National Trust - Hardwick Hall

Hardwick Hall, a truly amazing place bursting with the history of one of the strongest women history has even known - Bess of Hardwick may not have been a monarch but she certainly deserves a very significant place in Tudor history for her strengths and achievements in a time where women were of little or no importance. Hardwick Hall, its magnificence and sheer scale of wealth are a testament to this formidable lady's achievements.
On the same grounds, are the ruins of the former Hall (called Old Hardwick Hall) that you can also visit. Despite being in ruins, this too is pretty impressive and not to be missed and the views from the top are quite stunning.
We didn't get to cover much of the grounds as we ran out of time (the Hall is extensive so you will need lots of time to look around it properly!) but we will certainly explore further on return visits. However, what we did manage to see was certainly beautiful and impressive with plenty of flowers and well kept lawns.
There is a very lovely gift shop with very friendly staff and a secondhand bookshop too. There is an onsite cafe but you can take a picnic if you so wish, there are plenty of picnic tables if needed. There is onsite parking which is free for National Trust members, I'm not sure if it's pay and display for non-members but check the National Trust website for further information.
All in all, a truly wonderful day out for all ages and if you love Tudor history, this is one place not to be missed!

A must see

If your a history fan like me, or and avid outdoors person looking for their next adventure

Look no further than Hardwick Hall, this beautiful estate of which there is alot of... 2000 acres in fact boasts wonderful pastures woods, lakes and stunning sights all around

We spent 4hs here and yet traveled around 5 miles around the estate I feel we could be here for weeks exploring.

As you will discover there is much to see and do here, looking through the bones of the old hall or traversing the many miles of grounds and trails.

You can even dine here in the restaurant or pick up a gift or two, we didn't have time to tour round the main hall but we will be back to update and add a host more pictures of what I can only assume will be a very grand interior

It's places like this which inspire me and gives me the desire to discover more and become a member of the national trust.

Truly a wonderful place.

This is one of my absolute favourite National Trust treasures! Both the Hall and the old Hall are fantastic places to visit. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and acres of grounds to explore. The history of both halls and 'Bess of Hardwick' is really interesting, a formidable woman for her time. The Halls are only open between 11am and 3pm usually, so be sure to time your visit so you can visit both (the grounds, shop etc are open much longer). You'll be transported back in time as you follow the footsteps of nobility up the old stone staircases!

Lovely day out for all ages including dog friendly with lots to do and see. Beautiful gardens to walk round and plenty of open area with picnic benches. For those who struggle to walk you can hire scooters and for those who want to be more adventurous there are plenty walks to do around the surrounding area. Both old and new Halls are fascinating and full of history.

Lovely to walk around the gardens, even on a very cold winter's day. Also, the house is fascinating with so many tapestries and artefacts from c16 onwards.

Really beautiful Elizabethian house . They say about it " more windows than walls " . Its history connects with chatsworth estate and bolsover castle . You can see some amazing examples wall tapestry . It is a fabulous trip to tudorian times .
Outside there are beautiful gardens and orchards around the hall . There is a cafe , toilets , book shop and souvenir shop next to the house , you can use the car park ( pay as you go ) ans walk the grounds , woods and hills for free. There are ruins of another sister hall next door . That is owned by english heritage and there is a fee to get in , its worth to see both in one day

We have national trust membership so entrance was easy, getting the membership saves a fortune, but you need to use it to get your value, the house was nice, nice people running it. I'd go again for a walk through the gardens when its less soggy... it had been raining for days before we got there and they had been flooded down the bottom...

Lovely Elizabethan House, temp below freezing today, frost on trees and gardens, beautiful. Decorated for Christmas and view the house with lanterns. As always thanks to knowledgeable volunteers for their info, house has interesting history. Lots of stairs, rooms mainly on 2nd floor.

Lots of space and walks to enjoy. The walled gardens are breathtaking, with open spaces, wild areas, a knot garden and an allotment, all with seating dotted about.

