximately one hour and can be booked any time between 11.30am and 3.30pm. For any groups larger than 20 people a 2nd tour will need to be booked and can be scheduled to run concurrently. For those not selecting a guided tour, we have very knowledgeable guides positioned in each room to answer all of your questions. NEW FOR 2020 – EXCLUSIVE HOUSE TOURS New for 2020, we are excited to offer the chance for groups to have exclusive access to Hatfield House on dates when we are closed to the general public. If you are interested in taking a guided tour with one of our expert guides, please call us on 01707 287010 and we will be happy to talk to you in more detail about making a booking. GARDEN TOURS You can now pre-book a tour of the Garden for up to 30 people. These can be scheduled to follow on from a tour of the house, or can be booked entirely independently. Tours will last roughly 75 minutes and can be booked to take place on Thursday or Friday starting from 10am-2:30pm. We ask that tours are arranged with at least 2 weeks notice. You are now able to book a tour with our Head Gardener for £150 per group, or alternatively with a Garden Guide for £75 per group. On Thursdays, tours of the East Garden (Private Garden) are also available with the Head Gardener as your guide.