Visiting Haddon Hall: Complete Guide to Your Day Trip in Derbyshire
Visiting Haddon Hall in Derbyshire is the perfect way to experience one of England’s best-preserved medieval manor houses while enjoying a day out in the Peak District.
Located just outside Bakewell, Haddon Hall has stood for over 900 years and is often described as the most complete medieval house to survive. Unlike many grand estates that have been heavily modernized, Haddon Hall feels like stepping straight back into Tudor England.
Inside, you’ll find original stone floors (they are VERY uneven), timber beams, and a long gallery that looks almost untouched by time. The terraced gardens are just as impressive, overlooking the River Wye with colourful borders that change with the seasons. AND you might even recognize the hall as a filming location for The Princess Bride and Pride and Prejudice!
This visitor’s guide covers everything you’ll need to know about visiting Haddon Hall… From how to get there and when to visit, to seasonal events and what to see, I’ll also share some places in the area to check out! So, whether you are planning a weekend break in the Peak District or just looking to spend the day at Haddon Hall, I’ve got you covered!
Visiting Haddon Hall: Complete Guide to Your Day Trip in Derbyshire
Where is Haddon Hall and How to Get There
Haddon Hall is located just outside Bakewell, Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District. It sits along the River Wye and is a short drive from the “most famous” Chatsworth House, making it easy to combine the two into a one-day trip!
By Car: The easiest way to visit Haddon Hall is by car. The house is located off the A6, 2 miles south of Bakewell. There is a car park across from the entrance to the hall, and it’s only a short walk from there! The car park is NOT pay and display; you tap your card on exit. So you will need a form of contactless payment.
By Train: The closest train station is Matlock, which is well-connected to Derby, Nottingham, and Birmingham. From the Matlock Train Station, head to the Interchange Matlock bus stop right outside the station and take the TransPeak bus towards Buxton. I book all my trains with Trainline, it’s just nice to have all my tickets in one place!
By Bus: The Sixes and TransPeak services run frequently throughout the area. It even reaches as far as Derby with a direct bus! If you are staying in Bakewell, then the TransPeak bus runs every hour and is only a 5-minute journey!
London to Haddon Hall
You cannot take a day trip to Haddon Hall from London (well, technically you could, but it would be a VERY long day), but you can get to Haddon Hall without a car and enjoy a weekend break in the Peak District.
BY TRAIN: Start by taking the train from St. Pancras International to Matlock (make sure you choose “Matlock” and not “Matlock Bath”). The train takes a little over 2 hours and has one change in Derby.
BY BUS: Once you arrive in Matlock, head to the bus stop outside the station (known as Interchange, Matlock). The TransPeak service runs every hour and takes 25 minutes to get to Haddon Hall. The bus stop right outside the hall!
Haddon Hall Opening Times and Tickets
Haddon Hall has seasonal opening times, usually running from spring through late autumn, with closures during the winter months. Exact dates can vary year to year, so it’s always best to check the official website before you go!
In general, the hall and gardens are open 10:30am to 4:00pm, with the last admission an hour before closing time. During the festive season, Haddon Hall reopens with a Christmas Market. Enjoy local stalls with artisan goodies and indulge in hot chocolate and festive treats.
The adult ticket is quite pricey, but I think it’s definitely worth the cost. Families can save if they visit before mid-October, with free admission for children under 15. Students and seniors also get a small discount. If you are trying to manage your budget, then visit during the Christmas Market because the ticket price is reduced.
Should I Pre-Book My Ticket for Haddon Hall?
It’s not necessary to pre-book your ticket for Haddon Hall, but if you are visiting during a weekend in the summer or one of the events, then I recommend purchasing your ticket in advance. You don’t save any money with booking online, but if you know what day you will be visiting, it won’t hurt!
What to See Inside Haddon Hall
Inside Haddon Hall, you’ll find one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval manor house in England. One of my favorite features throughout the house is the original stone floors, showing the wear and tear over time. Here are the main highlights to look out for during your visit:
- The Great Hall – The first room you will encounter upon entering the house is the Great Hall. The original stone floors, a huge fireplace to keep you cozy in the winter, and the carved details give you a glimpse into life at the hall during the Middle Ages.
- The Kitchens – The kitchens are located opposite the Great Hall and are the oldest medieval kitchens in England, still retaining original features, including the baking ovens and worktops.
- The Long Gallery – On the upper level, this room is the highlight of Haddon Hall for me. The natural light beaming in through the windows lights up the 110ft-long gallery on a sunny day. It is said to be one of the finest surviving examples of Elizabethan architecture.
- Tapestries and Furniture – Many of the rooms still have the original furniture and tapestries hanging on the wall. The French Tapestry, which hangs in the banqueting hall, is one of the oldest in England.
- The Chapel – Across from the entrance to the house is the chapel. Be sure to note that the entrance is a bit hidden, so don’t miss it. The chapel is very unique as it still bears the remains of medieval paintings on the walls.
Haddon Hall isn’t as polished as some stately homes around England, but that’s part of the charm and history. The interiors feel authentic and transport you back in time to the medieval period.
Exploring the Haddon Hall Gardens
The 16th-century gardens are just as impressive as the house itself and are laid out across a series of terraces overlooking the River Wye. The gardens come alive during the spring and summer, but it’s worth visiting in the autumn when the leaves begin to turn.
You can even take a private tour with the head gardener of Haddon Hall for £360. I haven’t done it, so I can’t say if it’s worth it, but the tour lasts 1.5 hours and provides a comprehensive breakdown of how the gardens have evolved over the centuries.
