National Trust - Hardwick Hall - Chesterfield

Laura Luke

Didn't have time to do it all so would definitely be back. The house is so vast and interesting that you can be in there for a good 2-3 hours minimum. The gardens that we saw were lovely and the Orchard Talk was interesting as it involved history of the house and garden again. I believe this was just on that day though. Shuttle bus takes you from the visitor centre to house entrance if you don't want to walk or are unable to which is a nice touch and all the staff were very friendly and informative. I recommend the hot choc in the cafe (go round the back of here for another gorgeous view of the hills) And going to the bookstore for a 2nd hand bargain!

Andy Holmes

Had a great day out, its not cheap to get in but worth every penny. The old house is ruined but well worth a look, amazingly it has original moulded plaster on the walls in places. The Elizabethan house is stunning. The great hall and long hall on the top floor are absolutely jaw dropping. There are guides in most of the rooms who are happy to talk and are full of interesting information. The ornamental gardens are well worth a walk plus there are longer walks in the grounds. There is a tea room which was very nice with quality cakes and snacks for sale. The toilets were very clean. There is also a gift shop and second hand book shop which seemed reasonably priced. There were also some activities for children in the house and grounds.

Tony Clark

We enjoyed our visit to Hardwick. Both the gardens and the house were lovely.
The cafe was very busy with a lot of people enjoying their food and drinks in the sunshine at the many outside tables. The cafe didn't seem to have enough staff but maybe that is just my impression of a busy lunchtime.
The house contains much very interesting and unusual furniture but the thing that my wife most enjoyed was the large collection of tapestries which have recently completed restoration.
The story of Bess of Hardwick is very interesting and a great success story. She had four marriages outliving all of her husbands. She gained the title of Countess and became the second wealthiest woman in England after Queen Elizabeth I.
I was somewhat disappointed at how early the house closes to visitors but a very nice member of staff explained to me about the limited hours that they can afford the delicate furniture to be in the light. The moral is to arrive early and don't spend a lot of time in the cafe.
There is plenty of parking and it isn't a long walk to the house. We didn't visit Old Hall but saw it on the way out.

Matthew Ellis

It was a fantastic experience in a beautiful setting. Two stunning halls, one in ruins (but you can still go round it and climb up to the top for excellent views), and the other hall is in remarkable condition with stunning architecture, gardens and loads of amazing tapestries. There are so many beautiful things to see. All these things were created by a lady who made very good choices in life and was very successful in her own right.

Andrea Barnett

The site runs a bus up the house which is great. The staff are just so friendly happy and helpful and full of knowledge about the house . The house has so many Well preserved tapestries so many to see . Quite a few stairs so those with mobility issues could struggle but it is worth the walk. The house is breathtaking . Lots of parking and places to sit and have a picnic. You also have old Hardwick hall the ruin on the same site which is just stunning and the views from the stop are just beautiful . Real nice day out

Julia Barrow

Absolutely beautiful house. Much more authentic and honest, in my opinion than Chatsworth. Not as many modern adornments, more how it was meant to be. Staff friendly, welcoming and informative. The tapestries, what can I say except unbelievable. Have to be seen to be believed. Just unfortunate it was a very misty day with rain and we couldn't really see the gardens properly. This means we will definitely be back!

Abi Stevens

A lovely place to visit. Quite accommodating for disabled or wheelchair, though only stairs to upper floors which are a gentle rise. For those unable to visit upstairs there is a computer with a virtual tour available in the kitchen area.

It is well worth waiting for one of the site history talks, our guy was excellent, engaging, very informative and funny at times. He and others were able to answer questions raised.

There is by far the best thought out disabled toilet that should be able to cater for the variety of needs with dignity. Also available is an electric coach wheelchair adapted to help take up to the buildings which is on a slight incline.

There is a second hand book room, plants, for sale as well as the visitor shop.

There was an outdoor catering truck with a large area with picnic tables. There is an indoor restaurant which also has outdoor seating. They serve a variety of hot snacks cakes light meals etc.

Joanne Macallister

Not been here before and was really impressed by it. We are members of the National trust, so a nice ‘free’ day out. Plenty of parking with a few minutes walk to the entrance. There are two halls to see. The original hall which is now ruins and the house that Bess had built where she eventually lived. The main feature of the house is its vast collection of tapestries and the stories linked to them. There are plenty of staff in all rooms of the house that are really approachable and have a vast knowledge of the story of Bess and her family and the house she owned. Each room also has information signs to read that explains the meaning behind the furnishings and items on show. A beautiful flower garden sits in front of the house which is well maintained.
Also on the site are plenty of benches and picnic tables. Food can also be purchased in the cafe. Toilets with changing facilities for babies and adults with limited mobility. There is also the usual NT book and plant sales as well as the shop.