haddon hall

Gives a very true picture of the past and how life was lived A great visit can also be had at Christmas very origional

We visited for the Christmas special event in December - second year running. Fabulous medieval house with decorations in keeping, and big log fires. Stories and poems being read in a side room, hot drinks & cakes, just lovely

Truly astonishing place! One of my favorite! I like it more than Chatsworth House because it is unique. I love the garden area especially during rose and sweet pea season, it smells truly sensational. Going through the house does not get boring as rooms are from different eras starting from 13th century.... The Chapel is magnificent! There is also a nice coffee place if you get tired or if you simply just want to sit and enjoy atmosphere.It really worth visiting and it is only £12 for adults. There is a car park allocated across the street and it is only £2 for whole day.

Haddon Hall had been very beautifully decorated for Christmas with very traditional materials.The staff were dressed in medieval costumes telling stories of life in the Middle Ages and performing dances of the period.In spite of many roaring log fires and mulled wine it was pretty cold. Just as it would have been hundreds of years ago I suppose.The shop selling gifts provided a good opportunity for Christmas presents and were of a good and unusual nature.Wine and cheese tasting was on hand which was lovely.

Amazing history, beautiful rooms, warm fire...... Did not see Mr Rochester though. Lovely restaurant, and not at all commercialised like another local attraction!

A beautiful piece of history inside, with beautiful gardens outside. Definitely the kind of old castle/mansion I love to visit!

Spent a pleasant afternoon roaming the rooms of Haddon Hall, where the staff were preparing for a wedding which was to take place later in the day. What a romantic setting for a wedding. Well preserved hall, with lots of interesting corners, and a fascinating history

What a Fantastic piece of history. All staff were very knowledgeable and helpful, the Christmas decorations were beautiful and natural. Will definitely visit the house again. Loved the Christmas carollers and the general history of the property.

We, like other reviiewers, have visited Haddon over several years and agree that this year was something of a disappointment..From the utter chaos of attempting to book a table for Christmas dinner to the equivalent of a 'burger bar' catering facility in the courtyard - whoever brought in these drastic changes has got it completely wrong.The decorations were lacklustre and lacked imagination, the kitchen overspill shop was unispiring and overly priced. The artisan area was crammed - a good idea, just badly planned.And as for the catering what on earth persuaded whoever made the decision to change the caterers/catering (as customers we don't need to know why) should perhaps read the reviews, talk to their visitors and have a rethink.The marquee was incredibly popular and a great place to congregate (we heard many people complaining about the lack of the marquee) as was the restaurant. The food this year, if one could actually book, was ok. Although we had been told that the restaurant was full, there were loads of empty tables and many people walked in to be told that - in true Christmas spirit. there was 'no room'.Teething troubles perhaps, but not very welcoming.We did say at the time that this would be our last visit to Haddon which is a real shame. The guides are usually helpful and courteous, the good food was always a part of our visit as was seeing the lovely Hall dressed up for Christmas.I do know that progress is essential, but, change for change sake. Not a good thing.

I'm not sure if some of the people who have made negative comments about the Christmas decs below were in the same building I was?!?!?!? The beautiful natural decorations with greenery, apples, oranges,candles and real Christmas trees were lovely. That gorgeous smell of candles and Christmas trees is a proper smell of Christmas, There was a choir in the great hall during our visit on 15th December who were absolutely fabulous and the parlour behind the great hall with the Tudor painted ceiling looked amazingly cosy. It had a lovely Christmas tree and someone reading Christmas poems and stories. I also loved the boot room being used this year to eat the food from the food cart in the courtyard (a chip option too would be good though). The boot room was really cosy and festive with an open fire roaring (apart from the giant glittery heart, that was a bit random). The long gallery looked beautiful with Christmas trees and a beautifully set table too. My only gripe - is the fact that the astonishingly beautiful medieval kitchen was hidden under a load shop stock - please display the kitchen for Christmas next year, retail opportunities could easily have gone into the room at the end with the lime green sofa without obscuring this spectacular area of the house. This is the only reason i'm not giving top marks.Haddon Hall on any normal day is one of the most amazing historic houses anywhere unless you are into twiddly baroque or flouncy 18thC roccoco. This is an ancient building with medieval, Tudor and 17thC fixtures and fittings and if that's your thing (it is certainly mine) this building will have you dribbling with excitement. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers, we came away feeling very festive.

Had a great day out at Haddon Hall with friends. The building is do old and has so much character to it it really does feel special. The history that it has to it is just amazing! The location is stunning! Great day out for anyone!

We walked from Bakewell to this awesome medieval dwelling- so much history and beautiful gardens. Not to be missed if in Bakewell!!

fourth visit in 4 years and may well be my last distinct lack of effort in activities for christmas and cynical efforts setting up shops of overpriced goods not appropriate decor lacked any imagination or the magical attraction of former years and whoever did away with the excellent marquee for refreshments ought to spend a week in the stocks if they are still available.The charm of the building still holds the imagination but is clearly being managed by a team who have lost interest.Wake up there is so much that could be done with this unique place without turning it into a commercial beargarden (Chatsworth please note). on access.I am disabled and find it hard work but I do not wish or want it changed in any way access wise More chairs to rest perhaps,and disabled parking coser to the restaurant and entrance.I can with help and care negotiate the more difficult sections of the building which when all said and done are part of its history and charm but the distance from the car park is hard work.Open up more of the rooms Look to its full potential.

It,s rare I complain but the cost of travelling 30 miles each way, and £30 entrance for 3 of us. Well...poor value in the hall and very cold and damp, the log fires did nothing to warm the place.Food in the restaurant was good however.Last year the hall was exquisite but fell down on standards this years.See other reviews.

The Hall dates from the 12th to the 17th Century and was empty until the 1920s when the owners restored it. But this was no modern restoration. They retained the wonderful features of such an old building. Not suitable for people with walking disability the floors are uneven and there are many hazards. It is also cold ( in Winter). But these are the very features that make it such a great attraction. There are two restaurants and several gift shops.Highly recommended if you like history.