Visit to Hatfield House & Gardens

Thursday 11 September 2025

Cost: £44.50

Dews coach departs:

Madingley Road Park and Ride: 8.00 am

Trumpington Park and Ride: 8.15 am

Coach departs Hatfield House at 4.30 pm

Hatfield House is the historic Jacobean house where Queen Elizabeth 1 spent much of her childhood. In the Park, an oak tree marks the place where the young Princess Elizabeth heard of her accession to the throne. Home of the 7th Marquess & Marchioness of Salisbury, the Estate has been in the Cecil family for 400 years.  When we arrive we will have tea/coffee and a slice of cake in the Coach House Kitchen, included in the price paid. We then have the morning to explore the gardens, dating from the early 17th century. The formal West Garden is a riot of colour, including the pergola and stunning Stone Frieze of Queen Elizabeth. The East Garden, with its elegant parterres and topiary, can best be viewed from the first floor of the House. The Old Palace Garden with its intricate design bordered by box hedges is lovely. You can also venture further out into the Woodland Garden to explore the imposing ancient oak, hornbeam and beech pollarded trees, as well as many late flowering shrubs.

In the afternoon we shall have a guided tour of the House. With its extravagant oak carving, the Marble Hall remains much as Robert Cecil, the 1st Earl of Salisbury built it in 1611 and houses the famous Rainbow Portrait of the Queen. Other impressive state rooms include the King James Drawing Room, Long Gallery, Library, Chapel and Armoury, housing magnificent works of art, porcelain, furniture and other treasures.

If you have mobility issues please contact one of the organisers.

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U3AC is not responsible for any loss, injury or damage incurred during Cultural and Social Activities.

Please note that refunds cannot be made once a place has been given, unless we have someone on the waiting list to refund you. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

All organisers are instructed to follow U3AC’s rules in respect of personal data provided by members.

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