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Family-friendly things to do at Hardwick

Children running in the garden at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire, with the house behind
Family fun at Hardwick | © National Trust Images/David Levenson

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.
Stone mason showing a family how they create stone sculptures at Hardwick
Specialist Craft Open Day | © National Trust Images/James Beck

Specialist Craft Open Days

Find out more about the work of the specialist craft teams including carpenters and masons, who help us care for the National Trust collections and historic properties.

Members of the teams will be available to talk to and answer questions about the skilled work they complete. The craft days will be open from 10am to 3pm.

Family competing in the sack race with Hardwick Hall in the background
Family fun at Hardwick Hall | © National Trust Images/ Jon Scrimshaw

Summer of Play at Hardwick Hall

Take a trip back in time to enjoy some Elizabethan themed entertainment activities, including: a chance to don a costume and showcase your favourite stories or moves in one of our stages, make a tune on our music station, or challenge a friend to a game of giant chess.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

The Three Inch fools performing on a small stage surrounded by people and festoon lights
The Three Inch Fools | © Wilson Smith

Outdoor Theatre & Adventure Cinema

Plan ahead to summer and book tickets for the family-friendly, all-singing and all-dancing theatre troupe, The Three Inch Fools. Back with new shows 'The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', this new show and an Elizabethan classic are perfect performances for our special Elizabethan house on the hill.

Adventure Cinema is also back with classics for the whole family. Plan your next trip now!

Adventure Cinema: DIRTY DANCING (12)
Nobody puts baby in the corner! A fantastic outdoor cinema experience with plenty of songs to dance along to!Book now
Adventure Cinema: QUEEN OUTDOOR CINEMA SPECTACULAR (12)
An incredible movie and concert cinema experience!Book now
Adventure Cinema: THE GRUFFALO / STICK MAN (U)
An amazing family outdoor cinema experience with a double bill of brilliant Julia Donalsdon & Axel Scheffler animations.Book now
Adventure Cinema: HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE (PG)
Expecto Patronum! Enjoy and magical evening with a family favourite!Book now
A view of wintry trees in the garden at Hardwick looking towards the low winter sun
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Visiting the garden at Hardwick Hall 

Enjoy serenity in the garden at Hardwick Hall this winter and explore new growth through our Herb Garden and borders.

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.

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.