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May Half Term at Hardwick

Come out to play in May! From maypole merriment to building your very own Hardwick, there’s something to keep all the kids entertained during half term.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

The weather’s getting warmer and the flowers are out in bloom! Let the kids race around the May activity stations and discover Elizabethan May traditions weaved in with themes of nature and heritage crafting!

Our 'Discover With Us' team will be back in the East Stables on Tuesday 27 May to make your own mummers mask or flower crown to become a Hardwick May Monarch.

Or visit on Thursday 29 May to meet our Mason's team as they showcase the specialist crafts they undertake at properties around the region.

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

Meeting point

The activity stations will be in the Stableyard.

What to bring and wear

The activity stations are all outdoors, please dress for the Great British weather! - Wellies may be needed if visiting after heavy rainfall.

Accessibility

There are accessible toilets, a changing place toilet, and parking at the Stableyard where the activity stations are located.

Upcoming events

Event

Walk With Us: Wider Estate Walks 

Discover Hardwick’s longer walking routes on a free guided group walk around the estate. With 7 different walks to choose from, sign up to one or challenge yourself to complete them all!

Event summary

on
6 May to 3 Jul 2025
at
10:30 to 13:30
+ 16 other dates or times
Event

Material Power: Rewoven 

Material Power continues in 2025, displaying 16 contemporary textile artworks amongst the internationally renowned textile collection.

Event summary

on
6 May to 31 Oct 2025
at
11:00 to 15:30
+ 178 other dates or times
Event

Para Regiment Parade 

The Para Parade commemorates Hardwick’s history as the location for the 1st Parachute Brigade who lived and trained on the estate in the 1940s.

Event summary

on
10 May 2025
at
11:00 to 12:30
Event

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.

Event summary

on
11 May to 6 Dec 2025
at
10:00 to 11:15
+ 4 other dates or times