Who lives at Chatsworth House?

Chatsworth is the seat of the Dukes of Devonshire. The house is run as a visitor attraction by the Chatsworth House Trust charity.

Do you need to book Chatsworth House tickets?

House tickets include a set entry time, so it is best to book in advance online.

How long do you need at Chatsworth?

Allow most of a day to see the house, gardens and park.

Was Chatsworth used in Pride and Prejudice?

Yes, it was a filming location for Pride & Prejudice (2005).

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Chatsworth House

Chatsworth is the Derbyshire seat of the Dukes of Devonshire, on the east bank of the River Derwent about four miles north-east of Bakewell. The Baroque house holds a major art collection, and its gardens and Capability Brown parkland, with the Cascade and Emperor Fountain, are among the best known in England.

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Craig Hooper

What it is and why it matters

Bess of Hardwick began the first house in 1553, and Mary, Queen of Scots was held here from 1570 under the custody of Bess's husband. The 1st Duke rebuilt it from 1687, with William Talman designing the south and east fronts, and the north front was completed in 1707. Highlights inside include the Painted Hall, with Louis Laguerre's murals of the life of Julius Caesar, plus Old Master drawings, sculpture and books. Outside, the Cascade's 24 stone steps date from 1696 to 1703, Capability Brown reshaped the park for the 4th Duke, and head gardener Joseph Paxton built the Emperor Fountain in 1843 to 1844. The house is Grade I listed and run by the Chatsworth House Trust, a charity set up in 1981.

Visiting practicalities

Tickets for the house carry a timed entry slot, so book ahead on the official website. Opening times vary through the year, with seasonal events such as autumn displays, fireworks and Christmas at Chatsworth, so check dates before travelling. Allow most of a day if you want to see the house and the gardens properly. The official site has separate pages on directions, parking and access.

Nearby and combine with

The estate village of Edensor is beside the park, and Bakewell, four miles away, is the natural stop for lunch. It also combines well with Haddon Hall or a walk in the Derwent valley.

Highlights

Seat of the Dukes of Devonshire
Painted Hall with Laguerre murals
The Cascade, built 1696 to 1703
Paxton's Emperor Fountain
Capability Brown parkland by the River Derwent

Good to know

House tickets have a timed entry slot; book online in advance.
Opening times and events vary by season.
Directions and parking details are on chatsworth.org.

Frequently asked questions

Sources: chatsworth.org · en.wikipedia.org