10 Historic Houses
In order to help you plan your holiday here are some of our favourites...
Chatsworth House
Home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth has a wide range of attractions for all the family. The house contains one of Europe's finest private art collections, representing 4000 years of European culture and craftsmanship, from ancient Greece to modern work by British artists. The 105 acre garden is a magical landscape, beautiful in all seasons, and it can be visited separately from the house. Very conveniently located for guests staying at Darwin Forest Country Park.
Haddon Hall, near Bakewell
Haddon Hall dates mostly from the 14th and 15th centuries, recently used for the filming of Jane Eyre. Fortified medieval manor house, surrounded by terraced Elizabethan gardens, open from April to October. Haddon has featured in many films and TV programmes including Pride and Prejudice and Jayne Eyre. About fifteen minutes drive from Darwin Forest.
Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield
One of Britain’s greatest and most complete Elizabethan houses built by Bess of Hardwick in the 16th century. Outstanding tapestries, fine historic parklands, orchard and herb garden. A National Trust property.
Tissington Hall
The estate has been owned by the FitzHerbert family since the 1460’s and the current house was built in 1609. Open days held throughout the year, phone for dates on 01335 352200. The award winning tearooms are open daily throughout the summer months.
Eyam Hall
The house is a remarkably unspoilt example of a Jacobean manor house and the delightful garden also retains its 17th century layout. Summer season tours take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays throughout July and August 12.00-4.00pm . To book call 01433 631976.
The farm buildings have been converted into a working Craft Centre with a shop and a licensed restaurant. This is open through out the year. An easy drive from Darwin Forest Country Park.
Bolsover Castle, near Chesterfield
Set on a hilltop overlooking the Vale of Scarsdale, 12th C Bolsover Castle enjoys panoramic views over the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Visit the indoor Riding House, wander round the beautiful Venus Garden, with its secluded love seats, 23 statues and fountain which plays again for the first time in centuries. About half an hour's drive from Darwin Forest.
Calke Abbey, near Derby
The second largest house in Derbyshire, built in 1703. One of the National Trust's most child-friendly and fun properties; a Baroque mansion with unique collections of curiosities, invisible corridors, underground tunnels and a secret garden.
Enchanting walled-gardens and restored Orangery. Calke Park is a National Nature Reserve set in over 600 acres.
Sudbury Hall, near Ashbourne
Late 17th-century house, owned by the National Trust, with sumptuous interiors and the Museum of Childhood, where you can take a fresh look at childhood. The Hall’s lavish interior featured in the BBC's Pride and Prejudice. An easy day trip for guests staying at Sandybrook Country Park
Kedleston Hall, near Ashbourne
This 18th-century mansion is a masterpiece of neo-classical architecture, designed by Robert Adam and built in the 1760’s. In 820 acres of parkland, with azaleas, rhododendrons and bluebells. The luxurious state rooms retaining their original collections of paintings and sculpture. A National Trust property.
Renishaw Hall and Gardens
Renishaw Hall is known for its four acre Italian style Renaissance garden complete with fountains and neo classical statues. The restored Italianate gardens are well worth a visit, follow the sculpture trail, visit the museum and see the national collection of Yuccas. The hall is a family home and is open by appointment only. Tel 01246 432310 for all opening times.
