- Women only
- Friendship, not dating
- Free to join
- Local guide
- October 19, 2026
Make Friends in Hatfield, from White Lion Square to Stanborough Park
Nearly a quarter of central Hatfield residents are 18 to 24, about three times the regional share, thanks largely to the university.
41,500+
Hatfield built-up area residents, census of 2021 (ONS)
23%
of residents in Hatfield’s four central Welwyn Hatfield wards are 18 to 24; East of England: 7% (ONS, Census 2021)
28%
of homes in the same Hatfield wards are socially rented; the regional figure is 15% (ONS, 2021 census)
Hatfield's market fills the centre twice a week
To make friends in Hatfield, start in the town centre, where the general market sets up between Asda and White Lion Square each Wednesday and Saturday, and the library in White Lion Square has run a Knit and Natter group on Wednesday mornings. Hatfield Swim Centre on Lemsford Road has a 33-metre pool, and Stanborough Park has boating lakes. Gofrendly helps Hatfield women meet.
Hatfield: friendship FAQ
Which days does Hatfield General Market trade?
Hatfield General Market sets up between Asda and White Lion Square on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8am to 4pm, run by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. Going every week is a straightforward way for Hatfield residents to start knowing faces and names.
Is there still a parkrun in Hatfield?
The Ellenbrook Fields parkrun in Hatfield no longer takes place. Nearby alternatives include Stanborough parkrun in Welwyn Garden City and Oaklands College parkrun on Hatfield Road, St Albans, both every Saturday at 9am, so Hatfield runners and walkers still have options.
Which pool in Hatfield suits a weekly swim?
Hatfield Swim Centre on Lemsford Road has a 33-metre pool, a diving pool and a health suite, run by Better. If you book the same session every week you will see the same swimmers, and you may soon get talking in Hatfield.
Outside the university, how do Hatfield women make friends?
Gofrendly, a women-only friendship app, helps Hatfield women find others living nearby, whatever their age or stage of life. A walk round Stanborough Park, or coffee once the market winds down, is a first plan you can easily repeat each week.
Hatfield, a university town
Hatfield is a Hertfordshire new town in Welwyn Hatfield, home to the University of Hertfordshire and the historic Hatfield House. In its four central wards, over 23% of residents fall between 18 and 24, and over 27% of homes are socially rented, well beyond regional levels. Outside university life, it helps to find spots where people of every age keep coming back, so friendships outlast a single academic year.
A town where many neighbours come and go can feel lonely, even when it is busy. Hatfield has twice-weekly markets, a library with groups, a large swimming centre and two nearby Welwyn Garden City parks that won Green Flag awards in 2026. The Ellenbrook Fields parkrun no longer runs, but Stanborough parkrun runs in Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City, every Saturday at 9am. Booking a regular swim, or picking one market day and sticking to it, can help you get to know a few familiar faces. Places to start:
1
Hatfield Library in White Lion Square, which has hosted Knit and Natter on Wednesdays.
2
Hatfield General Market, Wednesday and Saturday, 8am to 4pm.
3
Hatfield Swim Centre on Lemsford Road, with a 33-metre pool, a diving pool and a health suite.
4
Stanborough Park in Welwyn Garden City, a Green Flag park with boating lakes and cafés.
5
King George V Playing Fields in Welwyn Garden City, awarded a Green Flag in 2026.
LOCAL TIP
Check the library’s current groups, then pick one to keep.
How to
Hatfield: ways to meet new people
1
Ask Hatfield Library about its Knit and Natter group and go along on a Wednesday.
2
Book a regular lane swim at Hatfield Swim Centre.
3
Find Hatfield women on Gofrendly and take a lap of the Stanborough Park lakes together.
4
Visit the Saturday market at a regular time until the stallholders recognise you.
Friendship on screen, and a fresh start in a new city
Hatfield page: authors
Gofrendly founders Claudia Gård and Ulrika Lilja and our editorial team created the Hatfield page for local women who hope to build friendships that outlast a single academic year.
Friendship looks different at every stage
More guides for women in this area – each with its own local advice.
Friendship looks different at every stage
More guides for women in this area – each with its own local advice.
Find women near you
See who’s nearby and say hi — it’s free to start.