Explore the Old Palace
The Old Palace was built around 1485 by the Bishop of Ely, John Morton, and later acquired by Henry VIII as a residence for his children.
The Old Palace
This historic site was once home to Queen Elizabeth I, who spent much of her childhood here, and it was beneath an oak tree in the grounds that she first heard of her accession to the throne in 1558.
VISIT
Plan your visit with our
seasonal times
The availability of the Old Palace is dependent upon any hospitality events that may be taking place.
The Old Palace operates on a tour-only basis and is not open for free-flow visits.
Because these events are currently quite popular, all of these dates are subject to change, and therefore, you can only book Old Palace tour tickets on the day from our Stable Yard kiosk.
We update this webpage with upcoming dates approximately 2 weeks in advance.
If tours are available, they run on the hour.
Dates to be announced
EXPLORE
The Old Palace
Discover the history of this royal residence.
CONSTRUCTION
Brickwork and roof
The Old Palace is one of the country’s finest examples of medieval brickwork. Its surviving wing includes the Banqueting Hall, where much of the original roof timber remains. Many beams are peppered with gunshot, because sparrows flew in and were shot at when the building was later used as stables.
A ROYAL HOME
Queen Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth I is most closely associated with the Palace, where she spent much of her childhood. In 1558, while sitting beneath an oak tree in the Park, she learned of her accession to the throne and soon held her first Council of State in the Palace’s Banqueting Hall.
HISTORY
Venture through time
In 1607 King James I exchanged the Palace at Hatfield for Theobalds, the home of Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury. Robert Cecil demolished three-quarters of the original building. The remaining wing survived as the stables for Hatfield House for the next three centuries, until it was restored by the 4th Marquess in 1915.
Book a guided tour today
Explore this medieval building and royal Tudor banqueting hall.
VISIT US
Tickets & pricing
Please select your entry ticket from the options below.
Gardens, Park & Woodland Walks
Day ticket providing full access to the extensive Gardens, Park and Woodland Walks to enjoy stunning landscaped spaces.
The Old Palace
The Old Palace operates on a tour-only basis and is not open for free-flow visits. Availability is dependent upon any hospitality events that may be taking place.
Hatfield Park Season Ticket
Get access to Hatfield House, Park and Gardens so you can experience the Estate as the seasons change.
Valid on respective Park & Garden open dates between February Half Term and October Half Term.
We operate a cashless system at our ticket kiosks.
We offer free admission to carers, who will be given complimentary admission on arrival when showing a valid carer’s card.
Students will receive a 25% discount upon presentation of a valid Student ID or NUS card. Children under 3 years old are free to enter.
The Old Palace in pictures
Discover medieval and Tudor treasures on an Old Palace tour.
