Temple Newsam House and Gardens

Mr Bingley and I have not been the best bloggers recently – with the spell of good weather the blogging has fallen by the way side although I hasten to add the visiting and days out have not!

A few weeks ago it seemed we got our first dose of sunshine all year and Mr Bingley was keen to get out and about; Temple Newsam House and Gardens was our destination.

By the time we arrived Mr Bingley was chomping at the bit. We have visited the gardens and farm a number of times and I love it every single time. If you have children and live anywhere near Leeds you must make the effort to visit; you feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

There are stables, barns, pens and paddocks housing all kinds of farm animals from donkeys and goats to turkeys and rare breed pigs.

Mr Bingley came across a particularly endearing pig which he said looked like me on a Monday morning before work. Photographed here is the said pig; I laughed but was not laughing when I realised he had photographed it and tagged me in it on Facebook.

I got my own back by dragging him away from the farm and into Temple Newsam house. I’ve lived in Leeds for three years now and have never been inside this magnificent Tudor mansion so this was well overdue.

I was astonished; Temple Newsam was incredible.

I will admit to being a bit of a snob as I assumed that as a council run property they would not have lavished it with the same attention as English Heritage or The National Trust. I could not have been more wrong. I was also completely unaware that the house was the birthplace of Lord Darnley – father of James I. 

Getting There:

Unfortunately you do really need to drive unless you fancy a 1.5 mile walk from the nearest bus stop.

With Temple Newsam it's best to check out the Leeds City Council page to see what your options are; it's not the easiest place to find!

Information:

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday

Prices for the House and Farm:

Adult: £6

Child: £3.70

Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children): £15.50

Plus FREE Audio Tour of the house

House Tours (a chance for a tour with a knowledgeable guide) – Thursdays at 11-11.45am

Hidden Temple Newsam Tour (a tour through the history and hidden passage ways of the house) – Tuesdays and Saturdays 11-11.45am

Best Bits:

The plush interiors remained original or had been very tastefully reconstructed and re-decorated. Those damned velvet ropes you find so often in country houses were barely present which meant it was actually possible to walk into the rooms; being able to get up close to the portraits and furniture was a real treat.

The range of activities and exhibitions available is exceptional; the farm, the Capability Brown landscaped gardens and 4 floors of delightful Jacobean house and Ibbetson art exhibit all in one location – there is something for everyone here.

The price is also seriously competitive and a welcome surprise – house, gardens and farm entry for a family of 5 for £15.50. It’s definitely an educational and fairly inexpensive family day out when so many properties charge extortionate costs for the same or fewer activities.

Worst Bits:

Sadly one of the best aspects (the lack of NT or EH velvet ropes and hawk-eyed supervisors) was also one of its downfalls. 

The people who work there don’t actually know much about the property. Yes there is plenty of information available BUT for those extra questions and great little hidden gems there was no one to ask. 

This was a real shame as I was dying to find out more about the Knights Templar and their connection with the lands.

Also the main House Tours only run on a Thursday with Hidden Temple Newsam Tours on Tuesday and Thursday. Ideally it would be good to have a tour every day and be aware that if there is a wedding taking place in the house that the bottom floor will be off limits!! 

Definitely worth making a phone call in advance if you wish to see the entire property.

Interesting Fact:

Well more of a feeling than a fact but Temple Newsam is allegedly the most haunted house in Leeds.

With a plethora of ghosts to choose from The Blue Lady seems to be the one everyone’s talking about.  Apparently the ghost of Mary Ingram who lived in the property, the Blue Lady is said to be heard shrieking from the South Wing and dragging something heavy across the floor.

Mary Ingram was riding home one night when she was robbed and assaulted by highwaymen; this led her to become somewhat derailed and obsessive in character. People have seen her hunting for her belongings within the house and even walking past them on the stair.

