Hardwick Old Hall — Attraction in Bolsover

Bess of Hardwick, Countess of Shrewsbury, was born in her father's manor, now old Hall at Hardwick, which today is a ruin beside the 'new' hall. Hardwick Old Hall, a slightly earlier house which was used as guest and service accommodation after the new hall was built. It is administered by English Heritage on behalf of the National Trust and is also open to the public. Many of the Old Hall's major rooms were decorated with ambitious schemes of plasterwork, notably above the fireplaces. Remarkably, impressive fragments of these are still to be seen (protected by preservative coatings and rain-shields), though most of the building is unroofed. You can go all the way to the top, which has some great views. Both Hardwick Hall and the Old Hall are Grade I listed (the highest designation) by...

It is a lovely old historical house but it is closed off at the moment whilst restoration occurs. That's been the case for a while so there is just a small exhibition and a tiny shop open to the public on site. Hopefully it'll be 5 stars whenever English heritage completes the restoration of the amazing plaster friezes etc. It is on the same site as the national trust house Hardwick Hall which superceded the old hall for Bess of Hardwick. Its worth a look if you are visiting the newer hall. On the NT site there is a nice restaurant and national trust shop but super busy at Xmas weekends. Queueing for a cuppa unfortunately. I suggest visiting...

Visited on day out walking round Hardwick Hall. Unfortunately access to the hall was limited due to emergency repairs but the shop and exhibition was still open. Really intresting to see what remains, especially some of the plaster work still on the walls and the remaining woodwork. The exhibition is interesting explaining the life of the Elizabethan hall and its creator Bess Hardwick. Do remember it's not a ruin it just wasn't fully completed and stone robbed for other projects. Staff helpful and jolly with toilets/cafe ect available in the main stable yard. Access free for English Heritage members with a small charge for...