Our History

A former country seat of the squires of Sedgefield 'Herdewyk' has a lively story to tell, with the original estate dating from medieval times. In those times the lands which now comprise Hardwick Country Park abutted the manor of Herdwyck.    The 18th century saw change as a new hall; Hardwick Hall was built by the new owner - a wealthy businessman from Tyneside named John Burdon.   In those glorious days Hardwick was renowned for its parties, good living, fine ladies and true gentlemen.    Burdon developed the grounds and enhanced the 17 acre ornamental lake on the south side of the Hall by adding an artificial river to it and encircling it with a walkway.   In all, he laid out 40 acres of additional ornamental features, including temples, grottoes and follies.

Then in the 1900's after a complex history of ownership, the Hall became a maternity home- the Boardroom was once of delivery suite!     The property Hardwick Hall was rescued by the present owners and over the years transformed into a sumptuous hotel with outstanding facilities.