There is also the story of the maid, strangled in the cellar whilst trying to resist the amorous advances of one of the footman. If you are brave enough to face a tour of the cellars (especially during Halloween) then the retelling of this tale is enough to terrorise even the bravest of ghost-hunters. Oooh spooky!

Kids:

I don’t think any children could help but be entertained by Home Farm. There are animals to feed, old farm machinery for novelty photos, lamb and calf pens and a huge array of other rooms filled with information about agriculture through the ages.

Mr Bingley and I spent over 2 hours walking around the farm and paddocks and that’s not including the extensive landscaped gardens which are great for kids to let off some steam. The garden paths and walks make great hiding places for hide and seek whilst adults can enjoy strolling through the stunning blooms of azaleas and rhododendrons at this time of year.

The house was perhaps slightly lacking in child friendly activities although there were 2-3 rooms dedicated to children throughout the house with miniature dressing tables, curtained beds and fancy dress for playing lord and lady. 

The house spreads across 4 floors and if your children aren’t 100% angelic they may be getting restless by the third but what’s to say you can’t take a break in the walled garden and grab an ice-cream in between floors.

Facilities:

There is a pleasant tea room, gift shop and the farm and lower floor of the house are completely wheelchair friendly. Temple Newsam also offers a number of corporate hospitality packages including weddings and conferences.

There is some parking on site however this costs £4 so your best option is parking further down the road for free parking and a 5 minute stroll to the estate. Keep an eye on the website as there are plenty of summer activities for both kids and adults including a number of live music performances. 

Overall:

We both loved Temple Newsam. Mr Bingley and I have been considering getting some ducks for our back garden and I think after our visit we may have to find room for pigs, guinea fowl and goats as well.

At this time of year the gardens are spectacular and the rolling lawns are a fantastic spot to settle down with a book and a picnic on a lazy summer Sunday. Or why not go with the dog for a bracing walk followed by some tea and scones in the cafe?

Temple Newsam surprised both of us and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone. If you were an English Heritage snob like me you will soon eat your words and be looking forward to your next visit.

Mr Bingley’s Rating:

Gardens and Farm 9.5/10

House 9.5/10

May Bank Holiday: Blenheim Palace Tournament

I may have already selected my top 5 picks for the Bank Holiday weekend but I had to slip in a sneaky extra  one (or two if you count Pig Washing at the Shugborough Estate).

The splendid Blenheim Palace is hosting their annual Jousting Tournament this bank holiday weekend; where chivalrous knights will fight for the hand of fair ladies on Bleinheim's South Lawn.

However it's not just jousting which will be the feature of the day, you can even get right in on the action watching the knights slug it out with maces and swords. The traditional sport of the tilt is also taking place, a chance to watch a real knight's charge.

If this hand to hand combat and medieval sport hasn't got you on the edge of your seat why not catch the falconry show? The skill and technique of the handlers is spectacular whilst the speed and precision of the hawks is unparalleled - a real treat for the whole family and bound to impress even the most tantrum prone toddler! 

To top it all off you could even take time to explore the house but if I were you I'd revel in the outdoor fun, watch the knights parade, heraldic trumpeters and try your hand at archery.

Treat Yourself?

You can even be super posh and book a picnic in advance so there's no need for you to stress about last minute shopping or finding enough ice packs for the cool bag (I never seem to have enough!). 

Instead rely on Blenheim Palace to sort you out when you give them a quick call :01993 813874

You could even go wild and treat the kids to some medieval fancy dress available in the retail tent! All in all it's a great excuse to get out of the house and be enthralled by some magnificent medieval revelry! 

The tournament runs from 4th May until the 6th and starts at 11am at Bleinheim Palace, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP. Prices are also pretty reasonable considering the amount on offer. Park and Gardens tickets (including Jousting) offer a Family ticket for £32 or alternatively £12 per adult.

If you do feel like exploring the stunning home of the Dukes of Marlborough then you may wish to opt for the Palace, Park and Gardens ticket at £55 for the family or £21 for adults. Although pricey this will give you an annual pass so you can visit as many times as you like within the year... not a bad offer if you live in Oxfordshire or nearby and feel you will get your money's worth.

