New documentary finds out how boring Hatfield really is

Hatfield was ranked as the fifth most boring 'city' in the world by The World Bucket List. <i>(Image: Andy Fletcher)</i>
Hatfield was ranked as the fifth most boring 'city' in the world by The World Bucket List. (Image: Andy Fletcher)
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Last year, a travel website named Hatfield as one of the 10 most boring 'cities' in the world, and now a new YouTube documentary has set out to discover if this is really true.

The town ranked fifth on The World Bucket List's piece, alongside the likes of famous Italian city Pisa, and European capitals such as Bratislava and Helsinki.

The story described Hatfield as having a "lack of notable attractions and limited cultural offerings", as well as "catering more to residents seeking a quiet life than to tourists".

Now, a YouTube documentary by Callum Oakaby Wright, titled "Hatfield: The Fifth Most Boring 'City' in the World", has set out to discover if this really is true.

The star of the video is Judd Otene, a musician and labourer born and bred in the town.

Judd takes the documentary crew on a journey through Hatfield, recounting its historical significance, including The Eight Bells pub inspiring Charles Dickens to write Oliver Twist, Queen Elizabeth I's association with Hatfield House and the de Havilland Aircraft Company.

He also visits some of the landmarks better known to Hatfield residents, including the shut down Link Drive Skate Park and the graffiti in the underpasses across the town.

He also took a trip to The Galleria, which he described as "the beacon of Hatfield", and relived happy childhood memories from trips to the outlet.

"It can be a bit dead from time-to-time, but we spent so many good times here growing up, just coming with your friends," he said.

Judd Otene hosted the film, directed by Callum Oakaby Wright.Judd Otene hosted the film, directed by Callum Oakaby Wright. (Image: Jack Lawerence)

 Judd takes in the view from the top of St Etheldreda's Church.Judd takes in the view from the top of St Etheldreda's Church. (Image: Jack Lawerence)

Judd was excited to get the opportunity to climb the tower at the historic St Etheldreda's Church, and was blown away at the view of Hatfield from the top.

"I'm really honestly lost for words at how beautiful our town is from this view, and at how green it is," he said.

"It really is special for me."

Plenty of residents that Judd spoke to were shocked to find out that Hatfield had made it onto the list of the 10 most boring 'cities' in the world.

"Shut the front door," one shocked resident said.

"I'm deeply offended," another said.

"Having been in Hatfield all my life, yes it's changed and it hasn't always been a change for the better, but it just isn't true.

"Perhaps what people need to do is walk around with their eyes open."

Judd was shocked too, adding: "I know this town, and I've grown up here, so I know how beautiful and amazing it is.

"It's easy to make assumptions based off first looks, but there are millions of beautiful little communities around this country, and this is my one."

The video finishes with an emotional moment, as Judd reads a poem he has written about his hometown at an open mic night at The Hatfield Tap.

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