Haddon Hall

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
Haddon Hall, Derbyshire
© Haddon Hall

Reopens for the spring/summer season on Wednesday 20 March 2024.

Described by writer and former chair of the National Trust, Simon Jenkins, as the most perfect house to survive from the Middle Ages, Haddon Hall on the bank of the River Wye near Bakewell is something special.

With over 900 years of history, the uniquely preserved Medieval and Tudor house is among the oldest in England, and one of the only to have remained in one family’s ownership for its entire existence. Nicknamed the ‘Sleeping Beauty’, it remained under lock and key for over 200 years, escaping the modernising customs of the Georgians and Victorians. Among its highlights are the Elizabethan architect Robert Smythson’s 110ft designed Long Gallery (reputed to be one of the most beautiful rooms in England), a series of rare 15th century frescoes in the family chapel, and The Parlour, which boasts a painted ceiling of Tudor roses and heraldic panelling. It’s no surprise that Haddon has been used as a film location for numerous high profile period dramas, including Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightley, The Other Boleyn Girl with Natalie Portman, and Mary Queen of Scots with Saoirse Ronan.

The Elizabethan architect Robert Smythson designed the 110ft Long Gallery, reputed to be one of the most beautiful rooms in England

Outdoors, the historic hall is set within an unusual network of Italianate walled gardens arranged across a series of terraces that afford cascading views down into the valley and over the acres of surrounding ancient parkland and countryside. Be sure to stop and smell the roses, for which Haddon is famous, and take in the wild flower meadows. Also note the Fountain and Bowling Green Terraces, which were recently redesigned by the Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Arne Maynard and his team using Elizabethan plants and techniques, and drawing inspiration from Haddon’s important collection of tapestries.

With the air of a fairy tale castle, Haddon is a great day out for kids too and offers free entry for under 16s. Pick up an activity sheet at the Duke’s Tower entrance for a fun way to engage with the house, join one of the guided tours for children, or check out the annual programme of child-orientated events and activities, including archery, falconry and historical re-enactments. For adults, regular workshops, guided tours, artisan markets, live music, and a new series of escorted countryside walks, provide plenty of reasons for a return visit.

Pack a picnic (or plan to enjoy a more indulgent meal at the estate’s award-winning restaurant and hotel, The Peacock at Rowsley) and set off to discover this untouched time-capsule.

Haddon HallBakewellDE45 1LA View map
Telephone: 01629 812855 Visit Now

What's on near Haddon Hall

Close up image of peach, pink and lilac flowers with the words 'False Note' in a white block font.
Until
ExhibitionsCity Centre
False Note at Site Gallery

Site Gallery welcomes Freya Dooley’s solo show ‘False Note’, which examines the musical and idiomatic meanings of the term.

free entry
Idles by Daniel Topete, image couresy of SONIC PR
MusicManchester
Idles at The Apollo

Taking the power of love on the road, IDLES bring their latest album TANGK, their most ambitious and striking record yet, to Manchester.

from £42.15

Where to go near Haddon Hall

The Devonshire Arms at Beeley
Buxton
Restaurant
The Devonshire Arms
at Beeley

Located in a cosy corner of the Chatsworth Estate, The Devonshire Arms at Beeley is an award winning pub, fine dining restaurant, and traditional country inn.

Eyam Hall
Event venue
Eyam Hall

Previously controlled by the National Trust, now back under the management of the Wright family. Old farm buildings adjacent to the Hall are home to artisanal shops and cafes.

The George at Alstonefield
Buxton
Restaurant
The George
at Alstonefield

Occupying a picturesque spot overlooking the village green, The George is a Sawday’s and Michelin approved, award-winning pub and restaurant.

Peak District
Hathersage Swimming Pool

Hathersage swimming pool in the Peak District has been a staple of the community for more than 80 years and is one of the few places out in the open air where you can experience both chilled and heated waters.

Sheffield
Event venue
Forge Four Blacksmithing

Forge Four is based at the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, a working museum, in Sheffield. David Southgate is the resident Artist Blacksmith.

Tourist Attraction
Peak Cavern

Dare you take a walk into the notorious ‘Devil‘s Arse’? See Peak Cavern’s historic Rope-Making works on your fully guided tour of the cave. Experience one of our year round musical events in the natural amphitheatre of the entrance.

Tourist Attraction
Castleton Visitor Centre

Castleton Visitor Centre is the premier visitor centre in the Peak District National Park, with information displays, a dedicated space for Castleton Historical Society’s museum, a retail area, activities space, and café.

Buxton
Eat
at Number 5

The Tea Room is currently offering a range of take away options including fresh soups – cream of butternut squash & sweet potato anyone? Cheesecakes, tartlets, and muffins. For something more substantial its main courses are a daily special featuring Szechuan chicken with sesame veg noodles and Jamaican jerk chicken with spiced rice & peas topped with garlic pickle.

Event venue
Earth Pig Pottery and Fine Art

Earth Pig is a working art studio and pottery located in Higher Buxton in the heart of the Peak District National Park.

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