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Hardwick Old Hall
Type:Historic House
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S44 5QJ
About
Discover the stately ruins of Hardwick Old Hall, built on the site of the manor house where Bess of Hardwick was born. Bess rose from humble beginnings to become Countess of Shrewsbury and one of the richest and most remarkable women of Elizabethan England, wealthy enough to buy her old home and convert it into a magnificent hall.
Ascend through four floors to enjoy spectacular views over the Derbyshire countryside and Hardwick New Hall. Take your time and admire the spectacular decorative plasterwork on your way up. Then learn more in our fascinating exhibition and visit Bess's New Hall next door.
The Old Hall has undergone a 7-month long conservation project to protect the 400-year-old plaster friezes. Once the finest of their age, and a display of Bess of Hardwick’s status and wealth, the Hall’s decorative plaster panels have been exposed to the elements for two centuries
Now, using a range of specialist skills, experts have managed to stabilise and preserve these original features, which depict beautiful plants and animals as well as allegorical scenes.
On the whole west wall – which faces out across the valley and is more exposed to weather damage – the team have completely reinstated the render on the building. The old render was analysed so that the new mix matches what was there historically and has been traditionally applied.
Scroll down the page to see a video showing the restoration work.
Guide Prices
Hardwick Old Hall is currently closed.
Full details of opening times and admission prices will be published closer to the time.
Awards
- Other Awards
Self-assessed Accessibility Information
Facilities
Accessibility
- Facilities for hearing impaired
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Catering
- On-site light refreshments
- Picnic site
Children
- Children welcome
Groups
- Guided tours for groups
Parking
- Parking with charge
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Gift shop
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
Site Features
- English Heritage Property
- Welcome Host
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Opening Times
* Hardwick Old Hall is currently closed.
Full details of opening times and admission prices will be published closer to the time.
TripAdvisor
- Excellent225
- Very Good143
- Average46
- Poor3
- Terrible0
Map & Directions
Road Directions
The Hall 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 Hall 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 middle 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.
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