Family-friendly things to do at Hardwick
There's plenty for families to do at Hardwick, including seasonal trails and woodland walks.
Planning your family visit
- Baby-changing facilities in the Stableyard toilets.
- Pushchairs and buggies are not allowed in the house, please leave these outside the Entrance Hall by the front door.
- Relax and enjoy a picnic in the Stableyard with a stunning view of the Hall.
- Sometimes, depending on weather conditions, the footpaths may get muddy so don't forget your wellies and warm clothes.
Summer of Play at Hardwick Hall
Take a trip back in time to enjoy some Elizabethan themed entertainment activities, including: a chance to don a costume and showcase your favourite stories or moves in one of our stages, make a tune on our music station, or challenge a friend to a game of giant chess.
Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.
Specialist Craft Open Days
Find out more about the work of the specialist craft teams including carpenters and masons, who help us care for the National Trust collections and historic properties.
Members of the teams will be available to talk to and answer questions about the skilled work they complete. The craft days will be open from 10am to 3pm.
Hardwick Navigation Festival
On the 5th July, introduce your little ones (or teens) to orienteering! Hosted by Derwent Valley Orienteers, use a map and a timing chip to find your way between the checkpoints. You can run or walk, in groups or on your own. There are 6 navigation challenges to suit all ages and abilities. This is the perfect sport to challenge other families to for an ultimate fun day out!
This is a free event.
Outdoor Theatre & Adventure Cinema
Plan ahead to summer and book tickets for the family-friendly, all-singing and all-dancing theatre troupe, The Three Inch Fools. Back with new shows 'The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', this new show and an Elizabethan classic are perfect performances for our special Elizabethan house on the hill.
Adventure Cinema is also back with classics for the whole family. Plan your next trip now!
- Adventure Cinema: QUEEN OUTDOOR CINEMA SPECTACULAR (12)
- An incredible movie and concert cinema experience!Book now
- Adventure Cinema: DIRTY DANCING (12)
- Nobody puts baby in the corner! A fantastic outdoor cinema experience with plenty of songs to dance along to!Book now
- Adventure Cinema: THE GRUFFALO / STICK MAN (U)
- An amazing family outdoor cinema experience with a double bill of brilliant Julia Donalsdon & Axel Scheffler animations.Book now
- Adventure Cinema: HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE (PG)
- Expecto Patronum! Enjoy and magical evening with a family favourite!Book now
Visiting the garden at Hardwick Hall
Enjoy serenity in the garden at Hardwick Hall this summer and explore new growth through our Herb Garden and borders.
Eating and shopping at Hardwick
Enjoy tasty food and drink in the Great Barn restaurant or browse in the gift shop. Both are located within a historic setting at Hardwick.
The history of Hardwick Hall
Read how wealth, power and ambition drove Bess of Hardwick to build her grand design, filled with a treasure trove of fine furnishings that can still be seen at the Hall today.