Chatsworth House
The home of the Devonshire family, Chatsworth House is set in the magnificent Peak District National Park, Derbyshire and is one of Britain's most famous historic houses. It has, on several occasions, been selected as the United Kingdom's favourite country house. You will find a great selection of attractions for all the family including displays of furniture and artefacts, a large private art collection, extensive grounds with sculptures, fascinating water features and a farmyard with playground. It is also famous for its appearance in the 2005 film adaptation of Jane Austen's ‘Pride and Prejudice’ as Mr. Darcy's home, Pemberley.
The House
This grand house has three floors for you to take a leisurely tour around. Marvel at the
1st Duke's Painted Hall and State Apartments with their rich decoration and painted ceilings, the 19th century Library and the Great Dining Room and Sculpture Gallery. In these areas you will note the extensive collections of paintings, furniture, silver, tapestries and porcelain. Famous curiosities include four royal thrones, a giant ancient Greek marble foot, a lace cravat carved from wood, the fan of a Rolls Royce jet engine and the unique illusionistic painting of a violin hanging on a door.
The Devonshire private art collection is one of Europe's finest, spanning 4000 years of European culture and craftsmanship. It is comprised of portrait miniatures, watercolours, a celebrated collection of Old Master and architectural drawings, court masque designs by Inigo Jones, prints and photographs.
The original house was built in the late 16th Century but was rebuilt by the first Duke in Classical style between 1686 and 1707, with the Library and North Wing added by the 6th Duke between 1790 and 1858; it retains many of the Elizabethan interior walls. The Hunting tower located on the hill above the house dates from the 1580s and was used to watch the hunting in the park. The magnificent stables rival the grandeur of the house, with a triumphal arch forming the entrance gate. It was built by James Paine for the 4th Duke around 1760. It now houses the restaurant and shops.
The Gardens
The gardens at Chatsworth are one of the most fascinating and historically important gardens in the country and has been evolving for over 450 years. It contains some of the most famous waterworks in Europe, a maze and sculptures. Many rare and exotic plants are grown in the gardens and the arboretum has many 
strange and ancient trees in a natural forest setting. It was landscaped by 'Capability' Brown who was engaged by the 4th Duke (1720-1764), later Joseph Paxton became the head gardener, resulting in the enrichment of the gardens and the creation of the enormous gravity-fed Emperor Fountain from the 24 step cascade. A recent addition was the 'Revelation', a spectacular water-powered kinetic steel sculpture.
The Farmyard
The farmyard at Chatsworth House is a great place for the young or young at heart with its wide variety of animals and their young. Demonstrations of milking and the daily animal handling sessions will fascinate children or watch them let off steam on the fabulous water play and spiral slides at the woodland adventure playground.
The Park
The 1000 acre park is open and free to enter throughout the year, during daylight hours. You are invited to walk, picnic and play in the park. Organised events take place in the park such as country fairs, rallys and shows which you may want to join in with, so check before you go to make the most of your visit.
Plan your visit to Chatsworth House
- Chatsworth Hotels - view and book a wide choice of accommodation convenient for Chatsworth House
- For information and opening times check the Chatsworth House Website
