After a trouble-free coach journey, we arrived at Hatfield House and just had time to enjoy a coffee in the Coach House before looking round the magnificent Jacobean mansion and beautiful gardens. The house is steeped in history and was built over 400 years ago by Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, in the grounds where Elizabeth 1st spent much of her childhood. The house was full of priceless treasures collected over the centuries by the Cecil family, including the famous rainbow and ermine portraits of Elizabeth 1st. The fabulous rooms, such as the marble hall and long gallery with beautifully painted ceilings, wood carvings and portraits, were mind-blowing. The fascinating St. Ethedreda’s Church founded in the 13th century was worth a visit to see the ornate tombs of William and Robert Cecil and other family members. A stroll around the early 17th century gardens filled the senses with the subtle colours and fragrances of the flowers and herbs. Time passed too quickly and soon after lunch, we re-boarded the coach to go to Aylett’s nursery near St Albans for some retail therapy. A well-stocked and reasonably-priced plant centre gave members the opportunity to buy plants for their gardens. Many thanks to Carole Barfoot for organising such a lovely day for us.