Home to the Cavendish family for 16 generations, Chatsworth House in Bakewell in the Derbyshire Dales is currently the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. One of the most famous attractions in the area, the house has been used in many film and TV productions over the years and today invites visitors to discover its historic house, art collections, 35,000-acre estate, events and more.
Chatsworth House
If you’ve never been before or are looking for something to do on a rainy day, then visiting Chatsworth House itself is a must. Inside the house, there are over 25 rooms – including the Painted Hall, State Rooms, Sketch Gallery and Sculpture Gallery – and many of them are open to the public. The seat of 16 generations of the Cavendish family, the house is full of both family and world collections, with artwork and antiques spanning 4,000 years of history. From memorabilia from Chatsworth’s proceeding generations to ancient Roman and Egyptian sculptures to masterpieces by Lucian Freud, Edmund de Waal and David Nash, there are a whole range of fascinating pieces to discover.
Chatsworth Garden
The product of 500 years of careful curation and cultivation, Chatsworth’s 105-acre garden is one of the highlights of the estate for many. An ever-evolving idyll surrounding the house, the gardens are full of intrigue and still retain many original features, including the Canal Pond, Cascade and 1st Duke's Greenhouse. Particularly beautiful in spring when a kaleidoscope of colour explodes across the grounds, you will love discovering the gardens every pocket and corner. As well as the estate's early features, other favourites include the arboretum and Victorian rock garden.
The Farm
Within the sprawling Chatsworth estate is a working farm that has been thrilling visitors since 1973. Head over and say hello to some of the farmyard residents, like Eugenie the rare breed Suffolk Punch mare and Grace the pygmy goat. After meeting the animals, youngsters will also be able to let off steam on the woodland playground, which features a rope park, trampoline, slides, water and sand play and more. For the grown-ups, a trip to the award-winning farm shop will be high on the agenda as well, thanks to its large selection of local products and produce.
Dogs and Facilities at Chatsworth
Making a trip to Chatsworth even more appealing, there are a number of eateries and shops on the estate – perfect for picking up that little souvenir to take home or refuelling with a plate of hearty fodder. If you are planning on visiting with your dog, then you’ll be pleased to hear that dogs on leads are welcome throughout the garden and park. However, owners are asked to be respectful of the estate’s wildlife and livestock.
Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP | 01246 565 300 | Website
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