2009 Events
Discover the Magic of Chatsworth This Year
Chatsworth is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, one of Britain's best loved historic estates and the heart beat of the Peak District National Park. With famous works of art, a working farmyard, spectacular fountains and the finest shopping and eating, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In 2009 visitors will experience Chatsworth in the midst of a landmark Masterplan of restoration and development. Choose from a host of wonderful reasons to visit Chatsworth’s house, garden and farmyard for a great day out for young and old alike.
Water Spectacular: Every May weekend and every day during half term
The Water Spectacular will be making a splash throughout May when the famous water features put on a special display in the beautiful gardens between 11.30am and 2.30pm. The impressive Emperor Fountain will be taken up to double its normal height sending its plume over the garden to the delight of children keen to get a soaking while the other displays could surprise the unsuspecting visitor. No extra charge beyond the normal garden fees. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
International Horse Trials: 16-17 May
Chatsworth provides a spectacular setting for the International Horse Trials, with the cross-country course winding around the beautiful park on the banks of the river Derwent. The horse trials, which has the Duchess of Devonshire as President, offers two days of top equestrian sport as well as a brilliant family outing with attractions including Pony Club mounted games, dressage displays, ferret racing, sheepdog and birds of prey displays, face-painting, Punch & Judy, climbing wall and a huge variety of shopping at around 100 quality tradestands. Tickets priced from £10, children under 14 go free with paying adult. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
Tudor Festival: 23-25 May
Experience life in the 16th century as Chatsworth hosts a Tudor Festival over the bank holiday weekend from 23 - 25 May 2009. Visitors can step back in time and get a real taste of what life was like in Tudor times set in the impressive 105 acre gardens in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District. Historical re-enactors, craftsmen, stocks, authentic music and food including a hog roast, have-a-go archery and birds of prey come together in a magical setting to recreate this fascinating living history. All activities are included in the normal garden entrance fees unless otherwise stated. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
Food & Drink Fair: 30-31 May
A gathering of the Midlands' best food and drink producers and retailers, including Chatsworth’s own award winning farm shop, will offer a mouth watering day out. Sheep dip malt whisky, cider perry fruit wine, handmade farmhouse cheeses and freshly made organic pancakes will be among the delicious goods on offer. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
The British Silver Week Masters’ Exhibition: 8 June – 5 July
The Duke of Devonshire, a renowned silver collector and patron of British Silver Week 2009, is delighted to be hosting the Masters of their Craft, a month long exhibition celebrating the best of UK silversmithing. 12 of the country’s leading contemporary designer-makers will display a signature piece in Chatsworth’s Grand Dining Hall. The exhibition will tell the story of British silversmithing since the 1950s, starting with sample pieces from the Pearson Collection, one of Britain’s largest private collections of modern silversmithing. The final section of the show is the Pangolin collection of fine art sculptures in silver. Talks by leading local silversmiths will take place on June 14, 21 and 27. For more information visit www.britishsilverweek.co.uk . No extra charge beyond the normal house admission fees. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
Summer of Secrets and Surprises: June, July & August
Chatsworth is giving up some of its oldest and best kept secrets this summer. Visitors will have the opportunity to peek behind the scenes to unlock some of the treasures behind the public face of the Palace of the Peak including discoveries unearthed during the Masterplan restoration work, as part of the ‘Building History’ display. This includes tactile displays of building tools and materials, a display of everyday objects that have been found under floorboards during current Masterplan work including building account books from the 16th to 19th centuries and a leather fire bucket dating to the time of the 1st Duke (1690s). No extra charge beyond the normal admission fees. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
Beyond Limits: 14 September to 1 November (Provisional dates)
This spectacular exhibition of contemporary sculpture by leading international sculptors and home-grown UK talents set in the stunning 105-acre Chatsworth garden provides a dramatic juxtaposition of art and nature. Beyond Limits is now firmly established as one of the leading events in the artistic calendar as it enters its fourth year at Chatsworth. Previous work has included eye-catching pieces such as the 10-foot-high version of Marc Quinn’s Sphinx, a white-painted bronze that depicts the supermodel Kate Moss in an extreme yoga position and last year’s Planet, a 30ft ‘floating baby’ by the same artist. Other exhibitors have included Damien Hirst, Aristide Maillol and Salvador Dalí. All exhibits will be on display from 11am-6pm every day at no extra charge beyond normal garden admission. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
