Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House is one of the UK’s grandest estates in the UK and the jewel of the Peak District. Set in expansive parkland where wild deer roam and backed by wooded hills, it’s been chosen as Britain’s favourite country house several times.

What is there to do at Chatsworth House?

Whilst the interior of the house boasts impressive galleries and stately rooms, it’s likely to be the farmyard and adventure playground that your little ones will appreciate more; a must-do if you’re visiting the Peak District with kids. The outdoor adventure playground is one of the best we’ve ever been to, complete with a water and sand play area, a huge zip line, and a rope park. This has had a recent new set of wooden play equipment. My boys also love meeting and petting the farm animals. There are children’s activities and trails set throughout the year, as well as beautiful gardens to explore (separate ticket).

You have to purchase tickets to enter the house, farmyard adventure playground, and gardens. However, the grounds of Chatsworth are totally free to walk and explore. You do need to pre-book parking in the Estate, or use the pay and display at Baslow and walk in.

There is a pram-friendly footpath that leads from Baslow to the House. You can then follow the footpath round to the right and over to Edensor and pop to the Tea Rooms. Alternatively, head up to the Hunting Tower and follow the footpaths through the woods behind the House. And you can even go paddling in the River Derwent that runs through the Estate. With little ones, I recommend heading to the weirs to paddle and play in the rocks.

The house is seriously impressive and well worth exploring. There is a huge number of impressive rooms to look around and plenty of helpful staff on hand to answer your questions. Outdoors we love the rockery area which the family once created. It is magical and other-worldly with a tall waterfall, huge rocks and a stream down to a pond. For a bit of added fun, it’s worth walking through the coal tunnel. It was quite the adventure and they’ve lit the way with fairy lights.

Important Information

Is there food and drink available?

There is a great choice of places to eat at Chatsworth House from sandwiches to afternoon teas and there’s even a restaurant. You are welcome to picnic outside.

What are the main things to do?

Grand stately home, large adventure playground, farmyard and walks. There are toilets and a choice of places to eat.

What are the ticket prices?

An adult house and garden ticket are £23 and £12.50 for a child. A farmyard and playground ticket, however, is just £7 per person. Other pricing options are available.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.