Welwyn Hatfield

Located just 25 minutes from London in vibrant central Hertfordshire, Welwyn Hatfield is home to a wealth of culture and history, excellent sport and leisure facilities, beautiful countryside, and great transport links.

Welwyn Garden City was the world’s second garden city and is unique for being both a garden city and a new town. It has everything you’d expect from a vibrant town centre combined with beautiful floral displays, iconic trees, and award-winning parks. It celebrated its first centenary in 2020. A previous winner of Anglia in Bloom, Welwyn Garden City town centre has been entered into the 2024 Britain in Bloom competition.

Hatfield mixes history with modern living, with plenty of great entertainment on offer including a multiplex cinema, and a range of independent shops and restaurants as well as The Galleria a designer outlet centre. Hatfield town centre has recently benefited from multi-million-pound regeneration programme and offers a wide selection of shops and cafes. The town is also home to historic gems including Hatfield House, the Jacobean mansion built in 1611 and once home to Queen Elizabeth I and the Eight Bells public house – where Charles Dickens is rumoured to have had a tipple or two!

Regular community events are held throughout the year including Hatfield’s Farmers and Craft Market which is held on the first Saturday of each month, Welwyn Garden City’s World Food Festivals in May and September and Vintage Festival in June.

Other nearby attractions include:

Hatfield's 18th Century restored working watermill on the River Lea is a great day out for all the family. See the mill in action and learn about this ancient craft from our friendly Miller. Explore the history and culture of the local area through our changing exhibition programme. Opening on 19 July 2024, What the Wind Saw: A Literary Journey through Middle-Hertfordshire is a collection of Middle-Hertfordshire inspired short stories by Zoe Jasko. Visitors will be able to wander the pages of stories, celebrating towns and villages, local landmarks and the rich history of Welwyn, Hatfield and beyond. From Roman invasion to Ebeneezer Howard's Garden City legacy we take you on a journey, uncovering people and places along the way.
Tunnel through time with a visit to Welwyn Roman Baths, although you won’t be able to take a hot bath any more – as the boiler went out about 1,800 years ago when the Romans left, the site is still home to some fascinating remains.
Containing the only dedicated roller skating rink in Hertfordshire, and home to a three-screen cinema, Campus West in Welwyn Garden City is a premier entertainment venue, with Live on Stage shows including Comedy Nights, concerts and the hugely popular annual panto, and it also includes Soft Play centre and a bar!
Stanborough Park comprises two large lakes and 126 acres of award-winning parkland. There are nature walks and orienteering trails with maps, a children’s play area, Vertigo Adventure’s high and low ropes course, angling, and a sailing lake. Rowing boats and pedalos are available to hire and it is the home of the Herts Disability Sports Hub.
Hatfield House built in 1611 on the site of the former Hatfield Palace was the principal residence for Elizabeth I for three years prior to her becoming queen in 1558. The house is open to the public for tours and events and for visits to its Old Courtyard shops.
On the west side of Hatfield House, covering an area of approximately 25 acres and hosting animals in a natural countryside setting, is Hatfield Park Farm.
Officially opened by Queen Victoria in 1850, the Welwyn Viaduct, also called the Digswell Viaduct, is a Grade II* listed railway structure easily visible from the nearby village of Digswell.
Formerly known as the Fairway Tavern the wonderful The View Bar & Kitchen is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious dinner with friends and family; and just across the road you will find Tewin Bury Farm Hotel, a 4-star Hotel set in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside along the River Mimram.

How to get here

Welwyn Hatfield is easily accessible by car, train or bus – information on public transport can be found here.
Information on council car parks is available here.

For more information on Welwyn Hatfield visit the borough council's website here.