Hardwick Hall

About

Welcome to Hardwick, whose stunning houses and beautiful landscape have been shaped by a cast of thousands.

It was the formidable 'Bess of Hardwick' who first created Hardwick in the 1500’s. In the centuries since then her descendants, farmers, gardeners, builders, decorators, embroiderers and craftsmen of all kinds have contributed and made Hardwick their creation. We’d like you to explore and enjoy Hardwick and in the process discover the lives, loves and adventures of the creators of Hardwick.

Take a closer look at the life of Duchess Evelyn, the 'Last Lady of Hardwick'. Her newly restored bedroom completes the family rooms on the middle floor. You can discover more about the life of a duchess, her pioneering conservation work and the dramatic changes she made to the east view landscape, in the East Court Rose Garden.

Find out about Arbella Stuart, the granddaughter of 'Bess of Hardwick' and niece to Mary Queen of Scots. She had a strong royal lineage and a realistic claim to the throne after Elizabeth I died. Educated and raised as a princess, but whose desperate attempts to seek freedom ended with her being imprisoned in the Tower of London. Discover about Arbella in the Hall and explore whether you think Hardwick was built as a palace fit for a queen or as a prison for a princess.

The Hardwick Estate is open every day, for countryside walks with picturesque views, woodland family play trails, locally sourced gifts in the shop and delicious seasonal menus in the restaurant.

Entry is through the Stableyard Reception, completed last year. Disused estate buildings have been given a facelift and are now home to new shops and a restaurant. There’s also a new entrance route and car park and all this is open to visitors seven days a week, 364 days a year.

The Stableyard buildings were developed over 400 years and provide an intriguing insight into the way Hardwick has been run and managed by the Dukes of Devonshire since the death of Bess of Hardwick. You can find out more about the past, present and future of the Stableyard by visiting our website.

Stainsby Mill

The Mill is owned by the National Trust. Discover for yourself the workplace of a 19th Century miller. A mill has stood on this site since the 13th Century, providing flour for the local villages and, later, for the Hardwick Estate.

Hardwick Park

Explore more than 300 acres of historic parkland around Hardwick Hall with ancient woodlands and wildlife-rich fishing lakes.

Hardwick Stone Centre

Learn about the traditional craft of stonemasonry, which is still practised at Hardwick.

Hardwick Hall Gardens

Enjoy the glorious gardens at Hardwick. Walled courtyards enclose a fragrant herb garden, pretty orchards and a spectacular south border of herbaceous plants. Can you spot the Harry Potter connection and follow the Magical Time Trail?

Disabled toilets available in main car park and at Park Centre