Event details
Sunday 12 October | 11am - 12pm
£20 per person - includes garden and farmyard entry
Meet gardener, illustrator and writer, Arthur Parkinson, as he joins us for an illustrated talk marking the launch of his new book, The Hen Party.
Arthur’s informative and personal talk will reflect on his lifelong love of all things Chatsworth — from childhood memories to grandmothers, chickens and rare breeds. The talk will be accompanied by a slideshow of his own photographs.
The talk celebrates the important conservation work happening at the Chatsworth Farmyard, where Arthur is collaborating with the team to help preserve one of Dowager Duchess Deborah’s most celebrated and favourite chicken breeds: the exuberant - and often "too posh to push" - Buff Cochin hens.
After the talk, there will be a book signing and the opportunity to view a selection of Arthur's original illustrations on display in the Carriage House at the Stables.

Chatsworth Garden and Farmyard
Your ticket includes access to the Chatsworth Garden and Farmyard to enjoy at your own pace. Please note that last entry times are 1 hour before close. View opening times.
Don’t miss the chance to meet some of Arthur's young rare-breed hens hatched this summer at the Chatsworth Farmyard. The hens are also available for sale to appropriate homes. Ask the Farmyard team for details.
Find out more about Arthur: Instagram @arthurparkinson_
Meeting point
The event will take place at The Old Potting Shed in the Chatsworth Garden. (icon #12 on this map). Please show your event ticket at the car park booth and garden entry point. Your ticket includes free parking for one vehicle. Why not travel by bus?
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the talk. Latecomers may not be admitted, and no refunds will be given. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.
Accessibility
The Old Potting Shed is a step-free, accessible venue with an accessible toilet. The garden is accessible but there may be some inclines. The farmyard is accessible with a lift between the lower and upper yards. View an accessibility map of Chatsworth here.
Please note on your booking if you require space for a wheelchair, or email [email protected] if you require an essential carer ticket.
Header image credit: Jonathan Buckley
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Includes garden and farmyard access.

Stay With Us
With miles of walks on the estate and in the national park, as well as centuries of heritage, art and design to explore, Chatsworth and the Peak District are a dream destination for an unforgettable escape. Find a stay with us in a hotel, inn, cottage, or shepherd’s hut here.