Hardwick Hall
Derbyshire, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
Pinpoint
Doe Lea, Chesterfield S44 5QJ
Telephone 01246 850430
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- Car park 100 yards from facilities; postcode S44 5RW for estate entrance (car park Doe Lea S44 5QJ); one-way system for cars
- Access
- Parking 100 yards from facilities; accessible toilets and Changing Places (Radar key); accessible routes in gardens and ground floor of Hall; Trampers and wheelchairs for hire; buggy service to Hall
- Facilities
- Restaurant (indoor/outdoor, dog-friendly seating area), shop, plant shop, second-hand bookshop, toilets
- Dogs
- On leads across parkland, Stableyard and formal gardens; designated indoor dog-friendly seating in restaurant; assistance dogs access entire property incl. the house
- Safety
- Steps and uneven terrain; ramped slopes; one-way system for cars
Hardwick Hall is an Elizabethan prodigy house built for Bess of Hardwick, famed for its vast expanses of glass across its three floors. Reviewers highlight the centuries-old tapestries and detailed stone carvings inside, and rate the walks around the grounds and lakes as a strong draw in their own right, popular with both history enthusiasts and dog walkers.
Worth the trip
The Red Throne and surrounding wall tapestries, singled out by reviewers as a highlight of the interior.
Before you go
It draws large crowds even on a regular bank holiday, so reviewers suggest going with the expectation of busy rooms rather than a quiet wander.
Reviewers consistently praise Hardwick Hall's grand architecture, historic tapestries and the story of Bess of Hardwick, alongside extensive, well-signposted grounds and lakes. Combined entry to the nearby Hardwick Old Hall ruins is mentioned repeatedly as a valuable bonus that adds context to the main house. The site is noted as very popular and can have queues at the food van and cafe, though these are said to move quickly, and some visitors flag steep banks in parts of the grounds as a challenge for less able visitors. A buggy service from the car parks is available for those who need it.
Elizabethan prodigy house built for Bess of Hardwick, famed for its vast expanses of glass
“Hardwick Hall is beautiful, especially the stunning Red Throne and the incredible wall tapestries/paintings. The history of Bess of Hardwick and her four marriages adds such a fascinating layer to the visit.”- Feras Candil, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “There are large well-marked carparks with a covered buggy service if you want to miss the longish walk.” - Leigh Harrison
- Facilities
- “Nice food & drink from the National Trust caravan, both the caravan and cafe had queues, but they moved quick enough.” - Ted Dexter
Common questions about Hardwick Hall
Where is Hardwick Hall?
Hardwick Hall is in Derbyshire, England, at Doe Lea, Chesterfield S44 5QJ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Hardwick Hall?
Yes - Hardwick Hall is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Hardwick Hall?
Yes - Hardwick Hall offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the stately home itself or within its grounds. See the Stately Homes You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Hardwick Hall?
The Red Throne and surrounding wall tapestries, singled out by reviewers as a highlight of the interior.
Is Hardwick Hall a ruin or still intact?
Hardwick Hall is largely intact - Elizabethan prodigy house built for Bess of Hardwick, famed for its vast expanses of glass.
