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Hardwick Hall
Type:Historic House
Doe Lea
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S44 5QJ
About
Home to one of the most influential women in the Elizabethan realm, Hardwick Hall is the culmination of the personality and ambition of its builder and patron Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury, known as Bess of Hardwick. Connect with the Elizabethan world in which she lived, of global discovery and political change.
Positioned high on an escarpment dominating the skyline of Derbyshire, Hardwick Hall is a rare 16th-century survival. Built and resourced from the estate by local people.
Near original interiors allow us a glimpse into this exceptional moment in English design. They hold an internationally significant collection of 16th-century textiles, furniture, and portraits reflecting the quality of craftsmanship, cultural mix, and complex relationships of the Elizabethan age. Walk through her spaces and experience her world.
Take a break and enjoy a treat from the restaurant including hot and cold drinks, seasonal main meals, light snacks, freshly baked cakes and scones or scoop ice-cream for those warmer days. Visit the shop for some well-loved favourites and classic souvenir items, as well as seasonal and locally sourced products.
The Gardens
Enjoy the glorious gardens at Hardwick, discover the fragrant herb garden, ornamental and fruiting orchards and a spectacular border of herbaceous plants. Or take a moment and relax in these wonderful surroundings.
Hardwick Parkland
Talk a walk in the historic grade I listed landscape. Follow way-marked walks and paths to discover woodland pasture, maintained by our living lawnmowers (cattle and sheep). Take a simple stroll along Lady Spencer’s woodland or look for wildlife around the ponds in the Lower Park.
Stainsby Mill
An atmospheric gem on the Hardwick Estate. Watch the Victorian watermill turn and see the cogs and machinery grind the flour. Join one of our pre-booked experiences and explore this unique industrial building.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled toilets
- Facilities for hearing impaired - Induction Loops
- Wheelchairs available - Buggy Service from visitor reception to House / Garden Wheelchairs available to use and mobility tramper available (limited) Wheelchair access to the ground floor
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Catering
- On-site catering
- On-site light refreshments
- Picnic site
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
Languages
- French signs/guides
- German signs/guides
- Spanish signs/guides
Parking
- Parking with charge - Main car park – parking charge is included with admission ticket Lower car park, hourly rates apply
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted - Dogs (on leads) are welcome in the stableyard area including shop, restaurant (Reynolds Room) and toilets, and the wider estate. Assistance dogs only in the Hall and gardens.
- Gift shop - Gift shop and second-hand bookshop
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
Site Features
- National Trust Property
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
TripAdvisor
- Excellent1737
- Very Good720
- Average162
- Poor68
- Terrible50
Map & Directions
Road Directions
Hardwick is approx 2 miles from junction 29 of M1 motorway
From North/South Leave M1 motorway at junction 29 and take A6175 (signposted Clay Cross). Take first turning on left (following brown signs for Hardwick Hall). Follow road for approx 1 mile and turn left passing underneath M1 motorway. Follow road past Stainsby Mill and turn right onto Hardwick Estate. Follow signs to car park.
From East Follow A617 to junction with M1 motorway and take 2nd exit at roundabout (A6175), then follow route from North/South.
From West Follow A619 to Chesterfield. At traffic light controlled roundabout (Matalan) select middle lane and take 3rd exit. Keep in left lane and at traffic lights go straight on. At roundabout select right lane and take 3rd exit. At next roundabout (traffic light controlled) select left lane and take 2nd exit (A617). Stay on A617 to M1 motorway junction (approx 4 miles) and, at roundabout select right lane and take 5th exit (A6175, signposted Clay Cross). Then follow route from North/South.
Public Transport Directions
Nearest train station Chesterfield, 6 miles away
No buses to the Hall, nearest bus stop Young Vanish (approx 2 mile walk to Hall) served by Pronto bus, two per hour from Chesterfield town centre.
