A real gem, so old and quirky, beautiful rooms and stunning gardens. Really enjoyed our visit and... read more
A real gem, so old and quirky, beautiful rooms and stunning gardens. Really enjoyed our visit and... read more
A fascinating visit to Haddon Hall. This is both of great historical interest and highly... read more
Positives first. The house stewards and staff were wonderful, impressive knowledge and cheerful , positive chat. The whole house makes you feel the years. You are treading the step where countless feet have walked. The history of the place is remarkable. Someone said it was good value compared to Chatsworth. I beg to differ. Why book on line? We still had to wait in the queue to get in unlike Chatsworth. We could have saved money by using the concession because we are over 60. On line it mentioned concessions but did not say what they were. Again unlike Chatsworth whereif you book on line car parking is free we still had to pay £3 to park the car. So that was £32. There are very few rooms, the best is the chapel and worth the whole visit. We went for a warm up at the cafe but the coffee machine wasn't working until we were almost ready to leave. The leaflets were out of date and not very clear anyway. The gift shop was too full of tat and things unrelated to a medieval house. We are fond of this place because our name is Haddon and we always joke about our ancestral home. If we didn't share the name I wonder how attached we'd be. Chatsworth is a 5 star marvellous experience where there is so much to see and feel. Haddon is not worth the charges. Haddon is a pale shadow that could, with more forethought be a great deal better.
Found this very atmospheric and at £14 entrance fee for seniors is significantly cheaper than Chatsworth.
Ok it is smaller but none the less a good display, chorus of carols every day is a positive asset, and in the sunshine it was a most enjoyable day.
The path to the hall is totally in keeping and adds to the atmosphere.
The toilets are some of the best in Derbyshire.
Car park is on the other side of the main A6 and crossing is not always easy.
I visited yesterday with my dad who is 91. The access to the Hall was difficult for him but the staff were on hand to give him a arm for support. Once we got into the banqueting hall there was a beautiful choir singing. Once again a seat was quickly found for both of us near the front and we enjoyed 40 minutes of wonderful singing. We then made our way down the steps to the restaurant. The room was decorated for Christmas and there were crackers etc on the table. The food was absolutely first class and really hot. We both enjoyed it very much and sent our compliments to the chef. Unfortunately the steps proved too much for dad and we decided to leave without looking round any further. Arrangements were then made for me to bring my car right up the Hall to save the walk back to the car park. Again the ladies were so helpful and kind and we were waved off like old friends. On reflection, it is not suitable for the very elderly but if modern aids were out in place it would be completely out of character.
We visited mid Dec so just loved the authentic Xmas decorations and roaring log fires - and handbell ringers playing carols was the icing on the cake. Staff were so lovely, knowledgable and genuinely love the place. The kitchens is fascinating and you can easily picture what life was like below stairs. A resident robin added to the charm! A truly authentic castle steeped in history - and you can understand why it’s often used as a film set. Be very careful if you’re unsteady on your feet though as cobbles, steps and stairs are all authentic, so are worn, uneven and very few handrails. We’d been to Chatsworth the day before and although very different to Haddon, we preferred this wonderful castle. Not nearly as commercial or busy too.
We went as a treat to see the house at Christmas and what a delight. Walking under the old gatehouse and over the hump back bridge your eyes are feasted to the most romantic stately home sitting snuggle atop an outcrop.
The restaurant is situated at the bottom accessed by stairs and serves lovely coffees, cakes. The house had been decorated with greenery, candles and adornments in keeping with a more traditional theme. The long gallery was wonderful, it reminded me of Narnia. The whole estate was great to walk around and discover history around every turn.
The volunteers and staff where all very friendly and knowledgeable about the house and gardens.
I would recommended highly a visit in summer to see the gardens come alive and Christmas to see the house decorated.
I thought I knew Derbyshire well but not well enough. Having never visited Haddon Hall before, my wife and I joined a small party and visited at the beginning of December. While bitterly cold, the warm welcome we received chased away the winter blues. We were free to wander much of the still 'lived in' house and in every room there was someone most willing to explain what we should see and this added to our experience greatly. There were also numerous stands explaining, in interesting detail, what was represented in the particular area we were in. These were clearly extremely well researched.
At one stage we were lucky enough to have the local bell ringers give a fine recital, using hand bells, which was a wonderful start to our Christmas build up.
We also had a delightful Christmas lunch in the restaurant and sinfully returned later in the day for tea. Beware however the mince pies while gorgeous, are huge.
.
Do take the chance to visit this excellent house but one word of warning; the floors are very uneven and there are also a number of steps to negotiate if you wish to take full advantage of all on offer. It is not an ideal place to visit if you are not too nimble !!!