Saturday 20 September
Curated as part of The Queen's Reading Room Festival and included with all festival passes, experience a range of entertainment, such as guided garden tours, author book signings, and an exclusive programme of Queen's Reading Room content broadcast on the outdoor festival screen.
There will also be live theatrical performances and photo opportunities inspired by one of our most cherished British authors, Jane Austen, to mark her 250th anniversary.
Festival TV
Watch exclusive pre-recorded content broadcast on the outdoor screen by the Rose Garden.
This includes 'in conversations' with Gill Hornby, Ben Macintyre, David Harewood, Judi Dench, Philippa Gregory, Kamila Shamsie and more, as well as unique insights into the treasures of Windsor Castle Library.
A full timetable will be published later in the year.
Book Signings
Buy a book from our pop up festival bookshop in the Orangery gift shop and have it signed by one of the Festival's visiting authors.
A timetable for book signings will be published later in the year.
Tours of the Chatsworth Garden
A festival pass grants access to Chatsworth's 105-acre garden, which has been cultivated over nearly 500 years. Visitors can explore glasshouses, a maze, a Victorian rock garden, production gardens, and historic water features such as the Grade I listed Cascade, Canal Pond, and Emperor Fountain.
There will also be regular guided tours with Chatsworth's expert guides. Places are available on a first come, first served basis.
Austen: Lost & Found
A story that Jane Austen didn't write (but could have done) is brought to life in this comedic promenade performance taking place in the Chatsworth Garden, performed by The Natural Theatre Company.
On the 250th anniversary of her birth, another 'lost' Jane Austen novel has been unearthed at Pemberley. Meddling Mrs Bentley is seeking husbands for her spinster daughters, and the audience is invited to get involved and help them secure an advantageous marriage. Expect some recognisable plotlines, familiar characters and just a little bit of nonsense as you immerse yourself in wooing, weeping and wagers as this joyful story comes to life around you.
Pop-Up Pride & Prejudice
Local theatre company, the Chatsworth Players, will be performing scenes from Austen's 'Pride & Prejudice' around the garden throughout the day.
Portraits from the Past
With access to Regency-style costumes and props, create your own portrait from the past at our photo station in the Chatsworth Garden.
Chatsworth Farmyard
Now in its 52nd year, the Chatsworth Farmyard is home to a broad range of farm animals, including rare breeds. From Duchess Deborah's beloved Buff Cochin chickens to Tamworth pigs, Suffolk Punch horses, and an array of mischievous goats and curious guinea pigs, come and meet our animals.
Access to the farmyard is included with your festival pass.
View our frequently asked questions.
Discover more...
The Queen's Reading Room Festival 2025
20 September 2025
A literary festival like no other, uniting authors, experts, and literature enthusiasts for a day dedicated to celebrating the written word.
Festival Cinema: Pride & Prejudice (2005)
19 September 2025
Spend an evening in the Chatsworth Garden watching an open-air screening of 'Pride & Prejudice' (2005) starring Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen and Chatsworth House as Pemberley.
Separate ticket required.
Festival Cinema: Sense & Sensibility (1995)
20 September 2025
Watch Emma Thompson's captivating retelling of Austen's first novel 'Sense and Sensibility' in our open-air cinema in the garden. Directed by Ang Lee, it also stars Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman alongside a stellar British cast.
Separate ticket required.
The Queen's Reading Room Festival Afternoon Teas
20 September 2025
Add an elegant afternoon tea in the Old Duke's Glasshouse in the Chatsworth Garden to your Festival experience.
Separate ticket required.
Please note: Please be aware that for technical, operational or safety reasons, some facilities may be removed or closed, or entertainment and event timetables cancelled and/or altered at any time, including at short notice. Chatsworth reserves the right to change the programme of attractions and entertainment if, at any time, it is deemed necessary or appropriate to do so, this may also include closing attractions or areas of the estate. We apologise in advance for any disappointment caused should this need arise.
