Visitor information

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An Elizabethan masterpiece

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

It was the formidable Bess of Hardwick who first created Hardwick in the late 1500s. In the centuries since then her descendants, farmers, gardeners, builders, decorators, embroiders and craftsmen of all kinds have contributed and made Hardwick their creation.

We want you to enjoy Hardwick and in the process discover the lives, loves and adventures of the creators of Hardwick.

Help us save the Gideons this May

The delicate rehanging of textiles from the Hardwick collection

After three years of waiting this spring sees the return of two of the Hardwick Gideons. These priceless tapestries have been away for desperately needed conservation. Come and see them being rehung in the Long Gallery throughout the day on 15 May.

50 things to do before you're 11 ¾

Get involved at Hardwick this year

There's always an adventure around every hedge and behind every tree at Hardwick. Our list of things to do before you're 11 ¾ is the best way to discover them at Hardwick. Roll down a really big hill, climb a tree or build a den, see how many you can complete at Hardwick.

Exciting events this summer

Watch cinema outdoors at Hardwick this summer.

Don't miss out on the exciting events at Hardwick this summer from murder mystery dinners to family fun day to the outdoor cinema festival there is so much going on.

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Renaissance flashmob at Hardwick

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A PhD choral group delighted and surprised visitors at Hardwick by performing the music inlaid into the Eglantine table in the High Great Chamber. This music has not been heard in Hardwick since Bess was in residence