The old town of Hatfield is clustered around Hatfield House. The ancient parish church of St.Etheldreda, which stands in Fore Street, dates from the 13th century. The old town and its trade depended on the Great North Road and later the coming of the railway. The new town of Hatfield began to develop in the late 1800s and became an important railway centre.
It expanded dramatically in the 1930s following the opening of the de Havilland aircraft factory. Some of the most famous names in air transport, including the Comet and Trident, were manufactured here. It was Geoffrey de Havilland who brought the plane makers to Hatfield. His company became Hawker Siddeley Aviation and then British Aerospace. As recession in the early 1990s cut deeply into the world aviation market the company was forced to end production at the Hatfield site in 1993. Succesful efforts have been made to encourage the redevelopment of the site to bring new jobs and opportunities to the area. The Hatfield Business Park is located here. In 1997 the former airfield site was used by film director Steven Spielberg as a location for his award winning film Saving Private Ryan.
In 1998 Hatfield celebrated 50 years as a New Town. In May 1948 it was designated as one of 28 New Towns selected to help re-house the post war population.
The town has a traffic free town shopping centre where an open-air market is held on Saturdays and Wednesdays and a Farmers and Craft market on the first Saturday of the month. Hatfield Swim Centre, first opened in 1966, has been extensively modernised. Plans are underway to redevelop the eastern end of the town centre. Population 28,000
Attraction
Activity World
Hatfield House & Gardens
Mill Green Museum and Mill
Toddler World
Budget
Premier Inn Hatfield *book online*
Travelodge Hatfield Central *book online*
Care Home
Cinema
Classes
Club
Conference Centre
Titan Court
University Of Hertfordshire
Doctor
Dr Lim SC
Dr Oates AM
Dr Oates PE
Dr Wikner RA
Farmers Market
Market
Hatfield Farmers Market
Hatfield Market
Performing Arts
Pub and Bar
Green Man
Harrier
Hope & Anchor
Old Maypole
White Hart
Woodman Inn
Restaurant
Old Maypole
Taste of India
Woodman Inn
School
Taxi
Abacus Cars
Diamond White Lion
Hatfield Mini Bus Hire
Hilltop Taxi Service
Vs Cab
Vet
Sports Clubs
Brookmans Park LTC (Tennis)
Hatfield CC (Cricket)
Hatfield Judo Club (Martial Arts)
Royal Veterinary College (Men's Hockey)
Welwyn Garden City (Men's Hockey)
Welwyn Garden City (Women's Hockey)
Shops
Boots
Mill Green Museum & Mill
Austin Reed
Whittard of Chelsea
BodyShop
Mountain Warehouse
Professional Cookware
The Galleria Outlet Centre
Homebase
Lloyds Pharmacy
Specsavers
The Steam Inn
The Broadway Cafe
Erols Cafe
Bobs Family Butchers
Yellow Art Room
Lavendula Gift & Craft
Book Depot
Places to Stay near Hatfield
Premier Inn Hatfield (0.35 miles)
Well positioned for Hatfield House, historic St Albans, the Galleria Outlet centre and Hatfield business park. Suitable for both business and leisure guests, the nearby train station enables direct easy access to London and Cambridge. Our ... More | visit websiteTravelodge Hatfield Central (0.71 miles)
There are loads of reasons our customers choose to stay at Travelodge. Our great value clean and comfortable rooms with en-suite provide everything needed for a good night's sleep and are close to where people ... More | visit website
Beales Hotel (0.72 miles)
Air conditioned throughout, with free unlimited wired internet access, Beales Hotel is a stunningly modern 4-star design hotel, where quality and service come first.
Be inspired by the unusual blend of natural ... More
Premier Inn Welwyn Garden City (1.94 miles)
Best Western Homestead Court Hotel (2.23 miles)
Within close proximity of the A1M (junction 4), M25 (junction 23) and M1 (junction 6) motorways, this hotel sits approximately 15 minutes from North London. Located around 5 minutes from national rail links at Welwyn ... More | visit website
Fairway Tavern (3.67 miles)
Enjoying a picturesque location, this property is located on Panshanger Golf Complex, with lodge style bedrooms opening out onto views of the golf course and rolling countryside. Bedrooms are smartly ... More
Ardmore House Hotel (4.33 miles)
White Hart Hotel (4.40 miles)
This beautifully refurbished 17th century coaching inn offers luxury accommodation and dining of an exceptional quality in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. The White Hart offers menus and a wine list to ... More
Brit Quote: |
On this day: |