Hardwick Hall

About

About Hardwick Hall:

Welcome to Hardwick  – a spectacular Elizabethan house filled with rich furnishings and tapestries preserved by successive generations of the Devonshire family.

It was the formidable 'Bess of Hardwick' who first built the house and developed the surrounding estate in the late 1500s. Her descendants, the Dukes of Devonshire, treasured Hardwick, while lavishing much of their attention and money on nearby Chatsworth. Their success – intimately associated with empire over 400 years and across the globe – preserved Hardwick, and their interests elsewhere saved it from significant alteration. 

In the 20th century, keenly aware of Hardwick’s great significance and unique appeal, the Devonshires ensured that this remarkable building was passed on to the nation with its Elizabethan splendour intact. The Hardwick Estate is open every day, for countryside walks with picturesque views, woodland family play trails, locally sourced gifts in the shop and delicious seasonal menus in the restaurant.

Family friendly activities:

Explore, play and create at Hardwick Hall! Watch out for activity trails and half term activities which fill the stableyard area and gardens each season. Hardwick’s main highlights are Easter Adventures, the Summer of Play, and Hardwick Wintertide. 

Woven Worlds:

Hardwick Hall is renowned for its textiles, including an extensive collection of tapestries. The 13th and final Elizabethan Gideon Tapestry returned home in 2023, signalling the end of the National Trust's longest running conservation project at over 24years.

Stainsby Mill:

At the foot of Hardwick Hall, get stuck in learning the history of a working water mill! Opening times may vary, please check the website before you travel.

Accessibility information: Accessible parking, accessible W/C, induction loop, Braille guide/menu, powered mobility vehicle available, virtual tour available in the hall, wheelchairs available, buggy service from Visitor Reception to the Hall, ramped access/slopes and level access to shop and restaurant. Please note there is no lift in the hall due to it being a Grade 1 listed building.