Chatsworth House

Home to the Cavendish family since the 1600s, Chatsworth House stands on the River Derwent near the town of Bakewell in Derbyshire. The house was built in the 1560s but remodeled extensively in the 17th century, when the parterre gardens were added. The interiors of the house are very well preserved and include Old Masters paintings, ancient Roman and Egyptian sculptures, and much more. The landscaped grounds by “Capability” Brown were developed in the mid-18th century. Chatsworth House and its owners, the Devonshires, have played an important role in many historical events in the UK. More recently, the home has been used as a location for several films and TV shows, including the famous BBC adaptation ofPride & Prejudice.

Chatsworth has been voted the UK’s most popular country house several times and is a favorite stop for guided tours of England. If visiting independently, you can purchase individual tickets for different attractions or buy a combined pass.

• Chatsworth House is ideal for architecture and history enthusiasts.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the vast house and 105-acre (43-hectare) garden.

• Various restaurants, cafés, and shops are available on the grounds.

• The house is wheelchair accessible.

Chatsworth House is located in Derbyshire in England’s Peak District, close to the town of Bakewell. If driving, there is on-site parking. Alternatively take the train to the town of Sheffield and then transfer to a bus to Chatsworth, or join a guided tour.

Chatsworth House is open daily year-round except for major holidays. Hours vary by day and by season; check online for current schedules.

If you’re traveling with little ones, they are sure to enjoy the farmyard and playground that you’ll find on the grounds at Chatsworth (tickets available separately). Children can see the farm animals up close and even help with farmyard tasks like milking the cows. The playground—with rope park and zipline—will appeal to adventurous youngsters.

While Chatsworth House is the estate’s star attraction, there are other visitor sites on the grounds and nearby. The 105-acre (42-hectare) garden boasts water features and a maze, and there’s an on-site farmyard and adventure playground, too. The popular Chatsworth farm shop is a short drive away in Pilsley.

To avoid the crowds, visit Chatsworth House on a weekday morning during school term time. Spring or autumn dates tend to be less busy than warmer summer days. In the lead-up to Christmas, Chatsworth attracts more visitors than normal with its Christmas market and a festive-themed light and sound trail.

Yes, visitors can add a guided tour to their ticket when they enter, although these are only offered in peak season (April to October). If you’re visiting the house off-season, there are staffers around the house who can help with questions or information about the site’s history.

Food can be brought into Chatsworth Gardens, the farm, and the adventure playground, but not inside Chatsworth House itself. On-site dining options include the Carriage House Café for casual lunch and snacks, the Cavendish Restaurant for special occasion lunches and afternoon teas, or the Parlour for ice cream, coffee, and snacks.

Chatsworth is popular for its festive events, such as the light and sound trail in Chatsworth Gardens, Christmas markets (November), and family-friendly activities like Storytime with Santa. Other events include a New Year’s Eve ball, the summer Chatsworth Country Fair, various arts and crafts courses, estate walks, and nature events.

Yes, Chatsworth House tickets can be bought online in advance. In busy periods like summer and Christmas, prebooking is essential as admission to the house is done on a timed entry system. Another bonus to booking in advance is that the car park is included for free with your ticket.