2025 Guide to Visiting Hardwick Hall – The Harry Potter Filming Location of Malfoy Manor
For Harry Potter fans, few experiences outside of the theme parks can rival the thrill of visiting locations tied to the beloved film series. One such filming location is Hardwick Hall, which served as the exterior of Malfoy Manor in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this stunning and lush location.A Brief History of Hardwick Hall
Hardwick Hall is a magnificent Elizabethan country house located in Derbyshire, England. Built in the late 16th century by Bess of Hardwick, it is renowned for its grand architecture and extensive gardens. The hall features a unique design with more glass than wall, earning it the nickname, "the most beautiful house in England." Its rich history and stunning surroundings make it a perfect destination for fans and history enthusiasts alike.Did you know The real Mary Queen of Scots was placed in the care of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Bess of Hardwick in 1569. While she never visited Hardwick Hall as it was before the house was built but she did visit Bess’s other properties. Today, you’ll see portraits of Mary Stuart in Hardwick Hall.
What Harry Potter Movie was Filmed at Hardwick Hall?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 filmed back in 2010 used Hardwick Hall Malfoy Manor.What Harry Potter Scenes were Filmed at Hardwick Hall?
Hardwick Hall appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, with some help from CGI effects (to make it extra mysterious and ominous looking).Hardwick Hall was used to film the exterior scenes of Malfoy Manor, the family home of Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco Malfoy. The entrance hall of the property was also used for filming the scene when Voldemort takes Lucius Malfoy's wand and kills the Hogwarts Muggle Studies teacher, Charity Burbage.
Deathly Hallows Movie Scenes which used Hardwick Hall as an Inspiration:
Snape flying over the house to visit the Death Eater Headquarters for a summons with Lord Voldemort. One he lands, Snape heads to Malfoy Manor through the gardens for the Death Eater summons with Lord Voldemort. You can walk through those gardens during your visit. Pretty freaking cool!You’ll recognize Malfoy Manor as the home base of operations for Lord Voldemort’s Second Wizarding War. Voldemort has all of his Death Eater cronies around the long table and fireplace. In my opinion, the fireplace, oak paneling, and long table where all of the Death Eater gathered round look very similar!Harry, Ron and Hermione are caught by Snatchers for discovering Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes and brought to Malfoy Manor. Remember, they arrive at the gate and then are dragged in.Bellatrix Lestrange harms Hermione while being interrogated and gets ‘Mudblood’ etched into her forearm.The incredibly sad scene when Dobby comes to save and rescue his friends Malfoy Manor
Per one of the Hardwick Hall staff members I talked to, the interiors of the Hardwick Hall inspired some of the sets built for the movie. So much so, the movie production team came in and measured some of the rooms inside to create a similar looking feel for the Malfoy Manor set. The next time you watch the movie again, you’ll notice details of Hardwick Hall Great Hall in the interior scenes at Malfoy Manor!
Other Non-Harry Potter things to do at Hardwick Hall
If you are not pressed for time, there are several things to do at Hardwick Hall that will make it worth a trip to see in real life. 
Explore the Hall
Hardwick Hall is a masterpiece of Elizabethan architecture, renowned for its impressive design and interiors, including its extensive collection of tapestries and embroideries.Unlike Great Halls found in other large period houses, the one at Hardwick lies from front to back, and essentially cuts the house in two. I’m not sure I have ever experienced such an elaborate and massive elaborate staircase, but the stone staircase at Hardwick Hall is huge! it leads from the Great Hall and passes through the First Floor, all the way to the Second. 
The second floor serves as the family floor, and contains more intimate spaces where the family could relax, and be with close friends. 
On the east side of the house is The Long Gallery at Hardwick Hall. It is the longest Elizabethan Long Gallery in existence, and largely contains its original wall tapestries and pictures. While touring the house, we learned there are over 100 tapestries here in Bess of Hardwick’s collection and it’s the largest collection owned by a single-family. The 13 Gideon Tapestries are the most famous and depict the biblical story of Gideon. 
The house is accessed from the West via the Great Hall. It’s important to not there is a small window to visit the inside of the hall itself. The inside of Hardwick Hall only opens from 11 am – 3.30 pm from April – October.If it’s a priority for you to see the inside, you’ll need to make sure you visit during the right timeframe.
