I previously have written about the time I spent in Bakewell, in Derbyshire, when I returned home for a short visit. It is such a quaint wee village town, where the famous Bakewell tart was born. Set amongst the Derbyshire hills, it is easily accessible from larger towns and cities such as Derby, Chesterfield and Sheffield.

Recently, I went to catch up with a friend in Chesterfield, who I hadn’t seen in 6 months. I had just one day in the area, so she suggested we drive over to Bakewell to Haddon Hall. A historic tudor and country house, and I’m glad we went. It was super cute.

Where is Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall is located on Haddon road, just 10 minutes, outside Bakewell.

Getting there – driving and public transport

You can Drive from Bakewell in 7 minutes, or bus 6.1 (towards Derby) will take you there in 10 minutes. The Transpeak bus from Derby (toward Buxton) will take 1 hour 11 minutes, or you can get a train from Derby to Ambergate, then the Transpeak bus.

If coming from Chesterfield, the drive will take 30 minutes. By public transport, take bus 66 to Nether End, then the 215 to Bakewell, and 172 towards Matlock, getting off a Haddon Hall. This will take around an hour.

If driving, parking is available on the site for, £2, and it is a short walk to Haddon Hall.

Entry fees to Haddon Hall

£12 if bought on the day £11 if bought online.

Haddon Hall opens from 12pm, until 5pm,  with the last entry at 4pm.

History of Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall, is still a fully functioning English country house, currently occupied by Lord Edward Manners. It dates back to the 12th century, when it was one known as the Manor of Nether Haddon. It has been quoted as being one of the finest examples, of a “fortified medieval manor house.” It lay dormant from 1700 to 1920, until the 9th Duke and Duchess of Rutland restored it to make it habitable again. Haddon Hall has been used in TV and film since the early 1990s, including the notable Jane Erye and Pride and Prejudice.

What to see there

The site of Haddon Hall, sits on a slope, and has two structured courtyards, there is a chapel, gardens, the Eagle Tower and various rooms, which are only accessible by passing through other rooms. Making it an unconventional building by todays standards.

There is a section of the building which is not accessible; presumably this is where Lord Edward Manners and his family occupy.

Those that work within Haddon Hall, are dressed in clothing from that era, and spend their time doing traditional activities, such as flower arranging, neddlework and games. There is a fully functioning kitchen, where workers make meals, to feed the workers later on.

The many rooms have wonderful architecture, and murals, and most of what the interior has been left, as was.

You can also head outside to the beautiful gardens, and try your hand at some traditional games.

You can also bring a picnic and stay a while in the gardens. Picnic blankets are provided free at the admission gate.

Other places in the area

If you have time left to spare, get yourself into Bakewell for a stroll along by the river, or try some Bakewell tart of pudding. Haddon Hall is within the Peak District, which has some great walking trails.

I have been enjoying exploring England, after such a long time away. What is your favourite spot in your home country?