Hardwick Hall Country Park
Updated: Aug 4
Visit Hardwick Park
Hardwick Park is a country park with real historical pedigree, an eighteenth century landscape park originally designed by James Paine, set on the edge of Sedgefield in County Durham. Restored over a ten year project backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, it combines an ornamental lake, woodland, wildlife and a scattering of historic follies with genuinely family-friendly facilities.
The lowdown:
Where: Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, County Durham, TS21 2DN, on the A177 Durham to Stockton road, two and a half miles from A1(M) Junction 60
When: The park itself is accessible at all times on foot, cycle or horseback. The Visitor Centre, Tower Café and gift shop generally operate daily, though it's worth checking current hours, as the café has previously closed for periods of renovation with a mobile food service running in the meantime.
Cost: Free admission to the park, with only car parking charged.
Parking: Pay and display charges apply at all times: cars up to two hours £2.50, full day £3.50; coaches and minibuses £9.50 all day; motorcycles free. Blue Badge holders pay the standard rate. A 12-month parking permit is available for £110 from the visitor centre. The park has accessible parking bays, an accessible toilet, a Changing Places facility, and a free wheelchair available to borrow from the gift shop on a first come, first served basis.
A one mile historical circuit walk takes in the highlights, including the ornamental lake, woodlands and historic garden buildings such as the Gothic Seat and Temple, alongside a 1.4 mile cycle route and a half mile horse-riding route. There's an infant play area for ages 2–7 just outside the Tower Café, plentiful wildlife including swans and ducks to spot along the lake, and regular family events and trails, including a popular dinosaur-themed trail, run throughout the year.