Take a stroll around Hardwick Hall Gardens
The garden consists of four courtyards and each one has a something unique like fountains, orchards, hidden statues, and places to rest your feet. We saw one mom letting her toddler take a nap while she soaked in the castle like views. The coolest part of Hardwick Hall Garden is that you can walk down the hedges as Snape did towards the Death Eater Headquarters.
Family-friendly things to do at Hardwick Hall
There's plenty for families to do at Hardwick, including seasonal trails and woodland walks. There's lots of room to run around outside, numerous places to picnic in and around Hardwick, and free activity sheets for children with a list of things to look for. Below, is a couple other other fun things to do if visiting with kiddos.Kayaking at Hardwick
Get on the water this summer as kayak hire returns for 60 minutes on the Hardwick Ponds on selected dates throughout August 2025.Each session is $20.30 per kayak for 60 minutes. Hardwick will provide the kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid and basic tips on controlling your craft while out on the water to explore at your leisure. Kayaking is perfect for group of friends or families with children over 8 years old. • Ages 8-14 will need to be accompanied by a person aged 16+ on a 1:2 basis. • Ages 14+ can paddle independently but must be signed in by a parent/guardian. Book Here.Outdoor Theatre & Adventure Cinema
This summer you can book tickets for the family-friendly, all-singing and all-dancing theatre troupe, The Three Inch Fools. Back with new shows 'The Most Perilous Comedie of Elizabeth I' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', this new show and an Elizabethan classic are perfect performances for our special Elizabethan house on the hill.Sunday Aug 3rd, 2025 is Adventure Cinema: HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE
Check out more movie offerings and book here.
Shopping at Hardwick Hall
Stables Shop
The shop has a variety of seasonal gifts and treats, some of which are sourced locally. From cosy throws to candles, local handmade jewellery to items for gardening and more. All profits go back into the conservation of this historic place. The shop worker highly recommended their jam!The Second-hand Bookshop
Located in the former stables and they have a huge collection books for you to choose from. If you have time to look, you may get lucky and score a rare copy of one of the Harry Potter books. The Stables Shop is open every day, 10:00 - 17:00. Hours vary.
Photo Credit: Hardwick Hall National Trust
Food and Drink Options at Hardwick Hall
Hardwick Hall offers a variety of food and drink options. You can enjoy a light bite or warming drink in a historic setting, or pick up treats to take away from their cafe.
Hardwick's Great Barn Restaurant + Cafe
The restaurant and cafe serve a great selection of refreshments. Enjoy hearty breakfast cobs, soup, main meals, light snacks, hot and cold drinks, cakes and scones. There’s Indoor and outdoor seating, including a designated indoor dog-friendly seating area.Opening Hours: Monday- Sunday 09:30 AM - 5 PMNote: The cafe stops serving hot food at 3:30pm, but the cafe is open until 5pm for cakes, pastries, ice cream and drinks.The Great Barn Restaurant Menu
Foodtruck
During the summer Hardwick Hall has a small food truck where you can buy drinks and snacks to sit outside on the picnic benches
Tips for Visiting Hardwick Hall
Pushchairs and strollers are not allowed in the house, you’ll have to leave these outside the Entrance Hall by the front door.Baby-changing facilities in the Stableyard toilets.The cafe stops serving hot food at 3:30pm, but the cafe is open until 5pm for cakes, pastries, ice cream and drinks until 5pmToilets can only be found in the Great Barn area.
Critical things to know before your visit to Hardwick Hall
Specific areas of the property might be temporarily restricted or roped off due to various reasons:Special events or private bookings
The estate might host special events or be booked for private functions, which could limit public access to certain areas.Conservation and maintenance work
As a historic property, Hardwick Hall undergoes ongoing conservation and maintenance, which might require closing certain areas to the public for a period. This means on the day of your visit you may not be able to run down the entire grassy middle grassy area towards Malfoy Manor.To avoid disappointment, always check the National Trust website or contact Hardwick Hall directly before your visit to confirm their opening hours, any potential closures, and any specific access restrictions in place at that time. 
What else has been filmed at Hardwick Hall?
