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.
- 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.
Family-friendly things to do on the estate
Stand outside the Hall, look up high and you will see ‘ES’ proudly sitting on the turrets. Step inside the Hall and you can discover what the initials ‘ES’ stood for. When you explore, there are three floors of rooms, all with the wow factor. There is space to park pushchairs and buggies near the entrance of the Hall.
Within the garden look out for the giant umbrella trees, can you find out what type of tree they are?
When its time for refreshments, the restaurant serves snacks and drinks or you can enjoy a picnic in the Stableyard. Refreshments are also on sale at the Park Centre (Lower Park) when exploring the parkland by the ponds.
Christmas at Hardwick
Take your family on a lantern-lit adventure this Christmas at Hardwick Wintertide. Tip-toe around the Elizabethan mansion as you gasp in delight at the beautiful festive displays. Watch out for the winter tricker, the Lord of Misrule, all is not as it would appear at the lantern house this Christmas.
Walk with us
Escape into Autumn and join us on our free Family Ponds Walk!
This relaxed walk is perfect to build friendships and socialise with other families. Children can discover nature's treasures along route by building journey sticks and they have the chance to stop for a picnic & play in the meadow. - Don’t forget to bring sandwiches!
Family friendly workshops
- Paper Lantern Making Workshop
- Make your day extra magical and create your own winter lantern to tour the mansion with.Book your tickets now
- Lord of Misrule Puppet Making Workshop
- Compete with your family to see who can build the best winter trickster!Book your tickets now
Visiting the garden at Hardwick Hall
Discover winter colour in the garden at Hardwick Hall and explore our favourite homegrown favourites through our Herb Garden, Fruiting Orchard and along the Mulberry Walk.
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.