Skip to content
Skip to content

Hardwick Wintertide

Explore the Hall by lantern light and join the trail to hunt for the family's lost pearls.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Get set to shape memories at Hardwick this Wintertide and join our annual Elizabethan celebrations. Begin your journey in the busy Elizabethan kitchens as the household prepares for days of revelry and feasting and explore the hall full of 16th-century cheer. Wander through the rooms filled with handcrafted decorations and winter greenery and join the trail to hunt down the family's lost pearls.

Late night openings: Hardwick Wintertide after hours is truly a spectacular experience. Enjoy seeing the mansion in a whole new light. • 4 & 5 December • 11 & 12 December • 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23 December Late night openings are 12.30 - 8pm with last entry at 7.15pm. 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 prices

The basics

Booking number

Call N/A

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

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.

Suitability for children

Children welcome

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

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

Walk With Us: Wider Estate Walks 

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

Event summary

on
11 Nov 2026
at 10:45 to 13:15

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
19 Nov to 9 Dec 2026
at 09:30 to 11:15+ 1 other date or time

Wintertide Workshop | Blackwork Natural Dyeing Workshop & Embroidery 

Discover the wonders of blackwork natural dyeing and embroidery during our two-part workshop, taking place on Saturday 21 November and Saturday 28 November.

Event summary

on
21 Nov 2026
at 10:00 to 13:00

Writers' Retreat 

Carve out a space dedicated to your writing in the writers’ retreat in the tranquil setting of Hardwick Park.

Event summary

on
26 Nov 2026 to 25 Feb 2027
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 3 other dates or times