Family Days Out: May Bank Holiday

Running out of ideas for the kids this May Bank Holiday?

Well now the weather’s on the turn (finger’s crossed) why not get outside, soak up some limited sunshine and get some fresh air in your lungs.

Below are my top 5 picks of activities for the kids and wider family this May Bank Holiday.

        Greet a Gruffalo?

If your little ones are fans of Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo then they will love Godolphin House’s Gruffalo trail.

Why not take a trip to Godolphin, follow the clues around the gardens and park in search of the mysterious beast with terrible tusks and terrible claws. This might not be great for older children in your clan but the younger ones familiar with the story are bound to be enthralled!

This fashionable Cornish estate is also a great place for lazy walks, with views over quaint St Ives and the picturesque isle of St Michaels Mount.

This National Trust event runs from 11am until 3pm on Sunday 5^th May at Godolphin House, Cornwall, TR13 9RE.

        Roasted Fox?

If your kids love The Gruffalo but Cornwall is a little remote you could head down to the ‘deep dark woods’ of The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire?

The Dean Heritage Centre have just opened a brand new forest trail which is dotted with hand carved gruffaloes, mice, foxes and snakes depicting the much loved tale.

Children will love following the story as they scramble through the woodland discovering the next chapter; ‘Aha! Aho! A track in the snow! Whose is this track and where does it go?’

Once the family have sufficiently tired themselves out, stop off at the Heritage Centre Café to try some Roasted Fox or Scrambled Snake!

Sadly any four legged friends are not allowed on the trail but it is pushchair friendly so even the youngest readers or listeners can join in the fun without causing Dad severe back pain.

The centre is open daily from 10am until 5pm and costs between £16 and £19 for a family ticket. Find the Gruffalo trail at Dean Heritage Centre, Gloucestershire, GL14 2UB.

Grand Victorian Fayre 

If you live in the London area roll up to Audley End House and Gardens this weekend where the action packed line-up is certain to impress everyone from Granny and Grandpa to stroppy teens.

Involving a traditional gymkhana, a travelling show and a May Day Parade there is something for all the family.

If you feel like facing fate you could even hunt down the fortune teller in her traditional gypsy caravan! Get an insight into the traditional Victorian ‘upstairs downstairs’ hierarchy as you go behind the scenes to see the servants and grooms preparing for the parade finale.

With live music all afternoon it’s even tempting to defy the weather and take a picnic whilst the kids can enjoy themselves exploring the vast gardens.

This is going to be slightly more expensive, even for English Heritage members as family tickets are priced at £39.20 for non-members. Despite this the jam packed timetable should make it well worth it and it's a day out that will have something for everyone.

Find the fayre at Audley End Park and Gardens, Essex, CB11 4JF. The fayre runs from Saturday 4th May until Monday 6th May.

May Day Festival        

Try Cherryburn between Hexham and Newcastle for a family oriented festival.

If you are in the North of England then this could be the choice for you. Wrap up for the weather and enjoy a spectacular May Day festival.

Give your kids their first taste of a traditional British May Day fayre with face-painting and outdoor family games as well as indulging in the customs of dancing around the maypole and selecting a worthy May Queen.

Plus Cherryburn is the farmhouse home of artist Thomas Bewick and the house has an outstanding and unrivalled collection of his art and exhibition detailing his life. 

With stunning views of the Tyne Valley this is the perfect place to settle down with a picnic whilst the kids enjoy the farm.

Cherryburn cottage (National Trust) is located at Station Bank, Stocksfield, NE43 7DD and open from 11 - 5pm.

       The Arms and Armour of the Superhero

This is definitely going to be the best option if the weather chooses to revert to it’s default setting – overcast and dreary. Located at The Royal Armouries in Leeds there is plenty of space to explore whilst staying toasty warm.

