Hardwick Hall National Trust

 Hello there! A few weeks ago I received an email from the National Trust saying that my parents had sent a free pass to Tom and I so that we could go for a day out somewhere. Having been to various National Trust places throughout my life, I wanted to go somewhere where neither Tom or I had been before, and which was a large place so we would gain the most out of our free pass! After having a look on the website at which places were in the area, we decided to go to Hardwick Hall. 

It was a beautiful autumnal day- bright sunshine but a bit chilly! After a drive down the M1, we made it to the Hardwick Estate. Before entering the hall, we had a look round the Hardwick Old Hall (which is owned by English Heritage, but as we had the National Trust pass we were able to have a look around for free), before moving onto the 'new' hall. 

 As we ventured round the ruins, there was a wall covered in people's scratchings along the lines of 'woz here 2006' but what I loved was the fact that something that seems to be a modern day occurrence, was something that happened hundreds of years ago. (If you can see in the photo below, the name is dated 1882). I like the idea of someone visiting over 200 years ago and leaving their mark just as others do now.

 I loved how big the windows would have been in the hall, and the view that they would have had across the countryside! 

  

  After having a look around the old hall, we moved onto the 'new hall'. Alongside looking around the actual hall, we had a lovely walk around the gardens- my favourite part of the gardens were the little fairy houses that have been created in some of the trees!

 We had such a lovely day looking around the two halls and the garden (and of course finished the day with a cup of tea and a slice of cake!) that we will definitely be returning again. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to buy two young persons memberships so that we can explore more of the National Trust places in the area (and return to the ones we've already been to). Keep your eyes peeled for future posts on other national trust places that we visit. 

 I hope you enjoyed the virtual tour of Hardwick Hall, and if you happen to be in the Chesterfield area I would definitely recommend a visit. What are some of your favourite National Trust places? (To add to my list of places to visit!).

Love Jess xxx