Thornbridge Hall

Located near Bakewell in the Derbyshire Dales, Thornbridge Hall is a grade two listed stately home nestled in 12 acres of wonderfully quirky gardens with stunning views of the surrounding Peak District countryside.

What is there to do at Thornbridge Hall?

Thornbridge’s gardens were designed at the end of the 19th Century, for the owner to see a vision of ‘1,000 shades of green’ from his bedroom window. There is a wide range of distinctly different areas including an Italian garden, a 30m herbaceous border, a water garden and Koi Lake, and terraced lawns overlooking the magnificent Derbyshire countryside. There are lots of interesting nooks and crannies to explore and plenty of seating to enjoy the views.

Thornbridge has quickly gained a reputation locally for its quirky ‘rubber duck fountain’. One of the old fountains has been filled with hundreds of yellow rubber ducks so children can enjoy fishing them out. (Nets are available to buy at the café for £4.50). The fountain has had some lovely new seating, perfect for parents/carers to enjoy watching the fun unfold with a coffee and cake from the nearby café.

Near the fountain are some other play facilities for young children, such as large musical instruments hung from a tree.

This is a guest post with thanks to Molly Scott. Founder of Lovely Local Indie.

Important Information – Thornbridge Hall

Is there food and drink available?

Picnics are discouraged, please support the café instead. Decent café serving hot and cold drinks and a good selection of homemade cakes and sausage rolls.

What are the main things to do?

Extensive gardens to explore including fun activities for children and plant sales. There are toilets and a cafe.

What are the ticket prices?

£7 for adults, under sixteens and RHS members free.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.

Is there parking?

There is free on-site parking.

When are they open?

They are open all year round but they may shut over winter. For up-to-date opening times and dates please visit their website.

Dog friendly?

Dogs are not permitted.

Are they accessible?

Whilst there is level access to the Café, shop and nursery, the majority of the paths in the garden are gravel, a couple of which are steep. There are also steps, stepping stones and areas of unfenced water.