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Exploring the parkland at Hardwick

A view from Hardwick Hall's roof showing the beautiful Derbyshire countryside in winter. — Explore the Derbyshire countryside | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Enjoy watching the changing seasons come to pass, from misty mornings to golden autumnal days. Don’t forget to follow the journey of the Hardwick trees to see the colours change and leaves begin to drop.

The parkland at Hardwick

The Hardwick Estate surrounding the magnificent Hall, covers around 2,500 acres of parkland and includes a variety of habitats from woodland and wetland to farmland.

Many layers of history make the park a fascinating place to visit. Visit the restored Duck Decoy and Ice House, both of which helped to supply the Hall in past times.

Walking routes and group walks

There’s plenty of walking routes to try around the wider estate at Hardwick. From shorter dog walks around Lady Spencer's Woods to wider Estate walks across the parkland and beyond. You'll be rewarded with some spectacular views, gently framed by an abundance of veteran trees.

New Year's Day 'Walk it off': Wider Estate Group Walk: Indulged a little too much over Christmas? Join the walking team for this free 7 mile 'walk it off' group walk.Find out more
Bird Walk for Beginners: Join Hardwick’s bird enthusiasts for a winter bird walk.Find out more

The East view of Hardwick from the East Court

Discover more at Hardwick

Find out when Hardwick is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

A man and a woman kicking through leaves on the Hardwick Estate

Activity

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Walk with us

Embark on a journey of exploration, friendship and fitness with our free guided group walks this autumn.

Dog in bright red warm jacket on a lead outside

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Visiting Hardwick with your dog

Hardwick is a three pawprint rated place, and offers plenty of opportunities for bounding, jumping and sniffing for dogs. With acres to explore, come and join us for a wander.

The interior of the Blue Room at Hardwick Hall with a four-poster bed with blue drapes and elaborate picture wallpaper

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The history of Hardwick Hall

Read how wealth, power and ambition drove Bess of Hardwick to build her grand design, filled with a treasure trove of fine furnishings that can still be seen at the Hall today.

Two visitors marvelling at the scale of how tall the Long Gallery is at Hardwick

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Discover Hardwick Hall

Hardwick Hall is the legacy of a woman who had the vision, wealth and sheer audacity to commission a house that shouts innovation from the rooftops.

A member of staff smiles as she pours steamed milk for a customer at the Courtyard Café at Nostell Priory

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Eating and shopping at Hardwick

Enjoy tasty food and drink in the Great Barn restaurant or browse in the gift shop. Both are located within a historic setting at Hardwick.

A man and a lady walk through a frosty landscape at Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk

Countryside and woodland

Plan a visit to one of the special countryside places in our care and discover the benefits of being in the great outdoors. Pack your walking boots and get ready to explore woodlands, valleys and rivers.

A view across Longshaw Estate covered in frost in winter. There are trees and fields in the foreground, looking towards woodland in the distance

Countryside and woodland in the Peak District and Derbyshire

Find out about the extensive countryside and woodland places to explore in the Peak District and Derbyshire, from rugged peaks to wide expanses of moorland.

A family walking alongside Lake Windermere at Fell Foot during winter, Cumbria

Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.