Thornbridgehall Avis 

We had our second visit to the hall , this time we had a tour round the house, Elizabeth took us round very informative, excellent at her job , on our tour we met Emma who own’s it with her husband , what a lovely lady , down to earth , full of life , very interesting thank you for a wonderful visit

Booked the house tour that came with entry into the gardens and a cream tea. The cream tea we could have whenever we were ready. Adam who was the brother of the owner of the Hall gave us the tour, it was just myself my husband and two other visitors along with our 2dogs that was greeted most warmly. The tour was very interesting and Adam was very informative, we met Emma and Jim(the owners) and several other family members while on our tour. Everything was very relaxed and informal, Adam even encouraged the dogs to sit on the furniture.
The gardens were lovely with lots of little hidden area’s, it was nice to see all the children playing in the rubber duck fountain (what a fun idea for them)
The cafe and cream tea was great, bumped into Adam there who insisted on carrying my tray to my table.
Thornbridge Hall is right next to the Monsal trail so we went along some of the track to walk off our cream tea.

Have been before many times with grandchildren as one of our favourite places as a family. However this time it was just myself and husband on a house tour lead by the excellent Liz. What was so nice was her genuine warmth and love for Thornbridge, the family and the love of her job ( though I doubt she sees it as a job). It was like being invited in to a splendid family home , no ropes no alarms just this is us. We even went into the kitchen ,the hub of the family and fellow workers. There was even a young family member in the kitchen affirming its a lived in family house.Thornbridge Hall is a great nod to the ethos you can do it if you want it. Emma and her husband Jim ,certainly have from her dream as a teenager. It would be lovely to tell this story to the disillusioned schoolchildren who are in alternative education or in no education. There is hope and Thornbridge hall is it. Don't ever give up on your dreams.Parking is free and there is a lovely cafe on site and if you fancy it in Bakewell a taproom and pizza serving their products from their brewery. There is plenty for the children to do and enjoy and hopefully we will be there again on the Easter trail with the grandchildren. Yes the house does show how well the family has done but its all left to a trust and as I have said its proof to aim and achieve your goals. Perhaps I should too.Is it ever too late?

The gardens here are small/medium, but absolutely beautiful and very varied. Access is £4. Car park is free. £12 to visit the actual lived in residence. Liz, the tour guide, is very knowledgeable and always researching for more detail. This lasts around an hour. The cafe is well appointed and the food is tasty. For £17, you can access the garden, and the hall tour, plus you get a cream tea. Absolute bargain. One final word: the staff here are exceptional. I have visited many NT, EH and private sites - these were the best, most polite and frankly likeable staff I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.