This very special day out includes a visit to historic Hatfield House followed by a spectacular picnic proms concert in the parkland! A house steeped in over 400 years of history, with gardens that offer 40 acres of tranquillity. The Jacobean-style house plays home to centuries of historical treasures collected by the Cecils, one of England’s foremost political families. Hatfield House is the current home to the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury, however was previously the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I, whose iconic Rainbow Portrait you can find overlooking the stunning Marble Hall. In November 1558, Elizabeth I received news of her accession to the throne, whilst sitting under an oak tree in the very area of Hatfield Park in which the Battle Proms is staged, now known as the Queen Elizabeth Oak Field. Elizabeth held her first Council of State in the Great Hall of the Old Palace, which is often open for visitors to discover. The picture-perfect Gardens date from the early 17th century when Robert Cecil employed John Tradescant the Elder to collect plants from all over Europe for his new home. The trees, bulbs, plants and fruit trees, which had not been grown previously in England, have crafted the inspiring and fragrant gardens you can enjoy today.