We visited during the summer holidays so there was a field at the back of the hall for the "summer of play" with lots of activities for children of all ages. Tennis and badminton, an obstacle course, a mini football field, archery, a bamboo marble run, and even a safe toddler space with giant bean bags and slide were all available at no additional cost.

Didn't get to see much more as our children loved the activities, but the map shows lots more to see. Can't wait for our next visit.

We visited here due to it recently changing to being duelled entry, both English Heritage and National Trust.

It’s definitely one of the largest historical halls Ive visited to date, with most areas being kept well preserved. There were plenty of staff on hand ready to answer any questions. As for the surrounding grounds, they are also equally as impressive & grand, definitely a place for a picnic.

We are members of the National Trust and visited the Hall when my relatives came over from NZ to stay with us for a few days. There is plenty of parking available and not a long walk from there to the main entrance and facilities. All the staff are helpful and willing to talk and very informative on all accepts of the Properties history. The grounds are well managed, and the interior is amazing and highlights how impressive Bess of Hardwark and her descendants were. Walking from room to room, there is some amazing visually impressive scenes of grandeur, from room layout, such as thr long gallery, amazing tapestries throughout the building , and great artwork and period furniture showing how they would and did live right up to the modern times of the 1950's. Even the Old Hall, which was open on this visit, showed the impressive living they had at the time. The facilities also have well maintained cafe, gift shop and toilets. Would highly recommend a visit.

An Elizabethan country house created by Bess of Hardwick in the 1500s.

Audacious architectural design, alongside the lavish interior, make Hardwick House a stunning place to visit.

The house is full of beautiful tapestries, furniture and art work all of which come to life thanks to the enthusiasm of the volunteers and guides.

A definite must visit.

Lovely day out, came on a bit of a whim after midday so only got to view the main hall as it was quite busy so slow moving, will definitely be back to see the ruins! As always the staff were full of knowledge and helpful advice. Café staff in particular were very helpful (the writing on the boards is very small!) Fast service with a smile and a laugh <3

First time we have visited £17 each which included going in the house, the gardens and the parking and the old hall which has recently been reopened, absolutely beautiful and the gardens were well kept with an abundance of beautiful flowers, the butterfly's and Bee grab a bite van, eat indoors or outdoors on the lawn or the court yard. Mainly on the flat so wheelchair access is good for grounds and ground floor of house, we walked down to the lake but this wouldn't be accessable for wheelchairs or buggies.
The coffee shop offered a good selection of all kinds of food and drink and ice cream, so if you haven't been get yourself over there as you won't be disappointed.

We had a lovely day out here with my father sister and baby. We visited for around 5 hours. Walked the halls ( old and new) and the gardens. Lovely picnic area to eat but also a restaurant and a little coffee hit, where I believe you can sometimes purchase sandwiches, ice cream and child drinks too.
Toilets were also nice and clean.

Being members we had no problems queuing to get tickets. All the house seemed open, with arrows showing the correct route to follow. All the volunteers, were as usual at NT properties, full of knowledge that they were more than happy to divulge. One of the best NT properties that we have visited.

Amazing garden with gorgeous views. The house is taking you to the past, the whole atmosphere is permeated with a history of the sixteenth century. Recommended what all my heart.

Hardwick Hall is a historic house of great beauty. For Harry Potter fans, it is also Lucius Malfoy's mansion. The interior of the residence closes very early (3:30 p.m.) so it is better to start with the interiors, and finish the visit with the exteriors and the gardens. I loved this place, there are also several walking trails to do all around the area.

Great day out to be had here there are lovely grounds and the house is superb. Very friendly staff and loads of picnic spots. Only thing i would point out for those on a first time visit is that there are a lot of stairs up inside the house to start your visit, chairs and benches are available of the landings for you to rest.

Great National Trust / English Heritage visit. The tapestries have just finished being refurbished as has the old hall so it was in great condition. Lovely walls around the gardens and outer areas. Highly recommended.