Hardwick Hall Country Park

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Hardwick Country Park is a hidden treasure. Found just off the A177 in County Durham, it has survived in much the same design today as it was when first established in the 1750s.
Listed as an English Heritage Grade II Site of Special Historic Interest, it rivals such other great gardens as Stourhead and Stowe.
The original house was mediaeval and today's house, built during the 18th Century remains as a thriving hotel. The estate grounds, originally developed by John Burdon in 1748, are open to the public and are still going through restorative developments.
Its lakeside walks through English parkland woods are accessible by all and that includes the wildlife, which can often be found sharing the pathways with the walker.
There is a fascinating Tree Trail, the more unusual trees of which were planted in the early 1970s as part of a programme to develop the arboretum. It's situated on the south western part of the park around the lakeside and Temple Field areas.

www.bbc.co.uk/wear/content/articles/2006/05/25/hardwick...