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Hardwick
An Elizabethan masterpiece
Doe Lea, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5QJ
Important notice
There is currently no access around Millers Pond due to storm damages.
Opening times for 9 December 2023
Asset Opening time House 11:00 - 15:00 Entrance point 09:30 - 16:30 Garden 09:30 - 16:30 Refreshments - Park Centre 10:30 - 15:30 Park 08:30 - 18:30 Restaurant 09:30 - 16:30 Shop 10:30 - 16:30 Second-hand bookshop 10:30 - 16:30 Last entry to Hardwick is 16.00 and the site is closed at 16.30. When visiting the House, last entry is 14.15 to allow time to explore the rooms in comfort. The Old Hall is now closed until spring 2024.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £18.70 £17.00 Child £9.40 £8.50 Family £46.80 £42.50 1 adult, 2 children £28.10 £25.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Assistance dogs only
Able to access the entire property including house and gardens.
Kiosk
The Park Centre kiosk is open 7 days a week. Located in the lower estate.
Book shop
located inside the shop
Plant shop
Car park
Restaurant
Indoor and outdoor seating, including a designated indoor dog-friendly seating area
Dogs
We welcome dogs on leads across the parkland and in the Stableyard. Detailed information can be found lower down on the visiting with your dog page.
Shop
Electric vehicle charging point
Located in the lower car park, not in the main car park.
Toilet
Parking 100 yards from facilities, baby-change, accessible toilets. Accessible routes in gardens and House (ground floor). Wheelchair/ tramper for hire.
Accessible route and/or map
Level access/terrain
Accessible toilet
Narrow corridors
Located in the Hall.
Braille (guide or menu)
Hall guide available.
Powered mobility vehicle available
Trampers available for use throughout gardens and areas of the parkland. Pre-booking is advised (01246 858435). Free of charge, donations welcome.
Designated parking
Ramped access/slopes
Drop-off point
Seating available
Throughout main visitor routes.
Induction loop
Steps/uneven terrain
Large print (guide or menu)
Transfer available
Buggy service from Visitor Reception to the main entry for Gardens and Hall. (10am - 4pm, 7 days a week).
Level access to food outlet
Virtual tour
Is available in the Hall.
Level access to shop
Wheelchairs available
Available upon request subject to availability from Visitor Reception (01246 858435). Free of charge, donations welcome.
By road
8 miles south-east of Chesterfield; via A6175. Leave M1 exit 29, follow brown signs
Sat Nav: Please use postcode S44 5RW. Please be aware this may take you along minor roads depending on your location. Should you be concerned please follow the directions listed above
On foot
Rowthorne Trail; Teversal Trail. Please note signage is limited.
By train
The closest train station is Chesterfield. From there you can pick up a taxi or catch the Pronto bus from Chesterfield coach station, see bus directions for further details.
By bus
From Chesterfield, alight Glapwell 'Young Vanish' and cross the road, walk up the hill and take first right following signs to Rowthorne & Hardwick. Continue toward village then take second right and first left, arriving at Rowthorne gate. Continue straight to access Hardwick Hall. Please note the walk from the bus stop is approximately 2 miles, on main roads in part and with limited signage.
By bicycle
Hardwick can be reached by a number of routes, see below. Please note Hardwick operates a one way system for cars so you may be travelling against traffic.
Planning your visit
Article
Christmas at Hardwick HallÂ
Share a special winter with the family at Hardwick Wintertide this year, chase lights and shadows around the hall as you tour by lantern light.
Hardwick EventsÂ
There's a fabulous line-up of events taking place at Hardwick this year. Find out what's on and when.
Article
Visiting Hardwick with your dogÂ
Hardwick is a two pawprint rated place, and offers plenty of opportunities for bounding, jumping and sniffing for dogs. With acres to explore, come and join us for a wander.
Article
Group visits at HardwickÂ
As one of the finest Elizabethan buildings in the country, Hardwick Hall is a perfect place for group visits.
PDF
Highlights
Hall
An English interpretation of Italian Renaissance Architecture. This impressive masterpiece casts a dramatic silhouette across the Derbyshire skyline.
History
‘Bess of Hardwick’ was a shrewd and successful businesswoman. She married well and ultimately became the Countess of Shrewsbury.
Collection
Home to a unique collection of the finest 16th and early 17th-century needlework, furniture and original portraits.
Garden
The garden is laid out around the hall. It has a herb garden, orchards, mixed borders which provide seasonal colour.
Estate
Impressive views of rolling hills and Grade I listed parkland. Follow walks which wind through ancient trees and countryside.
Eating
The Barn restaurant provides main meals, light bites and freshly baked cakes and scones.
Shopping
The shop sells gifts, along with seasonal and local sourced products. The second-hand bookshop has pre-loved and rare books.
