Introductory Tours

Spend an intriguing hour discovering the highlights of the house or garden with one of our experienced tour guides. Providing an immediate glimpse into the past and present of Chatsworth, an introductory tour will give you plenty of ideas for areas to return to and explore during your visit.

1. Introductory house tour - approx 1 hour
This private guided tour focuses on some of the vivid characters who made and livedvat Chatsworth, and some highlights from the collection, to give a fascinating overview of Chatsworth’s riches. The tour is available all day, but where possible, we encourage you to begin your tour no later than 10.45am, before the house opens to general visitors.

2. Introductory garden tour - approx 1¼ hours
The 105 acre garden that surrounds Chatsworth has many important historical and horticultural features from the last five centuries, of interest to anyone with a love of gardening, landscape and history. This introductory tour takes in the principal historical features of the garden, and will tell you about other areas you can enjoy in your own time.

3. Themed tour of the house - Secrets and Symbols - approx 1½ hours
Hidden meanings lie within Chatsworth’s 300 year old painted walls and ceilings. Let our guide decode the symbols and discover the stories left by people centuries ago.

4. Themed tour of the house- Portraits and their Stories - approx 1½ hours
Every portrait tells a fascinating story. Your guide will uncover the clues which help us glimpse into the world of the characters in the paintings, and the artists who
created them.

Please note
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
You can also book, in advance, for a group to
have one of a number of private tours, talks and
demonstrations, in the house and garden, including
our popular ‘Behind the scenes’ tour. Please ask for
details.