Hardwick Wintertide

Wintertide is celebrated every year at Hardwick to share Elizabethan winter traditions around themes of community, celebration and connection. These winter traditions include Yule (Christmas), the Feast of Fools (New Year Day), as well as gift giving and carol singing, and are centred around Elizabethan characters and folklore like the Lord of Misrule and the Holly King.

This year’s theme is The Tale of Misrule and the Holly King. 

The Lord of Misrule invites you back to his festivities as his esteemed party guests at Hardwick. Along your journey through the gardens and hall, expect to hear stories of Wintertide past through the Tale of Misrule and the Holly King. A time when the mischievous Lord of Misrule chose not to adhere to tradition and favoured himself & playfully preparing for his party, over taking care of the annual offerings to the Holly King and winter spirits.

As you step into the hall this Wintertide all is not what it seems, the house has been turned upside down as the natural world runs riot. Will the Lord of Misrule make merry with the Holly King and help un-muddle Hardwick before it’s too late? Find out on your next visit to Hardwick Wintertide.

This event is free for National Trust members. For non-members, please check our standard entry ticket prices. 

Hardwick Wintertide after hours is truly a spectacular experience. Delight in a mulled wine in the gardens and enjoy seeing the mansion in a whole new light. Save the dates:

• 28 & 29 November
• 5 & 6 December
• 12 & 13 December
• 19, 20, 21 & 22 December

There’s no need to book in advance as there will be free flow entry from 12.30pm - 8.00pm, with last entry at 7.15pm.