Arms and Armour of the Superhero is going to appeal to any big comic book fans or more stereotypically any young boy with a passion for super powers and ‘goody vs baddy’ fighting.

This is a chance for the kids to learn about super powers; who has them, how to get them and the weapons and armour involved. With a number of demonstrations and talks there’s also a chance to see how superhero fighting techniques are linked to some well and lesser known martial arts.

If comic books aren’t your thing then why not explore The Royal Armouries further, taking in their war, tournament and oriental weaponry.

The Royal Armouries also has their own café but if you venture outside into the beautiful and ultra modern Clarence Dock you will also find Pizza Express and Indian Restaurant Aagrah.

The Armouries are located in Leeds, LS10 1LT and open from 10am until 5pm and it is FREE. Yes that’s right, it’s free.

Extra Special Treat:

I know I said I would only select five top spots but I came across this in my wanderings and thought it sounded great. Perhaps not enough to do to amuse the kids for a whole day but definitely something that will keep them amused for an hour. Plus great for getting some fabulous muddy pictures of your little ones!

Pig Wash Day at the Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire, ST17 0XB – Watch the pigs getting a good old rub down at Stafford’s Shugborough Estate. This is even followed by a pig massage with oils and sun cream. I might even book myself in for a spa day…

Montacute House: Somerset Daytrip

Recently Mr Bingley and I were staying with my parents on the south coast in Dorset. A gorgeous place to visit and if you’re down there you could always nip down to Durdle Door mentioned in the previous ‘Special Places’ post.

After a few days of catching up with old friends we felt it best to get out in the sunshine and fresh air. This was a refreshing change from spending days cooped up inside eating left over apple crumble from numerous family get-togethers.

We decided to visit Montacute House in the quintessential rural village of Montacute in Somerset. Now I have visited this house a number of times but Mr Bingley has only visited the gardens. Although built in the Jacobean era, like Hardwick Hall it has that commanding Elizabethan architecture, huge windows, far reaching views and imposing symmetry.

Getting there:

Fairly straightforward as it’s only about 30 minutes off the motorway. From either direction you need to be on the M5 as far as Taunton. From here take the A303 towards Yeovil and then the A3088 into Montacute. From here the signs will be very straight forward.

Information:

There are daily talks about the history of Montacute House, it’s milestones and it’s owners which are well worth joining but the regular talks were rather limited to be honest.

However far more exciting are the numbers of concerts and theatre groups that perform at this fabulous house as well as the classic BMW rally on the 12^th May. A definite date for the diary is the 21^st June as a visiting theatre company will be staging a Sherlock Holmes mystery within the house. The show will encompass plenty of live music and audience interaction for all ages and if I lived closer I’d be getting a ticket. Mr Bingley was rather taken with this as he fancies himself as a bit of a sleuth even if it’s just discussing Sunday night’s Silent Witness.

I completely agreed, it sounded great but I was looking forward to something a little different; Back to the 80s and 90s is a concert in the garden on 20^th July. You can set up camp on the lawn with a picnic and a few friends whilst listening to your favourites from the past few decades. I’ve already started digging out my Chumbawamba cassette...

Best Bits:

Pictured: A portrait of the
indomitable Bess of Hardwick

Montacute House has a long-standing partnership with the National Portrait Gallery and is home to a number of paintings from the 15^th to 17^th centuries.

Montacute House is home to the longest ‘Long Gallery’ in the UK, a feature that was very popular in Elizabethan England. The gallery houses these exquisite paintings and it makes a real feature especially with the incredible views reaching over the garden and park beyond.

I managed to find a few paintings of Robert Dudley, my absolute favourite Renaissance cad; a lothario and dastardly scoundrel in every sense of the word! If you don’t know much about him then it’s definitely worth hunting down some information about his plotting and scheming.

There was also an extremely precious portrait of James 1 by John de Critz in the gallery. It was bought by the National Trust in 2011 and up until recently has been in restoration. The intricate detail in the painting is astounding, down to the buttons and pearls on his jacket.

