[2] Haggett was born in the rural Somerset village of Pawlett, and he was educated at Dr Morgan's Grammar School in Bridgwater.

[3] He would later credit the time spent in his childhood walking and cycling around the district for the development of his keen interest in geography.

[5] Haggett graduated in 1954, obtaining a "Double First" (First-Class Honours in parts I and II of the Tripos).

He has held numerous teaching posts and visiting professorships at institutions around the world, but is most particularly associated with the University of Bristol where he has been a lecturer and professor of geography since 1966.

Among the many awards and distinguished recognitions conferred, Haggett was awarded the French Lauréat Prix International de Géographie Vautrin Lud in 1991, and made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's Birthday Honours of 1993, for "services to urban and regional geography".