Hardwick Wintertide
Explore by lantern light and follow the tale of Misrule and the Holly King...
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
The Lord of Misrule invites you back to his festivities as his esteemed party guests at Hardwick. Along your journey through the gardens and hall, expect to hear stories of Wintertide past through the Tale of Misrule and the Holly King. A time when the mischievous Lord of Misrule chose not to adhere to tradition and favoured himself & playfully preparing for his party, over taking care of the annual offerings to the Holly King and winter spirits.
As you step into the hall this Wintertide all is not what it seems, the house has been turned upside down as the natural world runs riot. Will the Lord of Misrule make merry with the Holly King and help un-muddle Hardwick before it’s too late? Find out on your next visit to Hardwick Wintertide.
Late night openings:
Hardwick Wintertide after hours is truly a spectacular experience. Delight in a mulled wine in the gardens and enjoy seeing the mansion in a whole new light. Save the dates:
• 28 & 29 November
• 5 & 6 December
• 12 & 13 December
• 19, 20, 21 & 22 December
There’s no need to book in advance as there will be free flow entry. Please note that the hall can be quite busy at the opening times at the start of the day, this is 11am on standard opening days and 12.30pm on late light night opening days.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Booking details
Call N/A Hardwick Wintertide is free flow entry, tickets are not available to purchase in advanced.
- Suitability
Children welcome
- Meeting point
Please arrive at Visitor Reception where the team will be on hand to welcome you to Hardwick Wintertide. The story takes place in the Stableyard, garden, and the hall.
- What to bring and wear
For the preservation of our collections, backpacks must be worn on the front of the body to avoid breakages. Please be prepared to carry a lantern throughout the house
- Accessibility
Hardwick Wintertide will take place in the Stableyard, garden, and across the upper and ground floor of the Hall. The upper levels of the floors are only accessible via stairs but wheelchairs are available on each level if needed. A Wintertide experience video will be available to view on the ground floor for anyone unable to access the top floors. Lighting will be reduced for the lantern tour
- Other
• The museum rooms and the middle floor will be closed during this time for conservation cleaning. • The processional route will be dressed for Wintertide, and some collection items may be obscured. • Please note that last entry to the Hall is at 14.15 on standard opening days, and 19:15 on evening opening days. • It will take 45 minutes to 1 hour to walk around the displays. • All festive displays are included in your National Trust membership or non-member ticket for the House and Gardens. • Car park available, for non-members the car parking is included in the main entrance ticket or Stableyard ticket. • Dogs are not allowed in Hardwick Hall, unless they are registered service dogs. Dogs are welcome in the Garden, Stableyard area and the Parkland. • The Old Hall will be closed until Spring 2026.
Upcoming events
Stranger Folk at Hardwick
A crack has formed between our world and the spirit world, and all sorts of old folklore creatures have escaped. Download the Stanger Folk app and help Old Mal close the gap between worlds.
Architecture Tour
Pass through time on this architectural tour of the exquisite buildings on the Hardwick Estate and be introduced to one of England‘s first ‘Architects’.
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.
Guided by Nature: Veteran Tree Walk
Tour Hardwick’s veteran tree collection to understand how they provide protected habitats for rare fungi, bats, lichens and so much more!