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Rooftop tours

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

  • Booking essential
  • Admission applies

We're bringing back our exclusive rooftop tours for you to enjoy the panoramic views over the Derbyshire countryside. See if you can spot the magnificent local landmarks that rest on the horizon, some of which have been around since Bess' time!

Starting in the Hall, ascend through the building learning about Bess of Hardwick's humble beginnings and intriguing rise to power. Step into Bess' footsteps and look over the Hardwick skyline and image how the Elizabethan estate would have looked back in 1597.

Finish the tour by taking a sneak peek into Bess' intimate rooftop banqueting room - it's not to be missed!

Tickets are £10 per person and can be booked online. Standard admission also applies for non-members of the National Trust.

Please note the tour is approximately 1 hour long but may take 1.5 hours depending on questions and dwelling time on the roof.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
All £10.00

Event additional prices

Ticket typeTicket category
£10.00
Check admission prices

The basics

Booking number

Call 0344 249 1895

Accessibility

Please note there are 135 steps to the roof, steps may be uneven in places. There is a handrail which stretches from the bottom to the top and there will be plenty of breaks along the way. No spiral staircases.

Meeting point

Please meet in West Court just outside the main entrance to the hall. It can take 7-10 minutes to walk from the car park to the West Court.

Suitability for children

Children over 16 only.

What to bring and wear

Please wear sensible sturdy shoes.

Other

If gust of winds are above 35mph the tour will not go ahead. Please book online or via the phone number provided.

Upcoming events

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

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
6 Jul to 1 Nov 2026
at 11:00 to 15:30+ 118 other dates or times

Bess's Dream 

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

Event summary

on
6 Jul to 1 Nov 2026
at 11:00 to 15:30+ 118 other dates or times

Dawn Sanctuary Yoga in the West Court 

Enjoy an early morning yoga session in the West Court surrounded by the early summer flowers and the beautiful backdrop of Hardwick Hall

Event summary

on
9 Jul to 27 Aug 2026
at 07:00 to 09:00+ 7 other dates or times