Hopton Hall's woodland gardens are usually open in February for snowdrops and the formal gardens open in June/July for roses. The house itself is a private residence not open to the public.

At any time of year, it is worth walking along the minor road alongside the gardens, to admire the amazing “crinkle-crankle” wall.

Hopton Hall is around 15 minutes drive from Ashbourne - head out on the B5035 signposted for Wirksworth and turn left as you pass Carsington Water.

Service 111 goes to Carsington Water visitor centre car park then it is around two and a half miles to walk to the Hall. Service 110 goes to Carsington Village and the Hall is then a short walk.

By bike there is a lovely (but quite hilly) ride up the Tissington Trail to Tissington Village, then downhill and across the ford and up to Bradbourne and then down again to Carsington. Bradbourne is one of a handful of "doubly thankful" villages, meaning it lost no citizens in either of the World Wars. There is an alternative (much longer) way back via the High Peak Trail to Parsley Hay and then back down the Tissington Trail.