Peak District National Park

Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and the Peak District

Known as one of the wonders of the Peak, Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park, is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Chatsworth house and gardens have attracted visitors, from all over the world, for many generations.

Building of Chatsworth house was begun in 1552 by Bess of Hardwick and her second husband Sir William Cavendish. Their second son, William, was created Earl of Devonshire in 1618. The 4th Earl who was created 1st Duke of Devonshire in 1694 after assisting William of Orange to claim the British throne, began to make improvements at Chatsworth. Eventually he completely remodelled the house and added formal gardens and the famous cascade. Most of the work was completed before he died in 1707. Chatsworth park was landscaped by Capability Brown who reshaped the formal garden into the more natural one you see today. The 6th Duke engaged Joseph Paxton as the head gardener, resulting in the enrichment of the gardens and the creation of the Emperor Fountain as well as the now demolished Great Conservatory. The house and gardens have remained little changed since the 6th Dukes time.

The stunning chapel was built between 1688 and 1693 by the 1st Duke, and has remained unaltered ever since. Laguerre and Ricard painted the walls and ceilings with scenes from the life of Christ and Verrio painted the picture of Doubting Thomas over the altar.

The Great Staircase sweeps down to the marble floor that was laid by the 6th Duke in 1834.The Scots Rooms make up the section of the house which were used to keep Mary Queen of Scots, who was placed in the custody of the 6th Earl of Shrewsbery, Bess of Hardwicks 4th husband by Queen Elizabeth I.

Throughout the house there are paintings, tapestries and fine pieces of furniture. The sculpture gallery contains magnificent specimens from Classical times, to the present, and the library contains one of the greatest private collections of books, prints and Old Master drawings in the world. Modern work is also well represented with sculptures by Angela Conner and Elizabeth Frink and paintings by Lucian Freud.

There is a Farmyard, opened to give visitors an insight into how the farms and woodlands on the estate are run. There are picnic areas as well as a childrens adventure playground, gift shop, refreshments and a restaurant.

In the garden you can explore 5 miles of walks with rare trees, shrubs, the kitchen, cottage and rose gardens, temples, sculptures, fountains, streams and ponds.

Opening times from Wednesday 12th March to 23 December 2008

Farm shop in Pilsley (1½ miles)
Monday to Saturday, 9.00am to 5.30pm
Sunday, 11.00am to 5.00pm

Park Open all year. No charge
House car park shut during closed season

House 11.00am – 4.30pm, last admission 5.30pm
11th Duke exhibition (8 extra rooms, not always open)

Garden 11.00am – 6.00pm, last admission 5.00pm

Farmyard and adventure playground 10.30am – 5.30pm, last admission 4.30pm

Shops 11.00am to 5.30pm

Carriage House restaurant and Stables grill and drinks 10.15am to 5.00pm. Hot food served at lunchtime

Jean Pierre’s Bar 11am to 4.30pm. Hot food served at lunchtime

For more information on events, christmas opening times, prices etc, please visit www.chatsworth-house.co.uk

The 1000 acre Park on the banks of the River Derwent is open, free, throughout the year.

Tel 01246 582204

Photographs from Chatsworth House, Chatsworth House gardens and the Chatsworth Estate can be found at Derbyshire and Peak District Photographs

See also
Eyam Hall
Haddon Hall
Hardwick Hall