My family and I visited Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire over the weekend as I had a free National Trust family pass. The weather was nice, and since we don’t usually get to visit the countryside, we were excited.
Nestled in the heart of Derbyshire’s picturesque countryside lies the beauty of Hardwick Hall. My family and I set out for a delightful day at this remarkable National Trust property, full of history and intriguing stories. We all wanted to go somewhere which offered indoor and outdoor sources of entertainment so this was a perfect choice for us.
Stepping onto the grounds of Hardwick Hall felt like entering a portal to the Elizabethan era. The hall stood grandly against the green countryside.
We thoroughly enjoyed touring each of the hall’s impressive rooms, learning more and more of the life of Bess of Hardwick, one of the most powerful women of her time. The intricacies of the architecture and the stories of the hall’s inhabitants brought history to life. The building was breath taking, and the many tapestries were even more so. Everyone stood admiring the art. We really felt as if we had been transported back in time.
Though a complete contrast to the luxurious Hardwick Hall and it’s extravagance, we loved exploring the ruins of Hardwick Old Hall. Tucked away amidst the greenery, this medieval marvel stood as a testament to the passage of time. It added a layer of depth, and we couldn’t help but let our imagination run wild at what the past must have looked like in the bare building we stood in.
Hardwick Hall has not only been a backdrop to history but also to the silver screen. It has unsurprisingly attracted filmmakers over the years. Notably, the hall has been featured in the popular film Mary Queen of Scots (2018), a period drama starring Margot Robbie which the hall and grounds were used as external shots of Hampton Court Palace. Hardwick was also the inspiration for Malfoy Manor in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows (2010).
After a leisurely exploration of the two halls, we decided to queue to get ice cream from the Kiosk. It wasn’t just ice cream, but Bluebell Dairy Artisan Ice Cream which is very well known in the Derbyshire area. The queue was quite long as the weather was nice, however we can confirm the wait was worthwhile. I opted for Mango and Double Cream Vanilla (£4.00). They were both delicious but my favourite was Mango.
After getting ice cream, we wandered in the beautiful gardens. The manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and serene ponds made us feel like they were gardens of our own. As we strolled through the fragrant flowers and listened to the gentle music of nature, it was easy to forget the business of modern life.
We all enjoyed our time at the hall. I liked that it had so much to offer – both inside and outside. Hopefully, we can visit there again soon. Next time, I would like to stay there all day with a picnic and also enjoy walking around the grounds.
