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Family-friendly things to do at Hardwick

Family taking a closer look at the bug hotel in woodland
Family taking a closer look at the bug hotel in woodland | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

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 2026

This summer over the school holidays there's a whole lot of Elizabethan themed activities to get stuck into. Don a costume and take to the stage in The Minstrels Court, make a tune on our music station, or challenge a friend in Champions Corner. For the more competitive out there, there's the opportunity to compete in races, hurdles, football, tennis, badminton or archery. There's lots for the little ones too in the Merry Meadow with soft play, Mud Kitchen, bug hotel, and chutes, perfect for young families or siblings wanting to play together. On top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play, discover all-new Pokémon zone. 

Family-Friendly Events

See all Hardwick events
Families playing puzzles in the house at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Families playing puzzles in the house at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Top family-friendly things to do in the Hall

Brightly colours girls boots jumping in a muddy puddle.
Children enjoying a winter walk | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Top family-friendly things to do in the gardens and parkland

Accessibility at Hardwick

Discover key accessibility information to help you plan a visit to Hardwick. We believe that Hardwick should be open and accessible for all, and we are taking steps to ensure that as many people as possible can experience Hardwick's history and nature.

Visit Hardwick's Access page

Visiting the garden at Hardwick Hall 

Enjoy serenity in the garden at Hardwick Hall this summer, explore summer colour along the borders or get outdoors for a breath of fresh air.

Harden Garden at Hardwick in August with a view of the Hall in the background.

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.

A member of staff smiles as she pours steamed milk for a customer at the Courtyard Café at Nostell Priory

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.

The front entrance of the Elizabethan Hardwick Hall, the building is stone, yellow in the sun and with "more windows than wall"

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