Discover the hall at Hardwick

View of Hardwick Hall from the gatehouse

Hardwick Hall is one of the finest Elizabethan buildings in the country. A big claim but we’re confident you’ll agree. Full of architectural and artistic delights from Elizabethan embroidery to Forties furnishing, a walk through the Hall is always an enjoyable experience.

Bess of Hardwick

A remarkable house for a remarkable woman. Bess of Hardwick, a formidable and talented woman, was responsible for the creation of both Hardwick Hall and Chatsworth House. Her four marriages led to her becoming the Countess of Shrewsbury and one of the richest women in Elizabethan England.

Portrait of Bess of Hardwick
Portait of Bess of Hardwick in older age
Portrait of Bess of Hardwick

More glass than wall

Bess enlisted the help of Robert Smythson to design Hardwick; this was pretty radical in itself but the building design was also a bold step exploring new ideas of the time. Large glazed windows adorn the Hall and, inside, the three floors take you on something of a magical mystery tour, with elaborate rooms designed to wow.

The Long Gallery at Hardwick
The Long Gallery at Hardwick
The Long Gallery at Hardwick


Weaving a magical story

Hardwick is home to one of the finest collections of Elizabethan tapestries in Europe. Almost every room in the Hall proudly displays tapestry and embroidery work on the walls. 

Visitors admire tapestries at Hardwick Hall
Visitors admire tapestries at Hardwick Hall
Visitors admire tapestries at Hardwick Hall


Unravelling the past

With its collection of fragile textiles, Hardwick has its work cut out when it comes to conservation and it's not just tapestries that make up the collection. We care for an extensive collection of textiles, furniture, paintings, ceramics and other decorative objects. Every year work continues to conserve another wonderful part of the collection and by visting Hardwick you're helping to support this important work.

The so-called 'Sea-Dog Table' after Jacques Androuet du Cerceau, c.1575 / NT 1127744
Walnut table inlaid with various woods and marbles, Hardwick Hall
The so-called 'Sea-Dog Table' after Jacques Androuet du Cerceau, c.1575 / NT 1127744


Below stairs

In the old kitchen you can discover more about the life and work of Hardwick's servants. Learn about 'an awe-inspiring little woman dressed in black' and the 'odd man' who lit the house.