An ice house is set in the dam between two of the Row Ponds and is covered by an earth mound. The top of the entry can be seen and has a sandstone lintel and brick surround.
The ice house is situated between two of the Row Ponds in the Lower Park. The ponds are amongst the earliest features within this area of the park, being in existence by 1570 and quite possibly originating as medieval fish ponds.
The ice house was constructed on the dam between the second and third ponds in 1858, and repaired in 1867. It is predominately of brick construction, with some stonework, and was built in the 'cup and dome' style design. It is not known when the Hardwick ice house ceased to function, but the entrance was bricked-up in the mid 20th century, when the upper levels of the entrance tunnel were demolished, and the remainder infilled with earth and rubble.
In 2016, the National Trust embarked upon a scheme of restoration of the ice house, to reinstate it to its original form. A watching brief was carried out during the restoration works. The central chamber of the ice house was found to be in good condition, but the roof of the passageway was partially collapsed. The walls of the passageway had also partially collapsed, with many of the top courses missing. Once the features were exposed and cleaned, detailed recording took place before restoration work began.