Chatsworth offers a vibrant, year-round learning and cultural programme so there is always plenty to enjoy and experience, even while the house and garden are closed for winter conservation.
Winter walks, with free parking
Parking at Chatsworth is free until 14 March, and its woodland and parkland are free to access all year round, so now is the perfect opportunity to spend more time outdoors and reap the many benefits of being close to nature.
There are a wide choice of walks across the estate, including several in Stand Wood that range from 1.5 miles to just over 4 miles and take in far-reaching views and historical landmarks, including the medieval Hunting Tower and Sir Joseph Paxton’s Aqueduct. Visit the website for a map of popular routes.
When you’re done, head back to the Stables courtyard for lunch in the Carriage House restaurant, or a well-earned cake and coffee in The Parlour. The Stables gift shop is also open throughout winter, with a range of homeware, gifts, food and drink sourced from the estate and local makers. You’ll also find clothing and accessories from well-known outdoor brands, including Barbour and Sheffield-based Buffalo Systems.
February half term
Family explorer walks, staged over the half-term holidays (14 & 15, 22 & 23 February) combine nature hunts with creative craft activities. Collect twigs, moss, bark and other natural materials on a walk through Stand Wood before finding the perfect spot to make a woodland home for magical moss folk.
Chatsworth Farmyard reopens from 10-25 February. Budding young farmers can enjoy animal feeding, guinea pig cuddling and milking parlour demonstrations, and there’ll be craft activities and tractor and trailer rides. Part of the playground is being redeveloped ready for early summer, but children can still enjoy the sandpit, swings and water play (don’t forget the waterproofs!).
Creative workshops
Chatsworth has long been known as a centre for creativity and a champion of contemporary designers and makers. It’s continuing this tradition by welcoming back Peak District Artisans for another ‘Showcase in the Shop’, free to visit until 3 March. Established in 1991, Peak District Artisans is an association of some of the finest professional artists, designer makers, and contemporary artisans from Derbyshire Peak District. You can admire and buy original works from 24 members, including paintings in oils and watercolours, photography, textiles, ceramics and jewellery.
If you’re inspired to produce your own creations, Sheffield-based artist and teacher Kim Bevan will host a ‘Paper Wreaths and Posies’ workshop on 17 March, offering the chance to learn how to make delicate paper flowers using recycled paper, card and wire.
Learn quick observational sketching and drawing techniques in a ‘Tour and Draw’ workshop on 6 March. Staged in the historic glasshouses in the Chatsworth Garden, this dynamic session is led by an experienced tutor and is suitable for both beginners and experienced amateur artists.
The year ahead
Chatsworth House Trust will reopen the house, garden and farmyard on 16 March for the start of a new season and the unveiling of its 2024 exhibition, Picturing Childhood: A New Perspective at Chatsworth.
Join Gill Hart, co-curator and Head of Learning and Engagement, on 1 March for an illustrated talk on the new exhibition, which celebrates childhood and examines how different experiences have been portrayed in art, dating from Tudors to the present day.
Do more in 2024
Become a Friend and support the work of Chatsworth House Trust charity while enjoying unlimited visits to Chatsworth, free tickets to the most popular events, including Christmas and country fair, and discounts on shopping, dining and stays. Visit Chatsworth.org/friends