Visit Chatsworth for a fun family day out, marvel at the huge painted ceilings in the house, roam the winding paths in the garden, make friends with the farmyard animals, and let off steam in the adventure playground.
You may also be interested in our calendar or family-focused events and experiences, offering opportunities to connect to nature and wildlife.
Adventure in the farmyard and playground
Allow 2-3 hours to explore the farmyard and playground. More about the farmyard.
Explore the farmyard
Discover our working farmyard, plus a woodland playground with a rope park, zip line, and water and sand play.
Make new friends
Meet all of our farmyard animals - who's your favourite?
Daily activities
From animal feeding to milking demonstrations, there's lots of fun to be had at the farmyard.
Playground adventures
From the farmyard, take the secret tunnel to the children's playground for exciting adventures on the swings, zip wire and climbing walls. There's also an Archimedes screw to fetch water from the stream, and a huge sand play area.
Get closer to nature
Our bird hide is a great place to learn more about local bird species and see them in nature.
Admire the magnificent house
Allow 1-1.5 hours for the house. More about the house
Don't forget to look up
Keep your eyes peeled throughout the house because there are nine rooms with paintings on the ceilings. Make sure you ask a Guide to tell you about Mrs Hackett, the 1st Duke's housekeeper, while you're in the Great Chamber. She features on the painted ceiling.
Put your best foot forward
The 6th Duke bought the one metre ancient Greek marble foot that you can find in the Chapel corridor. It's thought to have been originally part of an 11 metre tall seated statue and is said to be a UK shoe size 101!
Can you hear the ROAR?
Keep an eye out for two lions at the end of the Sculpture gallery, but don't worry, they're friendly. There are a few other animals in the gallery as well. Can you find them?
Explore the great outdoors
Allow 1.5+ hours to explore the garden. More about the garden.
Prehistoric explorers
Some of nature’s most amazing designs have existed for millions of years. Use your senses to go on a plant hunting adventure in the garden and Stand Wood.
Adventure in the park and woodland
Go bug hunting and den buildings in Stand Wood and see if you can find the great viaduct or run wild in our free-to-access 1000-acre park.
Climbing and racing
Climb the steps in the giant rockery for an amazing view and discover the depths of the garden.
Get drawing
Have a go at some of our fun drawing activities while you explore the garden - perfect for all ages and abilities.
Fascinating discoveries
Use our children’s trail to find the human sundial, the balancing rock and the Emperor fountain. How high do you think it is?
Special children's events and themed clubs
Paper magic
9 & 16 December 2023
A children's Christmas craft workshop
Wild winter willow crowns
9 & 16 December 2023
A children's winter workshop – make a crown from willow and fill it with winter foliage, berries and natural materials.
Lamb feeding experience
15 April to 20 May
A special opportunity to bottle feed our lambs in the farmyard. Includes access to the farmyard and playground and a bag of animal feed.
Young farmers
31 May 2024
Spend an afternoon helping the farmyard team with their daily jobs, from collecting eggs to grooming the animals.
Goat kid feeding experience
1 June–1 July 2024
A special opportunity to bottle feed and cuddle our goat kids in the farmyard.
Visiting with young children
Learn more about visiting with young children, including baby change facilities, feeding and more.
