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 taking part in a creative or nature-themed workshop.
Learn more about our summer programme below.
Visiting with children
Children's tickets are available at a flat rate of £10 (£9.09 without optional donation) whether you're visiting the house and garden, the garden, the farmyard and playground, or all three. Book in advance, and receive complimentary parking for one vehicle.
Visit our book tickets page for more information.
Universal credit tickets available.
Activities for Young Explorers
Chatsworth offers a varied range of children's events and family days out designed to inspire and educate, as well as create long-lasting memories.
Seedlings Gardening Club (ages 4-11)
15 July, 16 September & 14 October 2025
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.
Summer at Chatsworth
19 July - 7 September
From butterfly counts and nature walks to a mini Olympics in the garden, discover big adventures for little explorers.
Young Farmers
Various dates from 10 May - 28 September 2025
Spend an afternoon helping the farmyard team with their daily jobs, from collecting eggs to grooming the animals.
Little Pips Gardening Club (ages 3-5)
Mondays: 21 July, 8 & 22 September, 6 & 20 October
A fortnightly gardening club for pre-school aged children. Explore the garden, meet new friends and learn new skills while making, growing and having fun.
The Big Tree Climb
4–10 August 2025
Enjoy Stand Wood from a new perspective by taking part in our big tree climb this summer; a great adventure for all the family.
The Big Tree Climb - Relaxed Session
4–10 August 2025
A relaxed and supportive tree climbing session in Stand Wood under expert guidance.
Squirrels Nature Club (SEN)
13 September & 11 October 2025
A nature club for children with additional needs to explore and learn about the wildlife at Chatsworth.
Country Fair
29 - 31 August 2025
Featuring spectacular grand ring displays in the air and on land, demos from celebrity chefs plus entertainment for all the family. Book your tickets by 30 June to save up to 20%.
Young Explorers Trail
Nature can be found everywhere at Chatsworth. Explore the house and garden to hear, see and hunt the natural treasures that surround you, using this family trail map.
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.
Sense and Sensibility: The Musical
16 August
Experience a musical retelling of Jane Austen's first published story, Sense and Sensibility, performed live in the Rose Garden.
Live Opera: Madam Butterfly
1 August
With the Rose Garden as your backdrop, discover Puccini’s devastating tragedy Madam Butterfly, performed live by Opera Brava and with a chamber ensemble.
Opera in the Garden: Grand Opera Gala
2 August
Pack your chairs and picnics and spend a glorious summer’s evening enjoying classical music pieces performed by Opera Brava with a live chamber ensemble.
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 exhibition, The Gorgeous Nothings: Flowers at Chatsworth.
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.
The Gorgeous Nothings
The resilience and persistence of nature is celebrated in our new 2025 exhibition in the house and garden.
History of Chatsworth
Learn more about 17 generations of the Devonshire family, responsible for the development of the house, garden, landscape, and the art and artefacts in the Devonshire Collections.
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.
Music in the Garden
On weekends from June to September, enjoy live music from local musicians in the garden.
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 guinea pigs before taking the secret tunnel to the playground for exciting woodland adventures.
Summer Activities
From thrilling tractor trailer rides to creative chalk art, there are exciting activities for the whole family all around the farmyard.
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.
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 by bus, such as the open top Peak Sightseer (daily until 21 September), a 'hop on, hop off' service stopping at Chatsworth every 30 minutes. Learn more.
Big Butterfly Count
28 July - 1 August | 10.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm
Join in the Big Butterfly Count at the Stickyard in free-to-access Stand Wood.
Drop-in sessions, no event ticket required.
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.
Art in the Park
Use your eyes and imagination to recreate the natural world around you on paper. Our free downloadable 'get drawing' guides contain themed activities inspired by different artists, print some out to bring with you.
Stay with us
Whether bug hunting in Stand Wood, cycling on the Tissington Trail, or hitching a ride on a historic steam engine, Chatsworth and the Peak District are a dream destination for an unforgettable family escape. Find a stay with us in a cottage, shepherd’s hut, inn or hotel.