Country Fair: 4-6 September
The enormously popular Chatsworth Country Fair – one of England’s most spectacular outdoor events – packs in fun for all the family in the beautiful parkland setting on the banks of the river Derwent. Fair president Alan Titchmarsh will lead the opening ceremony and be out and about meeting the crowds on Friday 4 September. An exciting Grand Ring programme takes place every day, with displays ranging from a vintage car parade and hot air balloon races to aerobatics and terrier racing. All the family will find something to enjoy outside of the ring too with entertainment ranging from sheepdog trials and pony rides to kite flying and have-a-go archery while children will love the traditional fairground with Helter Skelter and Ferris Wheel. Adult tickets priced from £13, under 14s go free. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
Florabundance: 19-27 September
Florabundance is a celebration of the garden throughout the house, created by the Chatsworth garden team working with renowned floral designer Jonathan Moseley. This is a unique opportunity to come and see the house transformed, with fabulous floral displays and unusual installations, ranging from the historic and traditional, to the quirky and unexpected. No extra charge beyond normal house admission. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
Halloween Half Term Fun: 24-31 October
For a truly haunting half term come and enjoy a week of tricks and treats at Chatsworth’s Farmyard Halloween Hoot. For the brave there’s all kinds of evil excitement to keep the little horrors happy including making monstrous masks and cards or taking one of the daily 'Fright Flights' through the haunted Warlock Wood. Just watch out for the sinister Spellweaver that lurks amongst the trees. Most activities free upon normal farmyard admission fees. Fright Flights can be booked on the day for an additional charge. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
Bonfire and Fireworks: 7 November
The bonfire and firework party will take place in the garden on the evening of Saturday 7 November 2009. The event will begin at 6pm, and as well as the spectacular bonfire and fireworks display, there will be a variety of entertainers, including fire eaters and jugglers, live music and a wide variety of food and drink on sale. Tickets via www.chatsworth.org or booking office on 01246 565300 (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm). Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
A Candlelit Christmas: 1 November – 23 December
Christmas at Chatsworth is a special experience for children and adults alike, with beautiful traditional decorations in the grand rooms on the two lower floors of the house. In 2009, the inspiration is candlelight, and specifically the intriguing tales by Hans Christian Andersen, including his tale The Candle, that have brought joy to children around the world. Some of the enchanting displays are interpreted by local schoolchildren and there will once again be Christmas trees dressed by the Duchess and her grandchildren. Many visitors come from far and wide every year to see the Christmas decorations and this promises to be another year not to be missed. With live music every weekend, and musicians and entertainers adding to the festive atmosphere throughout the season, Christmas is a magical time to visit. No extra charge upon normal Christmas house admission. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
Chatsworth Farmyard at Christmas: 1 November – 23 December
Throughout the winter season, there are craft activities in the farmyard, and weekend entertainment, as well as the popular animals with demonstrations and handling sessions, and the fabulous woodland adventure playground, floodlit for added play even on the shortest days. One of the most popular Christmas events at Chatsworth is the Farmyard Nativity Play, with a show-stopping cast that includes some of the farm’s own animals. Children can join in for an enjoyably memorable re-enactment of the story of Christmas. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
Christmas Markets: 14-15 and 21-22 November
For stress free present shopping, Chatsworth is yet again staging a Christmas market on 14-15 and 21-22 November, with more than 60 stalls selling a wide variety of gifts. Chatsworth also offers a stylish selection of shops, including the elegant interiors, garden and gift shops, which includes contemporary craft by leading and up and coming designer-makers. The finest seasonal food and drink is on offer, whether it’s a quick bite on the move or a full sit-down feast in the Cavendish Rooms. A visit to the nearby farm shop at Pilsley to stock up on a whole array of fantastic foods for Christmas at home will complete a great visit to Chatsworth this year. Chatsworth is open every day until December 23. For opening times, admission prices and details of other forthcoming events and attractions, guided tours and behind the scenes days, visit www.chatsworth.org
Chatsworth is 8 miles north of Matlock off the B6012. It is 16 miles from the M1 Junction 29, signposted via Chesterfield (follow brown signs), 42 miles from the M6 Junction 19 and 30 mins from Chesterfield rail station. For more information visit www.chatsworth.org.