Whilst I was walking down the gallery in a trance and imagining being whisked away by Robert ‘Casanova’ Dudley himself Mr Bingley was rather glumly shuffling along and scuffing his shoes.

Art is not his thing. Renaissance art is even less of his thing. For Mr Bingley this part of the trip was thoroughly unenjoyable, especially as I take at least 5 minutes to scrutinise each art piece.

This was one of my favourite parts of the house and if you are also a fan of Renaissance architecture and paintings then Montacute House is truly unmissable.

The gardens are also exceptional; there are fountains, secret gardens, concealed passages, hidden ponds and a couple of small mazes of wobbly

Pictured: Montacute's famous
          wobbly hedges

hedges (very small but brilliant fun for children who want to get lost!). We spent a good hour exploring the garden and that’s without stepping into the glorious parkland beyond.

After the dignified silence of the art gallery Mr Bingley perked up and I found him quite excited at the prospect of getting outside and investigating the orangery, garden pavilions and hidden passageways.

The recently restored orangery was truly exquisite, filled with orange and lemon trees and heated to the extent that tulips were coming into flower when there was still snow on the lawns outside. If you are remotely interested in gardening and historical fiction then I highly recommend reading Phillipa Gregory’s ‘VirginEarth’ or ‘Earthly Joys.' I tend to think of the gardens and selected flora at these houses as an extension of wealth; the trouble people took to grow exotic new plants without today’s mod cons is astonishing.

Mr Bingley and I also loved the sculptures surrounding the top storey of the house. We thought they were just random statues but soon discovered they were the ‘NineWorthies.’ Being the unrefined simpletons that we are, neither Mr Bingley or I had ever heard of this collection of chivalric characters. Don’t panic, we had heard of some of them, Julius Caesar and King Arthur for instance; we are not completely hopeless.

Worst Bits:

If art and paintings aren’t for you then the house, especially the top floors are not going to be of much interest. They are not highly furnished as they are all about a clean and simple background for the artwork. Mr Bingley found this boring and to be honest we had to escape before I’d examined everything for fear of him having a tantrum and embarrassing himself.

The house interior also wasn’t up to much. Some of the furniture was beautiful but I can’t help comparing it to Hardwick Hall which was magnificent. I got the impression that the National Trust had filled it with some stock furniture rather than trying to honestly recreate its atmosphere.

A lot more could also have been done to build interest around the Phelps family who built and lived in Montacute House. There were some wonderful little anecdotes but you had to keep asking attendants in order to discover them; these could really have been printed out or made more clear.

Pictured: The stained glass windows and heraldry in the Great Hall

Kids:

In the garden I can imagine that children would be happy for hours; playing hide and seek amongst the wobbly hedges, making dens and climbing huge felled trees in the park. However this fun depends upon your children having a sharp imagination. If they don’t and require a little more stimulation then it could be a struggle. The house could have made some sort of treasure hunt or interactive game to keep less imaginative children occupied and entertained (especially considering it was Easter weekend!).

Unless your children are complete cherubs then keeping them quiet and sane inside the house is going to be tough. There is very little to entertain children within the walls and a simple quiz would really help to alleviate their boredom.

I would definitely suggest taking the children to explore the gardens but I probably wouldn’t bother with the house unless they had a themed ‘what’s on’ event which was child friendly.

Facilities:

There was the usual gift shop and café selling locally produced food and locally reared meal and the good quality homeware we are used to with the National Trust.

There were also excellent disabled facilities, with wheelchairs and braille guides available although on a first come and first served basis as well as large print booklets in each room. The majority of the garden was accessible with ramps for easy access and with level access to the café and shop including a disabled toilet near the entrance. Sadly only the lower floors of the house were accessible for wheelchair users which is a shame when the National Portrait Gallery is located on the top floor.

Montacute House is also very close to a number of other smaller National Trust properties including Barrington Court and Lytes Cary Manor. All three are made of the distinctive yellow ‘hamstone’ that is so popular in this part of the world.

