Hatfield Forest

About this activity

Hatfield Forest is an ancient royal hunting forest with lots to explore and see! It's the best surviving example in Britain and has seen many owners, from Kings to commoners! 

It's a managed landscape which provides the home for over 3,500 species of wildlife, some of which are rare and threatened. Some of the trees are over 1000 years old too and there's plenty of places to sit and relax. 

There are lots of open spaces mixed with woodlands and grassy paths to wander around. At the centre there is an ornamental lake about 300m long and was formed in 1747. It's a peaceful spot to look for wildlife and take in the surroundings. 

A lakeside picnic shelter was built during the Georgian periods so look out for the shell peacock above the door which was decorated by the Houblon's daughter years ago. If you also look carefully you'll see the ramined of foundations of several huts which were using during the Second World War for the concealed storage of munitions. 

Visitors can borrow equipment at the visitor centre for some outdoor games and there's lots of wide open spaces for you to explore too. You can bring your own bikes and explore even further too! 

They often run seasonal events, so make sure to keep an eye on the website to see what's happening before you visit.