Frequently asked questions

We have tried to give you as much information as possible about Chatsworth and visiting the estate. Here is some answers to some frequently asked questions. Or read some general information about Chatsworth that will help you plan your visit to Chatsworth.

1. Who owns and runs Chatsworth?
The entire Chatsworth estate is owned by the Trustees of the Chatsworth Settlement, on behalf of the Cavendish family. However, to ensure the long term survival of Chatsworth as a great historic house and landscape, open for the benefit of the general public, the central 1800 acres of the estate, including the house, garden, farmyard and park, are leased to the Chatsworth House Trust, an independent charity, dedicated to the long term preservation of Chatsworth. All admission income goes to the charity. Chatsworth has no connection with the National Trust or English Heritage, and it does not grant free or discounted entry to members of the HHA.

2. How big is Chatsworth?
The house has 297 rooms, under a roof of 1.3 acres. The garden is 105 acres, the park is 1000 acres and the entire estate, spread out across Derbyshire and beyond, covers 35,000 acres (14,000 hectares).

3. Is Chatsworth open all year round?
The 1000 acre park at Chatsworth, and more than 100 miles of footpaths across the estate, are open at no charge throughout the year. There is a car park at Calton Lees, one mile south of the house, open every day. The estate Farm Shop, in the village of Pilsley is also open throughout the year. The house, garden, farmyard, playground, gift shops and restaurant are usually open from mid-March to mid-December each year.

4. Why do I have to pay to see Chatsworth?
Chatsworth is entirely self-supporting, and we do not seek or accept public funds or grants for the upkeep of the house, collection or garden. We are also independent of the National Trust and English Heritage. All visitor income goes to the Chatsworth House Trust, a charity which administers Chatsworth for the long term benefit of visitors. The 1000 acre park is open free throughout the year, and there is no admission charge for the stables, with the restaurant, bar and two shops, or the footpaths in Stand Wood behind the house.

5. Can I get to Chatsworth by public transport?
There are regular bus services to the estate on most days.

6. Is Chatsworth accessible for wheelchair users?
Please click here for access information

7. Do you have baby changing facilities?
There are baby changing rooms next to the car park lavatories (near the main house entrance), at the Carriage House restaurant and in the Farmyard. Because of the number of steps on the route around the house, we ask you to leave pushchairs at the house entrance and borrow a backpack while you are in the house.

8. Can I take photographs?
Visitors are welcome to take photographs in the park, garden and in the house, as long as they are for private use and do not disturb other visitors.

9. Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome on leads in the garden and park. We ask you to leave your dogs outside the farmyard and the restaurant, and outside both there are special places to leash your dog. There is a water tap for dogs near the house entrance. Assistance dogs are welcome in the house. Dogs are left in cars at your own risk.

10. Why does the Duke of Devonshire live in Derbyshire?
When William Cavendish was made 1st Earl of Devonshire in 1618, the title was given because it was vacant at that time. The family had no links with Devon, but titles did not always go with land ownership or places of residence. The 4th Earl became 1st Duke of Devonshire in 1694.

11. Do you have research facilities?
For details of scholarly access to the collection and archive, please click here .

12. Do you have volunteers?
Please see our work pages for details of employment and work experience on the estate.

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