[2025 Ault Hucknall Attraction] Travel Guide for Hardwick Hall (Updated Oct)

Hardwick Hall is a 40-acre country house situated in the heart of Northamptonshire. It has been visited by many crowned heads and royalty, including Elizabeth I - with its splendid gardens and palatial stables, Hardwick Hall is a must for anyone wishing to experience the splendour and charm of another time. Hardwick Hall is one of the most beautiful family homes in England, with a well-preserved late-medieval water garden and grounds. It was a favourite location for films such as Mary Queen of Scots and Harry Potter.

#mytraveldiary Hardwick Hall in Chesterfield Heath, Derbyshire, is a magnificent Elizabethan country house famous for its striking architecture and rich history. Known for its large windows that let in abundant light, the hall offers a fascinating glimpse into 16th-century aristocratic life. Inside, visitors can admire lavish interiors, ornate fireplaces, and period furnishings that reflect the wealth and style of the era. Beyond the house, the gardens provide a peaceful and picturesque setting, with well-maintained lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and charming pathways perfect for leisurely strolls. Seasonal blooms and thoughtfully designed landscaping make the gardens a delight throughout the year. Ideal for history buffs, garden enthusiasts, and families seeking a memorable day out, Hardwick Hall combines architectural brilliance with natural beauty. Every visit immerses guests in the elegance, heritage, and enduring charm of Derbyshire.

Built in 1597, Hardwick Hall was designed by Robert Smithson, a British architect and advocate of the Renaissance style. The hall uses a lot of glass, making it both avant-garde and bold, and a display of wealth, as glass was an expensive luxury at the time. This gave rise to the saying: "Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall." The large glass windows of Hardwick Hall inspired the Crystal Palace at the first London World's Fair in 1851 and the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition in 1876. The letters "E" and "S" on the roof of the hall are abbreviations of Bess's name and title: Elizabeth Shrewsbury, Countess of Shrewsbury. The hall's collection consists mainly of 16th-century tapestries, furniture, and portraits, with the tapestries being particularly impressive for their quantity, size, and exquisite patterns. The collection includes the famous Gideon Tapestries. Gideon is a character from the Old Testament of the Bible, a famous hero of Israel. Under the guidance of Jehovah, he rose from a commoner to a general and led 300 elite warriors to defeat the Midianite army of 130,000. The Gideon Tapestries consist of 13 pieces, measuring approximately 70.1 meters long and 6.09 meters high, and date back to 1578. The tapestries were originally collected by Bess's friend, Sir Christopher Hatton, and became part of Bess's collection after his death in 1591. The Gideon Tapestries are like a series of giant comic strips, each depicting a major event in Gideon's life. This one shows Gideon destroying the altar of Baal. To help viewers identify Gideon, he is depicted with a blue patterned sheath on his calf. The gardens of Hardwick Hall are large, with open views, long hedges, and beautifully shaped tree crowns. After spending 3 hours at Hardwick Hall, we left at 4 pm and drove to our accommodation in Nottingham. July 2, 2024 National Trust - Hardwick Hall

#getgoing2025 Perched on a hilltop in the Derbyshire countryside, Hardwick Hall is a magnificent Tudor mansion that offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulence and ambition of Elizabethan England. Built in the late 16th century by the formidable Bess of Hardwick, this National Trust property is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. The hall’s exterior is striking, with its towering walls and famously large windows that earned it the nickname “Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall.” Inside, the grandeur continues with richly decorated rooms filled with original tapestries, fine furniture, and intricate plasterwork ceilings. The Long Gallery is a standout feature, showcasing an impressive collection of portraits and offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The estate’s beautifully landscaped gardens and parklands are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Highlights include the orchard, herb garden, and the romantic ruins of the Old Hall, Bess’s earlier residence. The tearoom and gift shop provide a cozy spot to relax after exploring. Hardwick Hall isn’t just a historical building—it’s a testament to the power and vision of one of England’s most remarkable women. A visit here is a journey through time, offering insight into the life and legacy of Tudor aristocracy.

Made famous as a filming location in Harry Potter and the Death Hallows, Hardwick Hall’s own story is equally as interesting. Built by Bess of Hardwick during the Tudor years and funded by inheritance from her 5 (progressively richer) husbands who all mysteriously met their early demise it was one of the many English stately homes to hold Mary Queen of Scots during her years in captivity. The house is also home to one of the few surviving portraits of Elizabeth I, she reportedly had many destroyed due to her extreme vanity. #Tudor #statelyhomes #nationaltrust #harrypotter