Best Western Hardwick Hall Hotel, Durham

Hardwick Old Hall

Advantages: Historical, interesting, great views
Disadvantages: Not a huge amount to see

A couple of weeks ago Mr Tart and I headed for the Peak District to visit his family. As a big fan of all things old I wanted to visit some sort of historical site as my part of the weekend (don?t worry, her got a 7 mile walk out of me for his part!). I?d always wanted to visit Hardwick Hall, especially as the Tudors is one of my favourite historical periods and was very happy to hear it was so close to where we were staying. SOME HISTORY: I doubt if many people will have heard of Hardwick Old Hall. I certainly hadn?t and I like to think I?m quite a bore when it comes to these sorts of things! The Hall was built by Bess of Hardwick (Elizabeth, Countess Shrewsbury) between 1587 and 1596. Bess was one of the foremost women of the Elizabethan age and managed to get through four husbands on her way up the social ladder. Bess was ...

tartlette83 11.06.2009 · Read full review
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Review of Hardwick Old Hall, Derbyshire

The other Hardwick Hall

Advantages: Lots of history, wonderful view
Disadvantages: Only a ruin, admission charges

In my ignorance I didn't even realise that there was an Old Hardwick Hall and I only discovered it when I visited the other Hardwick Hall during a National Heritage Open Day in September 2008. The two places are obviously linked but they are not to be confused. The other Hardwick Hall being in the care of The National Trust and its older neighbour, Old Hardwick Hall being in the hands of English Heritage. Many people will know of Hardwick Hall as the grand country house that Bess of Hardwick had built for herself during the latter part of the 16th century. By the time the "new" Hardwick Hall was built in 1597 Bess was the second wealthiest woman in Britain, after Queen Elizabeth 1. The Old Hall is perhaps surprisingly not all that much older than the other house. It was built around 1580 and was Bess's first attempt at building ...

micksheff 28.11.2008 · Read full review
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Review of Hardwick Old Hall, Derbyshire

Hard to beat, Hardwick Hall.

Advantages: Amazing Hall, beautiful gardens, whole day visit.
Disadvantages: Do not trust Sat Nav to take you to the right entrance!

Hardwick Hall, maintained by The National Trust, is one of the most impressive Tudor houses in all England, well this is what the guidebooks say, and I have to agree. Although I have only visited once and it was raining or dull for most of the day, the place sparked my imagination and captured my history-loving heart. Built in the late 16th Century, it is one of the earliest examples of the renaissance style. The architect, Robert Smythson also designed the wonderful Longleat House in Wiltshire. Hardwick sits at the end of a long driveway, high on a hill, looking out over the stunning Derbyshire countryside. The first view of the house is from the car park at the side, yet even from this position there is a sense of the dramatic history about to be discovered. At the front, from the gates, can be seen Hardwick Old Hall, now ...

No_added_sugar 31.07.2009 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire