Chatsworth/Hardwick Hall Timing
 

Am trying to clarify whether or not these two properties really could be "seen" in the same day.

We would be arriving/departing by car.

Planning to stay in Buxton unless someone can suggest a more suitable place for the Peak District

Want to see both of these properties; can do them on separate days if folks think that is more reasonable.

Will move on to another area for several days afterward; possibly Cornwall and have already receieved much useful feedback about that area.

Thanks in advance

Possibly my very favorite houses in England is in that neck-of-the-woods, Haddon Hall, very near Bakewell. If you love authenticity, as I do, it's a great one too. Try to fit it in. You won't be sorry.

http://www.haddonhall.co.uk/

A few of my pictures:
http://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/gumb...yshire-england

Also try to get to Kedleston in Derbyshire.

Thanks to BOTH of you for the responses and for the links. This has helped me decide how many hotel nights to book.

Depends on what sort of "tourer" you are. Chatsworth could take the better part of the day if you walk the grounds. If you limit yourself to the house and immediate gardens, three-four hours.

My favorite thing about Chatsworth is the family's interest in contemporary art, some of the installations will surprise and delight though I think the giant helium baby floating over one of the ornamental pools is gone. The family portrait gallery is interesting for the link to the Kennedys and at least one portrait by Lucien Freud.

Thank you for that additional information.

Perhaps "tourer" includes walking speed, also.

Is that the smuggling Kennedys or the knife Britain in the back Kennedys? Ooops, same family, don't you just love 'em. :-)

Dukey,

Wasn't factoring walking speed as much as level of interest but of course both apply.

One of JFK's sisters was married to the heir to Chatsworth but he was killed in action during WWII. She died in a plane crash a few years after the war. It's just a minorpoint, the portraits are interesting and a bit sad.

>One of JFK's sisters was married to the heir to Chatsworth but he was killed in action during WWII. She died in a plane crash a few years after the war. It's just a minorpoint, the portraits are interesting and a bit sad.<

And JFK visited her grave nearby not long before he was assassinated.

That would be Kathleen.

Haddon Hall is "more glass than wall" and very deserving of a visit for the architecture and romantic story. I'd allow two days and visit all three places.

Well, I had that backward: it's Hardwick Hall with all the glass and Haddon Hall with the romantic story. Sorry.

We stayed in Hartington and visited Chatsworth and Haddon Hall in one day (they're very close to each other). Bakewell is pretty close to Chatsworth and might be a good place to stay. I would probably allow another day in the area if you want to go to Hardwick Hall.

Lee Ann