Visitor centre
Enjoy a warm welcome to Hardwick Hall in the Visitor centre, with friendly, knowledgeable staff and volunteers.
Spotlight events
Article
Christmas at Hardwick HallÂ
Share a special winter with the family at Hardwick Wintertide this year, chase lights and shadows around the hall as you tour by lantern light.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at HardwickÂ
There's plenty for families to do at Hardwick Hall, including seasonal trails, adventuring in the parkland and exploring the house. Find out what's on and plan your visit.
Activity
Walk with usÂ
Embark on a journey of exploration, friendship and fitness with our free guided group walks this autumn.
Hardwick Wintertide Evening Lantern TourÂ
Dance with shadows as you tour the Hardwick Wintertide displays at night.
Things to see and do
Article
Discover Hardwick HallÂ
Hardwick Hall is the legacy of a woman who had the vision, wealth and sheer audacity to commission a house that shouts innovation from the rooftops.
Article
Visiting the garden at Hardwick HallÂ
Discover winter colour in the garden at Hardwick Hall and explore our favourite homegrown favourites through our Herb Garden, Fruiting Orchard and along the Mulberry Walk.
Article
Exploring the parkland at HardwickÂ
Visit Hardwick's parkland to enjoy stunning scenery and a wide range of walking routes and wildlife this season.
Top trails
Trail
Hardwick wider estate walkÂ
Discover parts of the Hardwick Hall estate often missed, on this wider estate walk through beautiful Derbyshire countryside.
Trail
A gentle walk around HardwickÂ
A short walk around Hardwick in Derbyshire taking in the surrounding woodlands and ancient park.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at HardwickÂ
Enjoy tasty food and drink in the Great Barn restaurant or browse in the gift shop. Both are located within a historic setting at Hardwick.
Places to stay
4 Stable Yard CottageÂ
Stay on the Hardwick estate in this restored stableyard building with room for six people.
6 High HazelsÂ
Once the Brewhouse to Hardwick Hall, now an elegantly curated holiday home.
Rowthorne LodgeÂ
A restored gate lodge for two with luxury interiors, set within the Hardwick Hall estate.
Upcoming events
Event
Winter Wreath WorkshopÂ
Create your very own festive décor, drawing inspiration from elements of a Tudor Christmas.
Event
Vocalium Choir in the High Great ChamberÂ
Listen as Vocalium fill the High Great Chamber with a festive Elizabethan music programme.
Event
Hardwick Wintertide Evening Lantern TourÂ
Explore the magic of Hardwick Wintertide after-hours at our evening opening event.
Event
Lord of Misrule Puppet Making WorkshopÂ
Compete with your family to see who can build the best winter trickster!
Event
Oak Group WalkÂ
Intermediate 3.5 mile group walk around the Hardwick Estate. Make friends and get outdoors this autumn!
Event
The Wider Estate Group WalkÂ
Explore the wider estate with our longest group walk yet! Think you can take on the 7 mile challenge?
About Hardwick
Welcome to Hardwick – a spectacular Elizabethan house filled with rich furnishings and tapestries preserved by successive generations of the Devonshire family.
It was the formidable 'Bess of Hardwick' who first built the house and developed the surrounding estate in the late 1500s. Her descendants, the Dukes of Devonshire, treasured Hardwick, while lavishing much of their attention and money on nearby Chatsworth. Their success – intimately associated with empire over 400 years and across the globe – preserved Hardwick, and their interests elsewhere saved it from significant alteration.Â
In the 20th century, keenly aware of Hardwick’s great significance and unique appeal, the Devonshires ensured that this remarkable building was passed on to the nation with its Elizabethan splendour intact. 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.
History
Article
The history of Hardwick HallÂ
Read how wealth, power and ambition drove Bess of Hardwick to build her grand design, filled with a treasure trove of fine furnishings that can still be seen at the Hall today.
Art and collections
Article
The collection at HardwickÂ
Discover an internationally-renowned collection of textiles including exquisite tapestries and embroidery and learn about the art of up-cycling, Elizabethan style. Find out more about Bess of Hardwick who largely sourced and collected the textile treasures.
Our work
News
National Trust and English Heritage announce new partnership at Hardwick Old HallÂ
The National Trust and English Heritage have announced a new partnership agreement which will see Hardwick Old Hall fully open to visitors for the first time in five years after extensive conservation work.
Project
Project
Gideon tapestry project at Hardwick HallÂ
After 24 years of conservation, the 13th and final Gideon tapestry has returned to Hardwick Hall, marking the end of the National Trust's longest ever conservation project.
Project
Project
The Hardwick Hall Building Repair ProjectÂ
The ten-year project to restore and protect Hardwick Hall.
Support us
Article
Volunteer opportunities at HardwickÂ
Join the great team of volunteers working to maintain and run Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire for visitors.