Park & stand wood
The 1000 acre park, the farm shop and its restaurant are open all year round, for everyone to enjoy as they choose; walking, playing or picnicking.
The Park
The 1000 acre park on the banks of the river Derwent, designed by 'Capability' Brown in the 1760s, is one of the most beautiful and historic man-made landscapes in Britain. It is open free throughout the year, during daylight hours. You are welcome to walk, picnic and play in the park. Large scale outdoor events take place in the park every year. The park at Chatsworth is a farmed, food-producing landscape. The grass you walk on is a crop grazed by sheep, cattle and deer; the river provides fish and the woods game and timber. We ask you to respect this by leaving this beautiful place as you found it.
There is a car park, open every day, at Calton Lees, at the southern end of the park, off the B6012. There is an all day charge of £2 per car. There is also car parking at the Chatsworth farm shop, in the village of Pilsley. Please note that the house car park is NOT open over the winter, and there is no access along the private drive to the house for unauthorised vehicles. Pedestrians are welcome as always. Lavatories are available at the Chatsworth Farm shop, and at the Garden Centre at Calton Lees.
Stand Wood
Stand Wood, behind the house, is also open all year. This historic woodland provides an impressive backdrop for the house, and contains a rich diversity of trees and wildlife. There are spectacular views out across the park and important man-made features include the Hunting Tower (not open to visitors), the lakes which supply the waterworks in the garden, the Aqueduct and the Souter stone, both part of Paxton's 19th century rock and water work in the landscape around Chatsworth. Footpaths also lead out onto the moor to the east.
The Garden Centre
The Chatsworth Garden Centre is next to the car park at Calton Lees, at the southern end of the Park. The Centre is open every day. Further information on 01629 734004.
Please note
- Dogs are welcome but must be on leads as they can endanger the sheep and other grazing animals as well as themselves. They can also devastate wildlife in the park and the woods
- Please take litter home as it can harm sheep, cattle and wildlife
-Please ensure that you close all gates after use. Only cross walls and fences where there are stiles
- Fires are forbidden under all circumstances
- The river has undercurrents and underwater obstacles which can be dangerous. No swimming allowed
- When Events are held in the park access may be restricted in some areas
- Bicycles are only allowed on the public road (B6012) through the park and a bridle path from Calton Lees to Edensor
- Calton Lees car park is open every day (Charge)
- Chatsworth House car park is open from mid-March to mid-December (Charge)
- Footpaths across the moor, east of Stand Wood, are open for most of the year. Daylight hours. No charge
- With the exception of one public footpath leading up to the Hunting Tower, the footpaths in Stand Wood are all permissive footpaths. The Directors of the Chatsworth House Trust reserve the right to close them occasionally