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 on one of our Elizabethan stages, make a tune on our music station, or challenge a friend to a mini jousting tournament!
Engage with the natural world at the Nature Nook which will be a treat for the senses! From rustling up new recipes in our mud kitchen to what you can feel as you explore our new barefoot walk, there will be lots to explore, learn and discover.
For the more competitive kids, watch them compete in races, hurdles, football, tennis and badminton. Or why not set up an archery competition and see if you can find the next Robin Hood!
Let's not forget the little ones, the Tot’s Spot is a haven of soft play, bean bags, cushions and relaxed games, perfect for young families or siblings wanting to play together.
Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.
Looking for more out of your visit? Try one of these free activities below, perfect for the whole family. Find out more about each one on the main event page.
- Minibeast Safari | Mondays
- Spot, learn and explore your way through this new Minibeast Safari to see how many fascinating insects you can find amongst the formal gardens. Suitable for children aged 4-12.Find out more
- Storytelling & Singing | Wednesdays
- Listen to songs and stories centred around themes of Elizabethan traditions in Hardwick Hall.Find out more
- Craft Activities & Demonstrations | Selected Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Visit the East Stables for natural crafts and demonstrations throughout the day.Find out more
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.
Adventure Cinema
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.