The Oswestry Literary Institute held their annual fete and picnic at Hardwick on July 15th 1869, all the shops in Oswestry closed at noon for the fete. There were bicycle races over half and one mile. The Wrexham Advertiser reported on the one mile race "Mr Wilson Llansaintffraid, Conway, 1; Jenkins (four-wheel), 2; McClintock, (Liverpool), 3; Clay, 0; Robinson 0. The winner, Jenkins, who rode a four-wheeler, and McClintock came in collision after ascending the first hill, and McClintock was heavily thrown, but he was soon up again and came in a good third." Jenkins won the half mile race. Music was provided by the Oswestry Rifle Corps
The attendance was over 4,000 but the arrangements in the tea tent were "very indifferent, there was scarcely any chance of anyone getting inside the tent after 4pm." The refreshments tent fared better, they did a brisk trade serving cider, lemonade and ginger beer with pies and sandwiches. Admission to the grounds cost one shilling, with tea one and sixpence, gardens and conservatories three pence extra. This was the only bicycle race that was held at Hardwick.
Major John Kynaston inherited the estate in 1935 and 900 acres was sold in 1973. Hardwick Hall and park is still privately owned, there is an equestrian centre there and the Hall is occasionally opened to visitors.