Things to see & do
So much to see and do...
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Go for a short stroll or a long ramble
Go for a short stroll or a long ramble
Run, jog or saunter along the many paths through Hatfield Forest.
Follow the Tree walk or the Forest walk, our two popular waymarked trails.
You can download them before your visit or purchase a laminated copy from our shop.
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See some spectacular ancient trees
See some spectacular ancient trees
Hatfield Forest is home to hundreds of spectaclar ancient trees.
© National Trust
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Picnic beside the Georgian Shell House
Picnic beside the Georgian Shell House
The Shell House was built in 1759 to provide an idyllic spot for the Houblon family to picnic.
Today you can bring your picnic or visit the cafe and continue to enjoy this tradition.
© Michael Graham
Go for a short stroll or a long ramble
See some spectacular ancient trees
Picnic beside the Georgian Shell HouseEvents
We have an exciting range of events here at Hatfield -
- Easter Egg trail
- Survival skills
- Wood Fest
Need a sunhat or welly boots?
Forest walk, Hatfield Forest
'If I had just 2 hours to visit Hatfield Forest, this is the one trail that I would choose to take in most of its points of interest and marvel at its splendour,' Henry Bexley,...
Tree walk, Hatfield Forset
'An easily accessible trail if you dont want to get your feet muddy!', Fiona Harrower, National Trust Learning and Interpretation Officer. On this gentle, circular walk youll pass a...
Flitch Way and forest walk, Hatfield Forest
No other forest on Earth evokes the atmosphere of a medieval hunting forest so completely. The ancient trees are like magnificent living sculptures, peaceful giants worn and fragile...
Fishing
The lake contains varieties of coarse fish such as Carp, Roach and Perch including some large specimens. You can purchase fishing tickets for the day or for the season. They can be bought at the lakeside from the warden.
Birdwatching
The Forest is a haven for birdlife. You can see birds such as Nightingales, Greenfiches, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, Teals, Tufted Ducks and if you're lucky Sparrowhawks. So pick up your binoculars and get spotting.
Photography
If you're interested in photography there are so many inspiring subjects for pictures here at the Forest. They include the ancient trees, the fallow deer, the beautiful spring flowers or the amazing autumn colours.
Horse riding at Hatfield Forest
We have miles of trails and tracks to follow around the Forest
If you own a horse or are part of a riding group you can enjoy the Forest on horseback. From the quiet narrow tracks through the trees to the wide open plains you’ll be certain to find something of interest at Hatfield Forest.
Riding permits
- We have both annual or day permits available
- Day passes can be purchased at the shop during normal opening hours
- Please note that you must bring your own horse