Hardwick Hall & Gardens

About

Built at the end of the 16th century, Hardwick Hall was one of the first examples of English Renaissance architecture. The prodigy house mostly escaped modernization, with conscious preservation efforts taking place since the 19th century. Today, a guided tour brings the rich history of this opulent manor to life, and showcases the large collection of embroideries, many of which date back to the 16th century, and lavish furnishing, many of which are original and listed in an inventory dating from 1601. The manor grounds were redesigned in the 1870s, with serene grass paths lined with yew and hornbeam hedges leading to the grounds’ 4 areas: the orchard, lawn, nuttery, and herb garden. Featured in the BBC documentary ‘Britain's Best Buildings’, Hardwick inspired the Main Exhibition Building at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition of 1876, and stood in for Malfoy Manor in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. For more information, please visit nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick