Hardwick hall are staging two exhibitions which surround Bess of Hardwick.  She was such an important character in Derbyshire, a great builder.  In fact, she was one of the most prodigious builders in the Elizabethan age, building Hardwick Hall, Hardwick Old Hall and Chatsworth. Her son and grandson built Bolsover Castle. She is buried in Derby Cathedral in a tomb designed by her.

We see her buildings driving down the motorway, we visit Chatsworth and Hardwick Hall at Christmas, enjoy the Chatsworth Summer County show and Christmas Markets.  She shaped what we see in this part of Derbyshire. She became the second most important and wealthiest woman in England in the time of Elizabeth I.

Hardwick Hall NT is staging an exhibition which includes a number of family portraits which have been conserved and now reveal hidden stories amongst other factures of her life and those around her.

The star attraction is a rare violet satin gown, in amazing condition, worn by Bess, recorded in her 1601 inventories.

This exhibition is only on till October; let's not miss it!

Hardwick hall has a lot more to offer for our day outing, lots to see in the house, a garden with wide herbaceous borders, relax in one of their deck chairs, an orchard brimming with damsons, apples and mulberries, walking trails and of course a café, shop and second-hand bookshop.

Hardwick Hall has some Tramper mobility scooters. If you would like me to enquire if they are available for booking please tell me at the time of booking.

On our way to Hardwick Hall, we will stop for coffee/tea which is included in the price of the outing

Cost £12 for NT members or £33 for non-members.

This includes coach travel, driver’s tip, entry into Hardwick Hall and gardens and the exhibition