There are so many opportunities to create long lasting memories at Chatsworth this summer; from discovering 500 years of history in the house and new ways to play in our garden, woodland and playground to learning a new skill on a creative or nature themed workshop.
Learn more about our summer programme below.
Visiting with children
Children's tickets are available at a flat rate of £10 (£8 at off-peak times) whether you're visiting the house and garden, the garden, the farmyard and playground, or all three. Visit our book tickets page for more information.
Children's Workshops
Chatsworth offers a varied range of children's events and family fun days out designed to inspire and educate, as well as create long-lasting memories.
Autumn Nature Scavenger Hunt
28 & 30 October 2024
Spend a morning searching for woodland treasures and turning them into your own autumn creation.
Ways to Play Trail
This free family trail map encourages you to explore our beautiful woodland and garden in playful new ways.
Storytime with Father Christmas
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout December 2024
Father Christmas will captivate little ears with the story of the first Christmas. Includes entry to the farmyard and playground.
Outdoor events
Enjoy spending time outdoors with one of these memory making events.
In the house
View art and artefacts that span 4000 years, uncover the history of the family that has lived here for almost 500 years, and explore our latest exhibitions, Picturing Childhood and Erdem: Imaginary Conversations.
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House is renowned for its art, landscape and hospitality, and has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions and interests of succeeding generations of the Devonshire family.
Today, Chatsworth is cared for by a registered charity, Chatsworth House Trust.
Picturing Childhood
Discover how childhood has been represented in art and literature from the Tudor period to present day in this multi-sensory exhibition aimed at visitors of all ages.
Erdem: Imaginary Conversations
Located in the guest bedrooms, this exhibition charts the creative process of designer Erdem in designing a collection inspired by Duchess Deborah and Chatsworth's extensive textile archive.
Mary Queen of Scots Letter
In the Spotlight Gallery, view a letter sent by Mary Queen of Scots while she was a 'prisoner' at Chatsworth, written in 1578 and on display for the first time.
In the garden
Discover a garden where history and natural beauty meet.
105 acres to explore
Lose yourself in 105 acres, with modern and historic waterways, a Victorian rock garden, arboretum and kitchen and cutting garden.
Ways to Play Trail
From making sail leaf boats to seeing the landscape through the eyes of a bird, this free family trail map encourages you to explore our beautiful woodland and garden in playful new ways.
Guided Tours
Join one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides on a guided tour of the Chatsworth Garden and discover almost 500 years of horticultural history. Or take a tour of the Belvedere for a birds eye view of the Chatsworth landscape.
At the Farmyard and Adventure Playground
At our farmyard, discover our rare breed animals and enjoy a cuddle with our squeaky guinea pigs before taking the secret tunnel to the playground for exciting woodland adventures.
Summer Activities
From thrilling tractor trailer rides to creative chalk art, there are exciting activities for the whole family all around the farmyard.
Meet the Animals
In the farmyard you can meet our friendly animals, from pigs and horses to mischievous goats and guinea pigs. We're also home to a number of rare breeds including Suffolk Punch horses, Shire horses, Albion cattle, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, Bagot goats, Cream Legbar chickens and more.
Daily Activities
Feed the animals, watch milking demonstrations, and cuddle our friendly guinea pigs.
Woodland Adventure Playground
Take the secret tunnel from the farmyard to our newly reopened woodland adventure playground.
Our shops and restaurants
From pasties and fresh sandwiches to sit down meals, our cafes, restaurants and food to go outlets cater for all occasions.
Carriage House Café
Ideal for families, serving freshly made dishes using local and seasonal ingredients.
The Parlour
Handmade ice cream sourced from Derbyshire dairies, barista-brewed coffee and patisserie style cakes.
Food To Go
Hot and cold food and drinks - perfect for on the go while exploring the garden and parkland.
Cavendish Restaurant
A seasonal menu showcasing the best of estate and local produce, as well as afternoon teas.
Chatsworth Farm Shop
Stock up on fresh produce from the estate and local makers in the Chatsworth Farm Shop, just a few minutes away in Pilsley. You'll find everything you need for the perfect picnic in the garden or by the river
Water Refills and Reusable Cups
Refill your water bottle for free at any of our food outlets, and receive 10% off any hot drink when you bring your own reusable cup to our food to go shops.
Free activities for families
Our parkland and woodland are both free to access all year round and are the perfect venue for a family picnic or bug hunt.
Parking charges apply if you come by car, but why not consider travelling on the open top Peak Sightseer (daily until 6 October), a 'hop on, hop off' service stopping at Chatsworth every 30 minutes. Learn more.
Guides to Identifying Birds, Butterflies and Wildflowers
Use our nature spotting guides to identify and record different kinds of wildlife you may see while exploring the great outdoors. How many species can you spot?
Search for Pre-historic Plants
Some of nature’s most amazing designs have existed for millions of years. Use your senses to go on a prehistoric plant-hunting adventure in Stand Wood with our free trail as your guide.
Please note, half of the trail covers the garden for which an entry ticket is required.
Become a Woodland Explorer
Listen to birdsong, go on a bug hunt, build the best den ever, or just enjoy being beneath nature's green canopy, Stand Wood is free to access all year round. Enter via the gate next to the farmyard.
Roam (for) Free in the Parkland
Incorporating acres of grassland, woodland, and the river Derwent, the park around Chatsworth House offers a variety of walks as well as space to run, jump and expel pent-up energy. Keep your eyes peeled for our herd of deer.
Nature and Wellbeing
Reap the benefits of enjoying gentle nature themed activities, such as a wordsearch or sketching.
Scavenger Hunts
Scavenger hunts are a great way to keep kids occupied outdoors. A pastime that can be enjoyed in all seasons, this helpful guide from The Woodland Trust contains a list of the things you could challenge your children to look for.
Stay with us
With so much to see, do, and explore in the Peak District, it's a shame to only come for the day, so why not stay a little longer?
Our country cottages, shepherd's huts, hotels, and inns are the perfect base for exploring all that Chatsworth, Derbyshire, and the Peak District have to offer.
