Family-friendly things to do at Hardwick

Oh no! A crack has formed between our world and the spirit world, and all sorts of old British folklore creatures have escaped. It looks like they only have one thing on their mind, to eat all of Hardwick’s scrumptious cakes and bakes!

Download the free Stranger Folk app, available on The App Store and Google Play, to communicate with Old Mal, the crone who will lead you on your journey at Hardwick. Old Mal, has been around for 130 years and knows a thing or two about the best ways to banish the ‘Stranger Folk’, follow her directions carefully to seal the crack between worlds before it’s too late.

Find out more about Stranger Folk

Follow OId Mal’s tale of Apple Jack in the Orchard and zig zag your way through the trees, piecing together the story along your travels. See if you can spot the knitted, crocheted and pom-pom apples created by the talented Hardwick Makers!

Find out more about the Apple Day Story Trail

Visit the East Stables for natural crafts and demonstrations throughout the day, there's different levels of activities to suit all ages for the whole family to enjoy.

Find out more about Craft Activities

Play is back at Hardwick with the Elizabethan themes of Hallowtide weaved through the half term activities along with some spooky editions such as witches hat hoopla, broomstick barefoot walk, apple tree bean bag toss, and so much more!

There’s plenty of fun to be had in the Stableyard and a cosy hot chocolate or a delectable ice cream (because you never know with the Great British weather) is just a stone’s throw away.

If you choose to purchase a House and Gardens ticket, enjoy a quieter family adventure in the Fruiting Orchard and follow Old Mal's tale of Apple Jack.

Find out more about Hallowtide Half Term Activities

Bring a blanket or camping chair, wrap up warm, and watch tour favourite family friendly classics on a giant cinema screen under the stars!

• Saturday 25 October: HOCUS POCUS SPOOKTACULAR (PG)
• Sunday 26 October: THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (PG)

Find out more about Adventure Cinema

This year’s theme is The Tale of Misrule and the Holly King.

The Lord of Misrule invites you back to his festivities as his esteemed party guests at Hardwick. Along your journey through the gardens and hall, expect to hear stories of Wintertide past through the Tale of Misrule and the Holly King. A time when the mischievous Lord of Misrule chose not to adhere to tradition and favoured himself & playfully preparing for his party, over taking care of the annual offerings to the Holly King and winter spirits.

As you step into the hall this Wintertide all is not what it seems, the house has been turned upside down as the natural world runs riot. Will the Lord of Misrule make merry with the Holly King and help un-muddle Hardwick before it’s too late? Find out on your next visit to Hardwick Wintertide.

Find out more about Hardwick Wintertide.

Along your travels in the hall, spend some time at the child-friendly reading nooks in the High Great Chamber and Long Gallery

There's averything from books and games to play with to keep those little ones entertained whilst you browse the 16th century textile collection.

Coming soon, expected autumn 2025.

This year’s theme is The Tale of Misrule and the Holly King.

The Lord of Misrule invites you back to his festivities as his esteemed party guests at Hardwick. Along your journey through the gardens and hall, expect to hear stories of Wintertide past through the Tale of Misrule and the Holly King. A time when the mischievous Lord of Misrule chose not to adhere to tradition and favoured himself & playfully preparing for his party, over taking care of the annual offerings to the Holly King and winter spirits.

As you step into the hall this Wintertide all is not what it seems, the house has been turned upside down as the natural world runs riot. Will the Lord of Misrule make merry with the Holly King and help un-muddle Hardwick before it’s too late? Find out on your next visit to Hardwick Wintertide.

Find out more about Hardwick Wintertide.

Oh no! A crack has formed between our world and the spirit world, and all sorts of old British folklore creatures have escaped. It looks like they only have one thing on their mind, to eat all of Hardwick’s scrumptious cakes and bakes!

Download the free Stranger Folk app, available on The App Store and Google Play, to communicate with Old Mal, the crone who will lead you on your journey at Hardwick. Old Mal, has been around for 130 years and knows a thing or two about the best ways to banish the ‘Stranger Folk’, follow her directions carefully to seal the crack between worlds before it’s too late.

Find out more about Stranger Folk

Follow OId Mal’s tale of Apple Jack in the Orchard and zig zag your way through the trees, piecing together the story along your travels. See if you can spot the knitted, crocheted and pom-pom apples created by the talented Hardwick Makers!

Find out more about the Apple Day Story Trail

Explore the historic parkland with hidden histories brought to life by the Hardwick Stonemasons. Our team have been busy chipping away behind the scenes creating beautiful stone sculptures to accompany the stories of the estate.

This walk is perfect for older kids who feel comfortable walking right through to teens. The route is not pushchair-friendly and is 3 miles (appoximately 1 hour 30 mins).

Find out more about The Sculpture Walk.

The perfect short walk around both Miller's and Great pond. This walk is accessible for visitors with pushchairs and children with bicycles with a few small steps near the bridges.

Parking, cafe kiosk, toilets, and a baby change table are available at the Park Centre (What 3 Words: post.water.dustbin). This walk is 1.5 miles (approximately 50 minutes).

Tick off those 50 things to do before you're 11¾ at the Hardwick Parkland, our top 3 to do at Hardwick this autumn are....

No.2 Roll down a really big hill

No.9 Eat a picnic outdoors

No.22 Hunt for mushrooms

See the full 50 things list.