Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, Corporate Hospitality, Weddings, Historic House

Wheelchair users can see all of the open rooms of the house. There is a small lift to the first floor that will take conventional wheelchairs.

For visitors with large or powered chairs which cannot fit in the lift, but who are able to transfer, we have chairs available for use in the house only. These are also available for the elderly and for others with walking difficulties. We do not have wheelchairs or buggies for use outside in the garden or park.

There is a good route for wheelchairs around the West garden and a plan can be picked up at the garden kiosk.

Access to the shop, restaurant and lavatories is good. Parking is immediately outside the house and the facilities are close at hand. There are adapted lavatories in both the public Ladies and Gents and a separate adapted lavatory next to the Old Palace archway.

Necessary helpers of disabled visitors are always admitted free of charge. Please ensure that you inform the Lodgekeepers on arrival at the kiosk of your particular needs to obtain this concession (as it is difficult to see disabilities from outside the car.).

It is always a pleasure for us to welcome and help groups of people with disabilities (including those with severe learning difficulties). We do all we can to make a visit to Hatfield House enjoyable but there are a number of things that you should be aware of prior to planning to bring a group (20 or more) here.

The tour of the house takes an hour. There are only a few seats along the route and two staircases, which may be tiring for those with walking difficulties. We have a number of wheelchairs available for use in the house, which may enable visitors to conserve their energy for the garden. Please be aware that our wheelchairs cannot be taken outside the house.

There is a small, old-fashioned lift to the first floor taking one narrow wheelchair at a time, which has to be accompanied, in case of emergencies, by a member of our staff. This necessarily limits the number of wheelchairs, or those unable to manage the stairs, in a group to a maximum of two. If the number exceeds two, we may have to restrict the tour to the ground floor.

To allow for the movement of wheelchairs, for safety reasons and in consideration of other visitors, we arrange these special tours at 11 am (an hour before admitting the general public). We reserve the right not to admit groups with wheelchairs or those with severe learning difficulties at weekends and Bank Holidays and when not booked in advance.

There are no public conveniences in the house. There are disabled facilities in both the public lavatories next to the shop, which is 100 metres from the car park. There is also a separate adapted lavatory near the Old Palace archway. You should allow at least 20 minutes prior to the start of your tour to visit the lavatories and then to reach the Entrance Hall to start the guided tour. On arrival you will be met on the North Front car park and given directions to the wheelchair entrance on the other side of the house. Please be aware that the group’s late arrival in the Hall to start the guided tour may well necessitate it being restricted to the ground floor rooms only.

Both the shop and the restaurant have access ramps and most of the garden in the immediate vicinity of the house is accessible to wheelchairs and those with walking difficulties. A plan of the garden is available from the kiosk, which shows a recommended route avoiding steps.

If helpers or carers are required for anyone in your group they will be admitted free of charge.

A visit to Hatfield House, garden and park is always worthwhile and very much enjoyed by groups of people with disabilities. For bookings and any further advice or help please ring the House Office on 01707 287010.