Hatfield is a town in Hertfordshire, within the borough of Welwyn Hatfield. Old Hatfield spans the AL9 postcode – which it shares with Brookmans Park, Essendon & North Mymms, while the new town covers the AL10 postcode.

The town is divided into the historic village of Old Hatfield (also known as Bishops Hatfield) and Hatfield New Town – a town that was developed after the second world war. Old Hatfield dates back to the Saxon times and is filled with historic buildings from various eras, including Hatfield Palace, Hatfield House and St Etheldreda's Church. Hatfield New Town, conversely, has been constructed almost entirely in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The architecture is generally in the post-war style, with purpose-built apartments, flats, semi-detached houses and family homes making up the bulk of residential property. Planned regeneration projects will see further development in the area – with new shopping streets & new-build apartments planned.

Hatfield is a popular commuter town with a growing population – in part, thanks to its relatively short distance from the capital. It takes little over 20 minutes to arrive at London King's Cross from Hatfield, making for a more than manageable trip. Home to the University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield also has a significant student population.