Terraced Layout
The gardens are arranged over a series of stone terraces, each one offering a slightly different perspective of the hall and the River Wye below. What makes them so special is how natural and lived-in they feel, blending centuries of heritage with the wild beauty of the surrounding Peak District landscape.
I think I spent more time in the terraced gardens than I did anywhere in the house. There are plenty of little nooks and benches to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
The Knot Garden
On the top tier of the terraces, you can find the knot garden, a classic geometric garden that was popular during the Tudor period. It’s a small corner of the estate that is peaceful and beautifully kept. It’s easy to miss because it’s quite hidden, so make sure you don’t skip it!
Seasonal Highlights
The garden is beautiful no matter what season you visit, from the fresh blooms in the spring to the green foliage of the summer. In the autumn, the gardens transform with the bright colors of fall in the surrounding landscape of the Peak District.
River Wye Views
As you continue walking down the terraces, you’ll get closer to the River Wye. Everything is picture-perfect, from the rushing water and meadows with the stone walls lining the garden. It’s the dreamy views you want to see in the Peak District.
Haddon Hall Filming Locations
Haddon Hall has been used as a backdrop in plenty of films and TV series, thanks to how untouched and authentic it looks. So it wouldn’t be surprising to walk around and think that some rooms look like they’ve been in your favorite period drama.
The cult classic, The Princess Bride, was filmed at Haddon Hall. The whole house and surrounding area appear throughout the movie as the house plays Prince Humperdinck’s castle.
The 2018 film, Mary Queen of Scots, with Margot Robbie, was filmed at Haddon Hall. The long gallery appears in the first 6 minutes of the movie, when Queen Elizabeth I receives word that her cousin has returned from France, and then reappears throughout, including the scene where Elizabeth breaks down after reading Mary’s letter.
The 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice also used Haddon Hall as a filmed location, but it can go unnoticed with Chatsworth being the star. Other movies filmed here include Elizabeth and The Other Boleyn Girl.
The History of Haddon Hall
Medieval Beginnings
Haddon Hall dates back to the 12th century and has been lived in for over 900 years. What’s so special is how much of its medieval character has survived. Many country houses and stately homes were modernized throughout the centuries, but Haddon Hall managed to escape those big changes and remains one of the best-preserved medieval houses in England.
The Vernon and Manner Families
The hall was home to the Vernon family for generations before it passed to the Manners family in the 16th century, who later became the Dukes of Rutland. You’ll see signs of the family throughout the house, from the coat of arms to portraits of family members. The Manners family still owns the Haddon Hall today.
Tips for Visiting Haddon Hall
How Long to Allow
Plan on at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy Haddon Hall. You’ll want to explore the house, chapel, and enjoy wandering around the terrace gardens. Plus, you can stop by the cafe for a cup of tea and a scone. You can also visit nearby Bakewell or Chatsworth House if you want to fill up your day!
Best Time to Visit Haddon Hall
Arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds; it can get quite busy around lunchtime. The hall closes for a period during the wintertime, so check the Official Haddon Hall Website for exact opening dates.
Book Tickets in Advance
While it’s not necessary during the off-season, I highly recommend pre-booking your tickets in advance for summer weekends during school holidays, bank holidays, and special events.
What to Wear/Bring
Comfortable shoes are a must! The original stone floors have held up with time, but they have seen a lot of wear, and they are uneven. The Peak District weather can be unpredictable, so if there is a chance of rain, I would bring along a light rain jacket just in case.
Accessibilty
Haddon Hall is an old, historic home with lots of steps and uneven floors. There are accessible routes, but some rooms may not be reachable. Check the Haddon Hall website for more accessibility information.
Food and Facilities
There is a small cafe before the entrance to the house. They serve everything from sandwiches to light meals to afternoon tea! The cafe also has plenty of outdoor space if you want to enjoy a coffee outside.
Combine with Nearby Sights
Haddon Hall is close to Bakewell, so pairing it with a visit to the town (and a Bakewell tart) works well. Chatsworth House is also nearby if you want a full day of stately homes.
Places to Stay When You Visit Haddon Hall
The Peak District is a gorgeous area to visit, and spending a day at Haddon Hall doesn’t even begin to cover it! So if you want to extend your stay when you visit Haddon Hall, which I highly recommend, you can look at nearby places like Bakewell or Rowsley.
- The Peacock at Rowsley: The Haddon Hall website recommends staying here if you want to extend your visit in the Peak District. This cozy bed and breakfast is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also comfy with a great staff.
- Candle House, Winster: If you want a more secluded, immersive stay, head to Winster. Only a 15-minute drive from Haddon Hall!
- Juniper Cottage: This cozy cottage is modern and fresh, but still has the charm of the British countryside.
- Robin’s Nest: This cottage is in a great location in the middle of Bakewell… which means you can easily grab a famous Bakewell tart whenever you want!
Why Haddon Hall is a Must-See in Derbyshire
Haddon Hall isn’t just another country house; it’s one of the few places in England where you can walk through rooms and gardens that still feel truly medieval. The Great Hall, the chapel paintings, the knot garden, and those amazing views from the terrace garden come together to recreate a part of history that doesn’t feel over-polished like some places.
If you’re in Derbyshire or exploring the Peak District, this is a stop that’s absolutely worth your time. It’s atmospheric, authentic, and very different from the grander estates like Chatsworth (but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Chatsworth *wink*).
Are you heading to the Peak District and Haddon Hall? I would love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments below!
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