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.
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.
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.
Goat Kid Feeding Experience
Until 1 July 2024
A special opportunity to bottle feed and cuddle our goat kids in the farmyard.
Children's Water Marbling Magic Workshop
25 July & 22 August
Children can learn how to creating marbling prints using water and ink in this artist-led workshop.
Free Summer Holiday Art in the Park
29 July - 28 August
This summer, children of all ages can join in free nature-themed art workshops in the park every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Young Farmers
31 July, 7 August, 9 August, 14 August, 21 August, 23 August, 14 September, 15 September 2024
Spend an afternoon helping the farmyard team with their daily jobs, from collecting eggs to grooming the animals.
The Big Tree Climb
3–16 August
Enjoy Stand Wood from a new perspective by taking part in our big tree climb this summer; a great adventure for all the family.
Learn to Grow Workshops (ages 7-12)
5, 6 & 7 August 2024
Learn all you need to know about growing fruit, vegetables and flowers in this children's gardening course.
Botanical Smells and Stinks
13, 14, 20, 21 & 22 August 2024
Explore the Chatsworth Kitchen and Cutting Garden, using your nose to discover plants and their smells before making your own perfume.
Ecology Explorer Workshops (ages 9-14)
28 & 29 August
Delve into your surroundings during this ecology day, discovering habitats, plants, trees, invertebrates and mammals.
Little Pips Gardening Club (ages 3-5)
Fortnightly on Mondays until 14 October
A fortnightly gardening club for pre-school aged children. Explore the garden, make friends and learn new skills while making, growing and having fun.
Seedlings Gardening Club (ages 4-9)
Monthly on Tuesdays until October
An after-school gardening club where children will learn how to grow different flowers, fruits and vegetables, and discover the abundance of wildlife at Chatsworth.
Mini Makers Art Club (ages 3-5)
Fortnightly on Tuesdays until 21 October
An art club for pre-school aged children to get creative, develop their imagination, make new friends and get a little messy.
Squirrels Nature Club (SEN)
29 June, 27 July, 28 September
A nature club for children with additional needs to explore and learn about the wildlife at Chatsworth.
Ways to Play Trail
This free family trail map encourages you to explore our beautiful woodland and garden in playful new ways.
Outdoor events
Enjoy spending time outdoors with one of these memory making events.
Classic Ibiza
13 July
An open-air celebration of house music, reinvented by a 32-piece orchestra, headline DJs and live vocalists.
Cinema in the Garden: Pride and Prejudice
9, 10 & 11 August
With Chatsworth House and Garden as your backdrop, rediscover this enchanting retelling of Jane Austen's beloved classic, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden (with a special guest appearance by Chatsworth House as Pemberley).
Live Opera: Carmen
2 August
Pack your chairs and picnics and spend a glorious summer’s evening in the Rose Garden watching this timeless love story, performed by Opera Brava and accompanied by a full orchestra.
Live Opera: La Boheme
3 August
Opera Brava perform Puccini's 'La Boheme' in the Rose Garden. Bring your chairs and picnics and settle in for a memorable evening.
Chatsworth Country Fair
30 August - 1 September
Experience thrilling grand ring entertainment on land and in the air, cookery demonstrations by TV and local chefs, get involved in rural crafts and pursuits under expert tuition, plus shopping, a fine food village and plenty of family entertainment.
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.
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.
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. There is also a large barn for craft activities.
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.
Summer Holiday Art in the Park
29 July - 30 August
Children of all ages can join in free nature-themed art workshops in the park every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
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.
