Bess's Dream

A display at Hardwick Hall exploring the memories that may have surfaced in Bess of Hardwick's final days, with her 400-year-old gown on show.

This display at Hardwick Hall looks at the real Bess of Hardwick and what family meant to her, imagining the memories that might have drifted through her mind during her final days. Alongside the display you can see Bess's 400-year-old gown, a rare surviving piece of textile clothing from the period that has never been shown to the public before. It runs daily from 29 September to 1 November 2026, with the hall open from 11:00 to 15:30 (last entry 45 minutes before closing). Entry is included with a House & Garden ticket, with adult tickets priced from £23.00 without Gift Aid, or £25.30 with Gift Aid; under-5s go free and National Trust members visit for free.

Happening at

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