You could also visit picturesque Ham Hill in the nearby village of Stoke sub Hamden. This is an Iron Age hill fort with glorious views and still has the remains of the ‘hamstone' quarry. Again if you have children then this could be another great place for them to explore– take the bikes and they will be able to spend hours letting off steam.

Interesting Fact: 

Sir Edward Phelps the original owner of the house became Speaker in the House of Commons in 1604 and even made the opening speech for the prosecution at the trial of Guy Fawkes.

Overall:

It is a beautiful house from the outside and from the inside is equally stunning but the lack of full furnishings means it does have a slightly empty and ‘unlived in’ feel compared to the rich and opulent interiors at Hardwick. The gardens in my opinion however are far superior to those at Hardwick and they open up onto beautiful parkland beyond which is rich with dens and hiding places for young children and adults (!) to explore.

Pictured: Cross-eyed King Stephen

If art is a keen interest then the gallery is unmissable and even those less interested can’t help but be entertained by the selection of royal portraits which feature cross- eyed kings including the rather crazed looking King Stephen.

All in all a brilliant day out but I would suggest waiting for some warmer weather so you can take full advantage of the dazzling grounds. It might even be worth waiting for one of their summer evening concerts and packing a delicious picnic, a couple of bottles of wine and inviting a few friends along who appreciate 80s power ballads.

Mr Bingley’s rating:

Mr Bingley decided to split the scores between house and garden as a combined score just didn’t do the gardens justice in this event.

House:5/10

Garden:9/10

The Special Places Project - Have Your Say

The National Trust have joined up with The Times and The Sunday Times for their Special Places Project.

If there is anywhere in the country that you consider special then you can and should enter.

The Trust want you, the public, to come up with photos of your chosen special location and the reason behind your choice. It doesn’t matter what the back-story is, as long as it’s special to you.

I know that I have places that help me unwind; some places just have an intense sense of calm and silence which seem to act as a form of meditation for me. Some places help you see things in perspective and give you a feeling of serenity.

But, special places don’t all have to be about silence, serenity and wait for it… inner peace. Some places are all about nostalgia, childhood memories, memories of a loved one or just somewhere that has a café with good grub, some half decent shops and a good ice-cream van. It could even be a pub, a house, a church; there’s no rulebook. It’s your place and you can decide.

I’ve chosen somewhere near where I was brought up. Somewhere I associate with lazy holidays, long ambling walks and believe it or not, warm and hazy summer days. The South West Coast Path and Lulworth Cove is a very special place to me and was one of the first places I took Mr Bingley when he came to visit me at home. 

The views stretch for miles and the coastline just keeps on going, stretching out ahead of you. There’s something about this that makes me feel extremely tranquil and satisfied. I’ve no idea why, it could just be that I like following the meandering coastline as it winds its way along the sea with the regular ebb and flow of the tide.

It looks as though I’m one of many who find the Wessex coastline inspiring as it’s currently rating the highest for the public’s chosen spots but it’s still early days so you should definitely have your say and enter.

If you do choose to enter you could win a photo-shoot at your selected place and a stay in a National Trust Holiday Cottage. On top of all this you can be safe in the knowledge that other people will have been introduced to your special place and will be as captivated as you are.

Where will you choose?

You can enter through The Special Places Project Facebook App here by the 6^th May 2013.

A Visit to Hardwick Hall

This weekend me and my companion (called Mr Bingley from here on in) decided to head down to Derbyshire to visit Hardwick Hall.

This visit was inspired by my recent reading of Phillipa Gregory’s novel ‘The Other Queen’ about the Earl of Shrewsbury and his formidable wife Bess of Hardwick's care of the captive Mary Queen of Scots. The book’s pace is a slow trudge and nothing really happens but it did introduce me to a fascinating Elizabethan lady; Bess of Hardwick (pictured).