Mary Queen of Scots
The hall was used for exterior shots of Hampton Court Palace and some interior scenes. You’ll recognize the scenes with Elizabeth I and William Cecil that were filmed in the West Court of the Hall and on the rooftop.
How to get to Hardwick Hall
The easiest way to get to Hardwick Hall would be to drive/rent a car. It’s near Chesterfield and Mansfield and you’ll see a tourist sign for it off the M1 Motorway.Hardwick Hall Address:
Doe Lea, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5QJSat Nav: Use post code S44 5RWGoogle Maps: type in Hardwick Hall, Doe Lea, S44 5QJ to get to the visitor car park
Getting there by train
The closest train station is Chesterfield. From there you can pick up a taxi or catch the Pronto bus from Chesterfield coach station.Getting there by car
Hardwick Hall is located 8 miles southeast of Chesterfield by the A6175. Leave Ml exit 29 and follow the brown signs. If you are driving from major cities:From Sheffield: Approximately 30 minutes (16 miles).From Manchester: Approximately 1 hour (40 miles).From Nottingham: Approximately 40 minutes (30 miles).
Getting there by bus
From Chesterfield, alight Glapwell 'Young Vanish' and cross the road, walk up the hill and take first right following signs to Rowthorne & Hardwick. Continue toward the village then take the second right and first left before arriving at Rowthorne gate. You’ll keep going straight to access Hardwick Hall. Note the walk from the bus stop is approximately 2 miles, on main roads in part and with limited signage.Parking
A car park with 600 spaces is available. All tickets include car parking.After Parking and buying your ticket, here’s what the entrance looks like:
Hardwick Hall Opening Times
House: 11:00 - 15:30Entrance point: 09:00 - 18:00Garden: 09:00 - 18:00Park: 08:30 - 19:30Refreshments - Park Centre: 10:30 - 15:30Restaurant: 09:00 - 17:00Shop: 10:00 - 17:00Second-hand bookshop: 10:00 - 17:00Hardwick Old Hall: 11:00 - 15:30
Important Times to Note:
Last entry to the Hall is at 14.45pm.Indoor cafe stops serving hot food at 3:30pm, but the cafe is open until 5pm for cakes, pastries, ice cream and drinks
Hardwick Hall Ticket Pricing:
National Trust Member ticket price (House & Garden)
National Trust members visit and park for free. When you buy a non-member admission ticket you're directly supporting our conservation work. There are two different tickets to Hardwick, the House and Garden's ticket gives access to all areas, whereas the Parkland and Stableyard ticket permits access to the 2500 acre estate and the facilities in the Stableyard. All tickets include car parking and no advance booking required. Non-member ticket price (House & Garden)
Adult (18+) with gift aid: $31.26Adult (18+) without gift aid: $28.41Children’s tickets: $10.80 to visit the hall and gardensFamily tickets available with a small discount
Where to go Afterwards
The Hardwick Inn is a traditional country pub located at the exit of the Hardwick Estate (drive out of the park and there’s a big car park just after the pub).
If You Need a Places to Stay
4 Stable Yard Cottage
Here, you can stay on the Hardwick estate in a restored stableyard building aka three-bedroom house. It dates back to the 16th-century where the formidable ‘Bess of Hardwick’ would have resided close by in the main house. You can step right out onto the estate from your front door and enjoy a lazy breakfast at the Great Barn Restaurant. Afterwards, explore the grounds of the estate, with its garden, trails and parkland, before discovering Hardwick Hall itself.Nightly rates start at $185.00 per night. You also get free entry to all National Trust places during your stay. To learn more or book, click here.
Overall Thoughts on Visiting Hardwick Hall
Hardwick Hall is a rewarding bucket lost travel destination for Harry Potter fans, especially those who love Draco Malfoy and the Malfoy family. History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those seeking a beautiful and peaceful place to explore will really appreciate this filming location.Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the series, Hardwick Hall will transport you into the heart of Malfoy Manor. Happy travels!
You can find more of my UK Harry Potter filming location guides here
Complete Guide: Harry Potter Filming Locations at Gloucester CathedralComplete Guide to Harry Potter Film Locations in Lacock Village
Disclaimer: All information provided in this blog post was accurate at the time of writing, including experience offerings and details, opening times, and location availability.