English Heritage: Hardwick Old Hall

Very impressive agree with comments of previous commentator and actually think English Heritage is better value.

Hardwick Old Hall, run by English Heritage, stands next door to Hardwick New Hall, run by the National Trust. However, both properties were built in the 16^th century by Bess of Hardwick. I found the Old Hall by far the most interesting, though it is a ruin compared to the well-​preserved New Hall. You see on this site the contrast between English Heritage and the National Trust. EH take on the ruins, and give you an audio tour which gives you the history and details about the people who lived there. NT concentrate on the interiors, art, furniture, etc, with very little information unless you ask a guide. And some of their guides collar you the minute you enter a room like an intrusive shop salesperson. So for my money, the Old Hall, despite being cold and windy, was really interesting, while the New Hall experience was dull. But if you’re an ‘interiors’ person, you’d probably think the opposite!