Hardwick Hall

After a slight detour caused by 'Jane' taking us to what turned out to be the exit road, we arrived at Hardwick Hall on a day which was bright enough to show Autumn leaves off well, but was always threatening rain.

The first view of the hall showed a surprising amount of glass. However this is not the impression you have from the inside because the NT keep the interior very gloomy - on account of the fact that natural daylight is a killer to the huge number of tapestries which cover the walls inside. We had 'homemade' soup & roll in the old kitchen before checking out the old hall.

Despite beng essentially a ruin, the main staircase is still usable and provides some grand views of the countryside and back to the new hall.