Hardwick Hall and Gardens

Hardwick Hall is a country residence built at the end of the 16th century in the Elizabethan style. There is a large collection of embroidery in it, mainly from the late 16th century. Many of the furniture and other furnishings are original and were mentioned in the inventory dated 1601. Behind the house a picturesque garden was established, in which a herbarium, vegetable garden and orchard were separated. Both the building and the adjacent lands can be visited.

The property was designed for Bess of Hardwick by architect Robert Smythson. Hardwick Hall is one of the earliest examples of the English version of the Renaissance style, which was just beginning to be fashionable at that time.

The extensive grounds of the estate also include Hardwick Old Hall, a slightly older house, currently in ruins. Like Hardwick Hall, it is managed by English Heritage on behalf of the National Trust and is also open to the public.