I was expecting an unassuming country manor but instead was met by a glorious Elizabethan statement in fashion and flamboyance.

Pictured: New Hardwick Hall

Instead of just one house there was a new hall and an old hall, some compact but impressive gardens and a number of parkland walks with fabulous views of the valley (and the M1)…

Remember if you aren’t a member of the National Trust or English Heritage then you will need to buy extra tickets for the Old Hall. I felt this was extremely cheeky but they provide you with a free audio tour and the views and existing plasterwork are stunning.

So to the facts and figures:

Getting there:

Easy peasy, straight off the M1 at Junction 29 and well signposted.

Information:

Free audio tours at the old hall and guide books and audio tours available at a small price at the new hall. We didn’t take these – I like to enjoy the atmosphere of the house instead of listening to some hoarse woman harping in my ear about medieval toilet facilities. Mr Bingley nods in agreement.

There are seminars and talks throughout each day subject to ticket availability and a number of events throughout the season. You might be interested in the Stone Carving Days and ‘Painting Pebbles and Pots’ event. I wasn't;  I thought they sounded awfully drab but the Murder Mystery night with a themed three course meal and Food Market celebrating local Derbyshire produce sounded brilliant. 

Pictured: Remaining plasterwork in Old Hall

Best Bits:

Pictured: Tapestries in the New Hall

The ‘Fifty Shades of Bluey Grey’ leaflet about the more adult themes in the house’s tapestries was a good find. Mr Bingley evidently enjoyed these and was particularly over-zealous in seeking them out; well-endowed women being groped by lascivious rogues seemed to be a common theme. Tearing Mr Bingley away from these to instead inspect Turkish carpets proved especially difficult.

Worst Bits:

Having to pay extra for the Old Hall was a disappointment. If you are not a member of the National Trust or English Heritage and are desperate to visit this interesting ruin then the excursion could prove rather expensive.

Kids:

Yes, sadly there were a number of them present. However there was so much for them to do in each room and in the gardens that they didn't irritate me in the slightest.

There was a children’s treasure hunt throughout the house and gardens and a box of children’s activities in every room. These included quick quizzes about the house and its inhabitants, dressing up boxes to play lord and lady of the manor and even a ‘Make a Mud pie’ competition outside.

The property also provides baby slings and carrying seats for infants as well as baby changing and feeding facilities including bottle warming.

Facilities:

There was a garden centre, shop and barn café which stocked the usual delectable cakes and pastries. The shop was also filled with local meat and dairy products as well as the usual scrummy National Trust biscuits and chutneys.

Interesting Fact:

Hardwick Hall featured in the Harry Potter films as Draco Malfoy’s home, Malfoy Manor. Fascinating…

Not only was it featured in the Harry Potter films but one of the Dukes (I forget which one) used the Long Gallery on the top floor for dog racing. We were told that historians know this as a dark brown stain in the corner of the room was testament to dog’s cocking their legs post-race.

Mr Bingley found this far more fascinating than its film credentials and spent the next twenty minutes searching for the afore-mentioned stain.

Overall:

Pictured: Portrait of Elizabeth I

We had a really great day, the architecture of the house is striking and the wealth of Bess the original owner is apparent in the plasterwork, tapestries, fireplaces and the almost floor to ceiling windows, leading to the local Tudor rhyme ‘Hardwick Hall more glass than wall.’ They also have an excellent art collection and the portrait of Queen Elizabeth was a great surprise as it’s one we had never seen before.

The activities for the kids were exceptional and as a family day out I just couldn’t fault it. Plus if you are making a weekend of it then it’s only a short drive to Chatsworth, Bolsover Castle, Sherwood Forest and a walk to another National Trust property, Stainsby Mill.

All in all a great place to take the family or friends for a sight-seeing day and plenty to do over a long weekend stay. I will definitely be back at some point in the future to take in the parkland walks but I think I’ll wait for some warmer weather.

Mr Bingley’s Rating: 8.5/10