Exploring the parkland at Hardwick

Ewe with lambs in the parkland | © National Trust Images/John Millar

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.

The sculpture walk: Discover the craftmanship of the Hardwick Masons as you follow the new sculptures along the trail.Find out more about the route
Hardwick wider estate walk: This trail explores parts of the estate often missed, and offers fabulous views of both Hardwick Hall and Hardwick Old Hall from the far side of the valley. Please note admission fees apply for routes through our gardens and Stableyard areas.Find out more about the route
A gentle walk around Hardwick: A very pleasant short walk in the Upper Park at Hardwick, taking in the atmospheric woodland and ancient park.Find out more about the route

An aerial view of Dovedale Farm space before the 12,191 trees have been planted — Dovedale Farm space before the 12,191 trees have been planted | © National Trust Images/ Rob Fakes

Dovedale Farm tree planting project

We’re working in partnership with Greenwood Community Forest to create new woodland and to connect rare and important habitats at Dovedale Farm on the Hardwick Estate. We plan to plant 12,191 trees from January to March 2025 to support the National Trust’s climate action commitments of planting 20 million trees by 2030.

Improving and increasing habitats

We have an opportunity to enhance wildlife spaces at Dovedale Farm to diversify our flora and fauna.

Once tree planting is complete we hope to see more woodland, wood pastures, hedgerows, wet woodland, open spaces and woody scrubs. As well as connecting existing nature corridors and creating space for natural regeneration.

Creating new visitor areas

In March 2025, the community orchard and wildflower meadow will be planted, creating a visitor picnic zone. To accompany this new space, our plan is to eventually connect Dovedale Farm and Lady Spencer’s Wood through a circular footpath.