Hardwick Hall

In Brief.

Hardwick Hall is a grand, well preserved Elizabethan country house, run by the National Trust, with a walled garden and extensive grounds. The adjacent garden includes an orchard and some fine views over the fields, but the highlight is the house. Built for a grand dame of the Elizabethan period, the hall retains many of its original features, being largely spared from generations of home improvements. The site also includes the adjacent Hardwick Old Hall, which is run by English Heritage, but they certainly drew the short straw as only the shell of the Old Hall survives.

What's Here.

Hardwick Hall was built to suit the needs and reflect the status of Bess of Hardwick (1521-1608), who was born on the site, outlived a succession of husbands, and accumulated significant wealth in the process.  Her initials (ES - Elizabeth Shrewsbury) adorn the towers. The house spent a considerable time in the possession of descendants who also owned the even more imposing Chatsworth, and thus Hardwick Hall has been preserved along with much of its contents.

The house itself was well populated with enthusiastic guides in visit, and has a variety of interesting features. The public rooms are on the higher floors, approached by a meandering staircase, and benefit from unprecedentedly large windows.  Several of these rooms are imposing, with The Long Gallery stretching the full length of the building. Many of the rooms are lined with tapestries acquired by Bess of Hardwick herself, sometimes second hand from less prudent former owners. As is often the case with National Trust properties, there is also access to more functional rooms, including the kitchens and a room lined with drawers for documents.  

The Old Hall.

The gardens adjacent to the hall are divided by hedges into sections that include an orchard and a herb garden, and there is also a spacious stable yard that would be a good space for picnics if you are not tempted by the adjacent cafe.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 64 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Price: $$ or free for National Trust members.

Parking: The on-site parking is included in the entry fee.

Food and Drink: There is a pleasant cafe, with scones, cakes and lunches.

Retail Therapy: There is a gift shop, with the usual National Trust offerings including food, drink, blankets and books.

Child Friendly: The house trumps the grounds here, so not the most child-friendly National Trust property. There's no play area.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: 2-3 hours.

Inside-Outside: 70:30




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