Tourism
Weather
British weather is notoriously unpredictable. Whilst the conference is held during summer and we would hope for pleasent weather, you should be prepared for rain and shine. Check the weather forecast before you leave.
Attractions
Hatfield House
One of the finest Jacobean houses in the UK. You can still visit the Great Hall, the only remaining wing of the Royal Palace of Hatfield (1485) which was home to Elizabeth I during part of her childhood. The house is packed full of world famous paintings, exquisite furniture, fine tapestries and historic armour. There are also beautiful gardens, nature trails, extensive woodland and a deer park. Located opposite Hatfield rail station, Hatfield House is within easy reach of the university.
Knebworth House
Knebworth House was originally a red-brick Tudor manor house, but transformed in 1843 into an amazing gothic fantasy. The house is set in a lovely country park with its own deer park. Knebworth House is situated around 15 kilometers from Hatfield but easily accessable by road and rail.
St Albans
Hertfordshire's only city, St Albans is a beautiful, historic place to visit and boasts a wide range of attractions. These include its impressive cathedral and the award-winning Verulamium museum which houses a vast collection of finds from the third largest Roman city in the country. St Albans is a short bus ride from Hatfield. Buses depart frequently from outside the De Havilland campus.
www.stalbans.gov.uk/tourism/sect-index.htm
St Albans Cathedral
The magnificent Abbey Church dominates the city's skyline on every main approach. Its architecture is a blend of many different periods, and its great tower includes Roman bricks salvaged from the ruins of Verulamium. The Norman church replaced the Saxon monastery and the Victorian restoration began in 1832. Though controversial, Lord Grimthorpes restoration works in the 1880's ensured the Cathedral's survival.
Verulamium Museum, St Albans
Verulamium features magnificent mosaics and recreated rooms, giving the visitor an opportunity to discover the life and times of a major Roman city. The museum is situated in Verulamium Park where the remains of Verulamium's city walls still stand, as does the outline of the main London Gate. Just a short walk from the museum is Britain's best preserved example of a Roman Theatre.
www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/verulamium_museum
London
Of course, the most obvious place of interest near to Hertfordshire is London, home to the greatest concentration of attractions in Britain, of which 238 are free to enter. These include many of London's musems, such as The British Museum and The Victoria and Albert, as well as leading art galleries like The National Gallary, Tate Modern and Tate Britain. Other attractions include the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral and the London Eye. Trains into central London depart Hatfield every half an hour and take just 25 minutes.
Cafes and Restuarants
On campus, the De Havilland Club serves hot and cold food at cheap prices. Open for lunch and dinner. See menu.
Just across from the De Havilland campus is the Galleria, home to a range of chain venues including:
Bella Italia
Serving tastes of Italy all day every day, with Italian pizza, pasta, salads, grill dishes and panini, accompanied by Italian wines and beers. Simply bella. Viva L'Italia.
Cafe Giardino
Uses only ethically produced coffee beans that are certified by the Rainforest Alliance. Also serves toasted ciabatta sandwiches and fresh pastries.
Cafe Giardino Deli
Serves made to order sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes, pasta and noodles.
Costa Coffee
UK's largest coffee retailer.
Chill's Grill and Bar
Serves a flavourful mix of grilled American favourites including Baby Back Ribs, Mushroom Jack Fajitas, Burgers, Pizzas and flame-grilled steaks.
Fine Burger Company
Offers a choice of 17 different burgers made from fully traceable beef, grade A chicken breast, veggie burgers or fish. Also homemade dips, hand-cut chips and salads.
Frankie and Benny's
Serves salads, sharing platters, pizzas and pastas as well as house specialities like New York Chicken and Smothered Steak.
Nandos
Serves speciality Portuguese flame-grilled Peri-Peri chicken as well as chicken burgers, beanburgers, platters to share and salads.
Many independent and more interesting venues can be found in nearby St Albans. Most notably:
Lussmanns
Shares proximity with the Roman Abbey and Cathedral. Offers excellent food, ethically sourced and at a reasonable price.
Little Marrakech
Serves cuisine prepared in the genuine tradition of Moroccan culture incorporating the fusions of the modern mediterranean palate.
The Waffle House
Located within a working 16th century watermill overlooking the river Ver. Specialise in sweet and savoury Belgian waffles individually cooked to order and using many organic and free-range ingredients.
Pubs and Bars
On campus, the De Havilland Club has two licensed bars serving a range of alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) drinks including Fairtrade wines and guest ales.
Mentioned in Charles Dicken's 'Oliver Twist', the Eight Bells is a traditional pub in Old Hatfield.
St Albans is home to too many interesting pubs and bars to list. Explore its side streets and you are guaranteed to stumble upon some gems.