Living in Hatfield

Hatfield has a strong sense of community, fostered partly by its student population and historic local families. The presence of Hatfield House provides a venue for markets, festivals, and public events throughout the year, bringing together residents and visitors alike. Seasonal markets and cultural festivals are regular fixtures, as are exhibitions and music concerts hosted at local venues.

Green space is plentiful, with Hatfield Park, Ellenbrook Fields, and Stanborough Park (nearby in Welwyn Garden City) offering opportunities for walking, cycling, and outdoor relaxation. Community groups engage residents through volunteering opportunities, creative pursuits, and health initiatives. Several community centres serve young families and older adults with a wide choice of clubs and activities.

Hatfield’s location on the edge of the Hertfordshire countryside allows for easy access to rural pursuits while remaining closely connected to London and neighbouring towns.

Crime rates in Hatfield are broadly comparable to other similar-sized towns in Hertfordshire. The town centre and student areas can sometimes experience higher levels of minor offences, particularly late at night or during university term time, though violent crime remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres.

Regeneration efforts in certain neighbourhoods and visible policing, especially in commercial areas and around transport hubs, contribute to the perception of increased safety. Community groups and local neighbourhood watch schemes are active, particularly in residential zones and villages surrounding the town centre.

Hatfield benefits from Hertfordshire Constabulary initiatives that focus on reducing anti-social behaviour and supporting families and vulnerable individuals, adding to the town’s generally safe atmosphere.

Parking in Hatfield is generally regarded as convenient. The town provides a mix of short- and long-stay car parks, especially around the Galleria shopping centre and Hatfield railway station. Resident parking permits are required in some central areas, especially in Old Hatfield and streets close to the train station. On-street parking is widely available in residential areas, though restrictions apply during peak hours near key amenities.

Road access is excellent, with Hatfield adjacent to both the A1(M) and the A414, linking to nearby major routes such as the M25 and M1. The town is well signposted and congestion is typically light outside peak hours, although the areas around the Galleria and train station can be busy during weekends and rush hour.

Nearby towns and cities include:

• Welwyn Garden City – approx. 8 minutes via A1000 (3 miles)
• St Albans – approx. 20 minutes via A414 (8 miles)
• Stevenage – approx. 25 minutes via A1(M) (13 miles)
• London – approx. 40 minutes via A1(M) and M25 (20 miles)

Hatfield offers a range of dining and socialising options reflecting its diverse community. The Galleria shopping centre is a focal point for chain restaurants, cafés, and fast food outlets. Independent venues such as Simmons Bar and the Red Lion Pub in Old Hatfield add character, offering traditional British pub fare and live music.

For coffee lovers, independent cafés like The Stable Yard Café at Hatfield House are popular for a relaxed brunch or afternoon tea. International cuisine is available in numerous takeaways and sit-down restaurants serving Italian, Indian, Thai, and Chinese food.

Nightlife in Hatfield is influenced by its student population, with lively bars and late-night options and student-friendly venues around the university campus. For a more relaxed evening, several historic pubs offer casual drinks in atmospheric settings. The Hawthorne Theatre, located within the campus of the University of Hertfordshire, hosts live performances and cinema screenings, supporting a varied cultural scene beyond the traditional nightlife.

School Quality: Hatfield offers several well-rated primary and secondary schools, alongside a university, adding to its appeal for families.

Parks and Green Space: There are extensive parks and play areas, notably Hatfield Park, which is ideal for children’s activities and family picnics.

Childcare: A variety of nurseries and pre-schools support working parents, and childminding services are available throughout the town.

Safety: Hatfield is regarded as a generally safe town, with active neighbourhood watch schemes and visible community policing.

Family Activities: The Galleria, multiplex cinemas, and local sporting or arts clubs offer entertainment for all ages, while the countryside is only a short drive or cycle away.

Hatfield is considered pet friendly, thanks to its abundance of green spaces and nearby woodlands. Popular dog-walking locations include Ellenbrook Fields and Hatfield Park, both of which provide spacious, safe environments for animals and their owners.

Local veterinary practices and pet shops are found in and around the town centre and on the outskirts. Many cafés and pubs, particularly those in Old Hatfield and near Hatfield House, welcome dogs and other pets. Housing in Hatfield generally accommodates pets, especially in properties with gardens or easy access to greenways and open land.

Hatfield benefits from excellent transport links, making it an attractive base for commuters and those travelling locally or further afield. The town is served by Hatfield railway station, which offers fast and frequent services into central London, Cambridge, and Peterborough on the Great Northern line.

Local bus services connect Hatfield to surrounding towns such as Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, and Hertford. The A1(M) runs directly past the town, providing quick road access north towards the Midlands and south towards the M25 and London. The M25 is around 10 minutes’ drive away, amplifying Hatfield’s reach to London and beyond.

For international travel, London Luton Airport is the closest, just 17 miles away, typically a 25–30 minute drive. Heathrow Airport is also accessible, around 35 miles away via the M25.

Key commute times from Hatfield:

• London King’s Cross – approx. 22 minutes by train
• Welwyn Garden City – approx. 8 minutes by train
• St Albans – approx. 25 minutes by bus
• Cambridge – approx. 55 minutes by train

Schools in Hatfield provide a range of educational opportunities catering to all age groups and backgrounds. There is a mixture of state and independent schools, as well as a major university supporting both local and international students.

Primary Schools:

Hatfield Community Free School is known for its inclusive ethos and was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (2021). St Philip Howard Catholic Primary School is highly regarded, receiving a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating (2018). Green Lanes Primary School, close to the Galleria, is favoured by local families and was rated ‘Good’ (2017).

Secondary Schools:

Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School has a strong academic reputation, rated ‘Outstanding’ (2016). Onslow St Audrey’s School serves much of the town and is a mixed comprehensive, rated ‘Good’ (2022). Bishop’s Hatfield Girls' School stands out for its results and commitment to extracurricular activities.

Independent, Academies & Colleges:

Lochinver House School (nearby in Potters Bar) is an independent preparatory option for boys. Oaklands College operates a campus in Hatfield, offering a range of further education and vocational courses, with specialisms in creative arts and sciences.

Universities:

The University of Hertfordshire, based in Hatfield, is one of the region’s largest employers and a significant educational presence, drawing students from across the globe and contributing to the local community’s dynamic atmosphere.