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Summer of Play: Free Weekly Crafts

Enjoy self-led craft activities in the Summer of Play zone for those extra creative kids! - There’s a new theme each week.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Take a break from active play and try a calming creative activity in the Summer of play zone with these free craft workshops. With a new theme each week, come back and keep adding to your craft collection!

• Wednesday 22nd July – ‘Decorate your own shield’ – Colouring craft

• Wednesday 29th July – ‘ Write like a Tudor Scribe’ – try out calligraphy pens and write your very own Tudor invitation

• Wednesday 5th August – ‘Flower crown making’ – using Hardwick grown dried flowers

• Wednesday 12th August – ‘Origami flowers’

• Wednesday 19th Augst – ‘Paint a portrait’ – watercolour craft

• Wednesday 26th August – ‘Mask decorating’

• Wednesday 2nd Sept – ‘Pokémon colouring’ – colouring craft

For non-members of the National Trust, or visitors without a general admission ticket to the House and Gardens, the Wider Estate admission fees apply:

• Adult: £6.00

• Child: £3.00

• Family (2 adults, 2 children): £15.00

• Family (1 adult, 2 children): £9.00

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Accessibility

The activities take place in the Summer of Play Zone on flat grass, please note there may be obstacles on the ground due to Children playing throughout the day.

Meeting point

These craft activities take place in the Summer of Play zone in the North orchard. Follow the signs or ask one of our team on arrival where to go.

What to bring and wear

Please dress for the Great British weather. Refreshments can be purchased in the Summer of Play zone, or picnics are also welcome.

Upcoming events

Bess's Dream 

This new display explores the memories that might have surfaced in Bess's dreams during her final days.

Event summary

on
4 Jul to 1 Nov 2026
at 11:00 to 15:30+ 120 other dates or times

Bess: unframing the family 

Following conservation and analysis, several family portraits return to the collection. Discover what new insights can be found beneath their surface.

Event summary

on
4 Jul to 1 Nov 2026
at 11:00 to 15:30+ 120 other dates or times

Create With Us: Creative Writing Workshop 

Come and join us for creative writing workshops through the year exploring themes of Elizabethan festivals, changes in the seasons, or empowering women.

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on
6 Jul to 2 Aug 2026
at 10:00 to 11:15+ 1 other date or time

Rooftop tours 

Join our informative guides on an exclusive rooftop tour of Hardwick Hall and lookover the Derbyshire countryside from above.

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on
8 Jul to 29 Jul 2026
at 11:00 to 12:30+ 15 other dates or times