Range of filming locations and backdrops
The list of possible filming locations across the Chatsworth estate is almost endless, from the beautifully conserved exteriors and historic interiors of Chatsworth House to the 105-acre garden, which includes a Maze, Cascade, Rock Garden, and an impressive Emperor Fountain. There is also a working farmyard and a variety of attic rooms in our 18th-century stable block.
The wider estate offers dramatic disused quarries, expansive parkland and forests, lakes and rivers, caves, moorland, entire villages, country pubs and luxury hotels, shops, cafes, a retail village, plus a selection of individual period holiday cottages.
Accessible for film crews
Chatsworth is located in central England, 15 miles from the M1. It benefits from good transport links by road, rail, and air, including a private helipad. Chatsworth is located 2.5 hours from London by train and 1.5 hours from Manchester.
Facilities for filming at Chatsworth
We offer excellent facilities for productions of all sizes, including an extensive area for unit base and parking, in-house catering, and an experienced team that understands film companies' needs.
The estate also offers a wide range of accommodation options, from fine hotels and country pubs to self-catering cottages.
Filming enquiries
To discuss filming opportunities in more detail and to arrange site visits, please contact us by email or on 01246 565 300.
Please note we are not currently accepting requests for filming from students. We apologise for any disappointment this may cause.
Locations video library
View a short showreel of each of our key locations (opens in YouTube).
House
Chatsworth offers beautifully conserved exteriors and a wealth of historic interiors, including the magnificent Painted Hall, regal State Rooms, impressive Library, and a lavish Great Dining Room.
Garden
The 105-acre garden retains many early 17th-century features, including the Canal Pond, Salisbury Lawns, and Old Glasshouse. The famous waterworks include the 300-year-old Cascade, the Willow Tree Fountain, and the impressive Emperor Fountain. There is also a Maze, Rock Garden, and a Kitchen and Cutting Garden.
Limestone quarry
A vast disused limestone quarry located in the Peak District National Park, an hour from Manchester. With stepped quarry workings and sheer cliff faces, ranging from 60-80 metres in height, the topography of the land ensures that public views into the quarry are limited.
Sandstone quarry
Former and active sandstone workings in an enchanted woodland location, set across 90-acres in Derbyshire.
Monsal Dale
In the heart of Derbyshire’s White Peak, below the renowned Headstone viaduct, Monsal Dale runs along the river Wye’s picturesque wooded gorge.
Moorland
An expanse of over 1000 hectares of wild moorland, in the heart of the Peak District.
Woodland
From ancient woodland and oak pasture to ravine woodland, mixed forest, and a towering beech plantation with its dense canopy, the Chatsworth Estate includes almost 4,000 acres of rich and diverse woodland, with 22 miles of maintained footpaths.
Other filming locations within the Devonshire Group include Bolton Abbey and the Hall at Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire and the Lismore Estate in County Cork, Ireland.
For more information on these locations, please contact us by email or call 01246 565 300.
Bolton Abbey Estate, Yorkshire
The Bolton Abbey estate in Yorkshire is a 28,000-acre estate encompassing stretches of the River Wharfe, extensive farmland, woodland, and moorland. Within the estate are the ruins of 12th-century Bolton Priory and late 15th-century, Barden Tower.
The Hall at Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire
The Hall at Bolton Abbey was constructed in the 14th century as a gatehouse to the Priory.
Lismore Estate, Castle & Gardens, Ireland
The Lismore Estate is a 7750-acre estate comprising stretches of the Blackwater River, an 11th-century Castle and gardens (updated internally in the 1800s), farmland, woodland, and an area of upland known as the Knockmealdown Mountains.
Drone filming
Drone filming is considered on a case by case basis only as part of commercial filming for television and film.
We require all applicants to complete our drone permit document and supply all supporting documentation, including a copy of their public liability insurance with a minimum value £5 million (it must be EC785/2004 compliant). Please note, an application fee of £250 applies for processing the drone permit.
Unfortunately we cannot provide permission to fly for amateur or student filming, or approve requests from any fliers who seek permission in return for access and use of the footage obtained.
Commercial advertising
For commercial advertising shoots, including stills photography, please contact our development team by email.
We are proud to be a member of the Filming in England Partnership working with Creative England’s Filming in England Team to welcome filming to Chatsworth Estate and Derbyshire, ensuring cooperation and commitment to assist Film and TV drama productions. The Filming in England Partnership exists to connect different organisations across England, outside of London, in order to create a film-friendly environment. For further information about Creative England’s Filming in England team and their services please visit their website.
