Event Details
Saturday 20 September
Price: £20 adults| £12 children
To celebrate the arrival of The Queen's Reading Room Festival at Chatsworth, experience guided garden tours, and a range of Regency-themed entertainment inspired by the 250th anniversary of British author Jane Austen.
Pre-booked tickets only
Tickets are limited and must be booked in advance. All tickets include entry to the garden, farmyard and adventure playground, entertainment, and parking for one vehicle.
Please note that tickets do not include access to any of the festival talks.
Tours of the Chatsworth Garden
A festival pass grants access to Chatsworth's 105-acre garden, which has been cultivated over nearly 500 years. Visitors can explore glasshouses, a maze, a Victorian rock garden, production gardens, and historic water features such as the Grade I listed Cascade, Canal Pond, and Emperor Fountain.
You can join a walking tour of the garden led by one of our expert guides. Spaces are limited and available on a first come first served basis.
Austen: Lost & Found
A story that Jane Austen didn't write (but could have done) is brought to life in this comedic promenade performance taking place in the Chatsworth Garden, performed by The Natural Theatre Company.
On the 250th anniversary of her birth, another 'lost' Jane Austen novel has been unearthed at Pemberley. Meddling Mrs Bentley is seeking husbands for her spinster daughters, and the audience is invited to get involved and help them secure an advantageous marriage. Expect some recognisable plotlines, familiar characters and just a little bit of nonsense as you immerse yourself in wooing, weeping and wagers as this joyful story comes to life around you.
Pop-Up Pride & Prejudice
Local theatre company, the Chatsworth Players, will be performing scenes from Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' around the garden throughout the day.
Portraits from the Past
With access to Regency-style costumes and props, create your own portrait from the past at our photo station at Flora's Temple in the Chatsworth Garden.
Discover more...
The Queen's Reading Room Festival 2026
19 & 20 September 2026
A literary festival like no other, uniting literature enthusiasts for a weekend dedicated to celebrating the written word.
Lee Child and Special Guests
19 September 2026
From Reacher to Rehabilitation: Writing, Reading and Second Chances
Bestselling author Lee Child is joined by special guests to discuss the transformational power of literature and storytelling.
The Queen's Reading Room Festival Afternoon Teas
19 & 20 September 2026
Add an elegant afternoon tea in the Old Duke's Glasshouse in the Chatsworth Garden to your Festival experience.
Stay with us
Whether bug hunting in Stand Wood, cycling on the Tissington Trail, or hitching a ride on a historic steam engine, Chatsworth and the Peak District are a dream destination for an unforgettable family escape. Find a stay with us in a cottage, shepherd’s hut, inn or hotel.
Please note: Please be aware that for technical, operational or safety reasons, some facilities may be removed or closed, or entertainment and event timetables cancelled and/or altered at any time, including at short notice. Chatsworth reserves the right to change the programme of attractions and entertainment if, at any time, it is deemed necessary or appropriate to do so, this may also include closing attractions or areas of the estate. We apologise in advance for any disappointment caused should this need arise.
