Discover With Us: Craft Activities & Demonstrations
Visit the East Stables for natural crafts and demonstrations throughout the day.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Drop in to the East Stables for crafts and demonstrations centred on different themes throughout the year.
Themes:
• Saturday 31 January: Making woven reed crosses to St Brigid is a Irish saint & signifies spring & renewal.
• Saturday 14 February: Explore some Elizabethan valentines’ traditions of 'wearing your heart on your sleeve' making paper hearts and making origami birds as you hear about medieval superstitious sayings.
• Thursday 19 February: Find your inner Shakespeare & try your hand at using a quill and natural handmade inks.
• Sunday 8 March: Come and see our volunteers using traditional distilling methods using an alembic still to create flower essences.
• Sunday 15 March: Make either a gorgeous smelling herb sachet or a beautiful, dried flower box.
• Thursday 2 & Tuesday 7 April: Make one, keep one eco flower printing onto fabric or find out about the medieval ‘hunger gap’ of the springtime and sow some edible seeds.
• Tuesday 26 & Thursday 28 May: Craft a nature based dandelion stem friendship bracelets and send it your nearest and dearest in an origami envelope.
There will be craft activities suitable for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult.
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 pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Children welcome
- Meeting point
The East Stables is in the Stableyard next to the Second Hand Bookshop.
- What to bring and wear
Please dress for the Great British weather as there are no heating or cooling facilities in the East Stables!
- Accessibility
There are accessible toilets, a changing place, tramper/wheelchair for hire (free to use, donations are welcome) and parking at the Stableyard where the activity stations are located. The crafts take place on the ground floor.
Upcoming events
Writers' Retreat at Hardwick Hall
Carve out a space dedicated to your writing in this new writers’ retreat in the beautiful setting of Hardwick (lunch and refreshments are provided throughout the day).
Rooftop tours
Join our informative guides on an exclusive rooftop tour of Hardwick Hall and lookover the Derbyshire countryside from above.
‘Hop into the wild’ family trail, inspired by Disney and Pixar's "Hoppers"
Hop into this self-guided outdoors adventure – with storytelling and play. Fun for all the family.
February Half Term
Half term has never been more ‘love’ly! Explore the exciting Elizabethan themes of St Valentines through outdoor play and crafts.