Family-friendly things to do at Hardwick
There's plenty for families to do at Hardwick, including seasonal trails and woodland walks.
Planning your family visit
- Baby-changing facilities in the Stableyard toilets.
- Pushchairs and buggies are not allowed in the house, please leave these outside the Entrance Hall by the front door.
- Relax and enjoy a picnic in the Stableyard with a stunning view of the Hall.
- Sometimes, depending on weather conditions, the footpaths may get muddy so don't forget your wellies and warm clothes.
Summer of Play at Hardwick
There are interactive activities, games and play for everyone at Hardwick’s bigger and better Summer of Play! Discover each activity zone, perfect to keep the whole family entertained.
Keep an eye out for our 'Feast and Fun Evenings' where the Summer of Play is open until 7.30pm for picnics and on some nights food vendors will be available.
4-legged friends are welcome in the dog-friendly picnic area, but please keep your dogs out of the children play areas.
Summer of Play Activities
Create memories with the family by taking part in our additional activities at Hardwick.
Junior Archery
Whether you're a seasoned archer or just curious to try, this event has something for everyone. Enjoy the outdoors, meet fellow archery enthusiasts, and test your skills. Don’t miss out on the fun! Suitable for children aged 10 years and over!
Festival of Archaeolgy: The closing party
Hardwick Hall will host the closing event of this year’s Festival of Archaeology with a fun-filled family day celebrating archaeology & community through hands-on and awe-inspiring activities.
There will be talks and activities exploring the history of the area while inside the festival marquee you can explore the work of the many local archaeology and heritage community organisations.
What's on this summer?
From May half-term to the return of Hardwick's bigger and better Summer of Play, there's always something to get excited for! Alongside Hardwick's summer programme, there are a series of child friendly external events to give you a summer full of memories. Take a look and book your place below:
- Adventure Cinema: Finding Nemo (U)
- An amazing Disney open-air cinema experience with a showing of this Pixar classic.Book now
- Adventure Cinema: Jurassic Park (PG)
- A blockbuster outdoor showing of Spielberg's dinosaur classic, Jurassic Park!Book now
- Adventure Cinema: Frozen sing-a-long (PG)
- An fantastic outdoor cinema experience with a Sing-A-Long showing of Disney's Frozen!Book now
- Adventure Cinema: Sing (U)
- A fantastic open-air cinema show for all the family!Book now
Visiting the garden at Hardwick Hall
Discover and blossom in the garden at Hardwick Hall this spring and explore new growth through our Herb Garden and borders.
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.
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.