AttractionEnglish Heritage

Hardwick Old Hall and Hardwick Hall

Chesterfield, Derbyshire

The roofless shell of Bess of Hardwick's first great mansion, with National Trust parkland and woodland walks for your dog around both halls.

Two Elizabethan mansions side by side, built by the same extraordinary woman. Bess of Hardwick was one of the richest and most formidable figures of Elizabethan England, and Hardwick Old Hall went up on the site of her birthplace. English Heritage and the National Trust now work together so you can see both.

As you climb through four floors of roofless shell to see the 400 year old decorative plasterwork clinging to the walls at high level, the finest of its age and visible now precisely because the roof has gone, your dog gets the estate, which is generous: parkland, ponds and woodland walks around both halls, with the New Hall in view across the way.

Dogs on a lead are allowed at the Old Hall, with assistance dogs welcome. Parking is in the National Trust car park, free for English Heritage members displaying a valid sticker. There is a café, shop, toilets and museum. Because the two halls are run by different organisations, check what each ticket covers before you arrive so you are not paying twice.

At a Glance

Dog Access: On-lead in the grounds; Dogs on a lead allowed. Assistance dogs welcome.
Site Type: Medieval & Tudor
Entry: Paid entry
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Café / restaurant, Gardens, Museum, Parking, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
Telephone: 01246 850431
Parking: Parking in the National Trust-run car park is free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker.

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hardwick Old Hall and Hardwick Hall dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Hardwick Old Hall, where they must be kept on a lead. Assistance dogs are also welcome. While dogs can't go inside the Old Hall itself, the surrounding estate is generous with parkland, ponds, and woodland walks around both halls to explore together.
Are dogs allowed at Hardwick Old Hall and Hardwick Hall year round?
The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dog access, so visiting with your dog should be possible throughout the year. It's always worth checking ahead with the relevant organisation before you travel, particularly around events or maintenance periods.
What should I know before visiting Hardwick Old Hall and Hardwick Hall with my dog?
Dogs must be kept on a lead at the Old Hall, and the parkland and woodland walks around both halls are where your dog will get to make the most of the visit. One practical note: Hardwick Old Hall and Hardwick Hall are run by two different organisations — English Heritage and the National Trust respectively — so it's worth checking what each ticket covers before you arrive to avoid paying twice. Parking is in the National Trust car park and is free for English Heritage members who display a valid car sticker.