Chatsworth
Ideally placed within the Peak District, Chatsworth is one of those UK historic homes currently benefiting from the ‘Downton Abbey’ effect that continues to sweep the nation. Chatsworth manages to combine glamour, history, beauty & family attraction all in one! Once you’ve managed to track down Chatsworth Cheap Ticket Options then follow our guide below to help you make the most from your day out to this popular setting.
Chatsworth House & Gardens
The Secret to the Chatsworth Estate
The secret to Chatsworth first hits me in the gardens; it’s the lack of prohibitive signs that gives it away. This isn’t an attraction where you’re going to find an array of ‘keep off the grass’ or ‘no access to the water’ signs that unfortunately seem to follow many historic settings.
As the boys made a dash for the water cascade, my frantic glances for the over zealous attendants were quickly swept away as I spotted dogs, a couple of ducks & even a pensioner enjoying the delights of this water feature. Whilst it is pointed out that it can be slippy in the cascade it is left for you to decide. My findings were confirmed later that day when I came across this quote hanging close to the adventure play area;
“You don’t stop playing because you get old. You get old because you stop playing”
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Chatsworth; Picnics
Picnics are welcome at Chatsworth & plenty of places to enjoy a spot of lunch around the estate. Whilst you cannot take picnic hampers around the house, previously you have been able to leave them for free in the storage area close to the house entrance, (please check if this is still available). You can always store picnics in your car as the car park is located close to all three main attractions on the estate.
Our favourite picnic spot has to be with the adventure play are or a more peaceful alternative would be around the Emperor Fountain away from the crowds. There is a large indoor picnic area within the farmyard too for wetter days.
2. Chatsworth Estate; Parking
There are car parking costs in place on top of your entrance charges. However if you book in advance directly with Chatsworth, you can take advantage of a FREE parking perk.
3. Chatsworth; Flexible Tickets
The great advantage at Chatsworth is that you can opt to explore the full range of attractions in one day or simply opt for the farmyard and adventure playground reduced price ticket. This second option is ideal for families where you can hop between the family friendly areas throughout the day, (just remember to get your hand stamped).
4. Chatsworth; Main Attractions
i. Chatsworth Garden; head for the maze, water cascade, rock garden, underground coal hole & tunnel.
ii. Chatsworth Farmyard; check out the animal handling, milking demonstrations & meet the new arrivals.
iii. Chatsworth Adventure Playground; water play area, roped climbing forest & array of adventure playground equipment.
iv. Chatsworth House; not particular one for the kids although the children’s treasure map, (free) helped ours make it round.
v. Chatsworth Farm Shop; located in Pilsley, (away from the house & gardens), offering an array of goods, many locally sourced.
Chatsworth House & Grounds
Chatsworth; Tips & Tricks
1. Remember the wellies particularly for the paddling in the cascades as well as water-play fun within the adventure playground.
2. Before setting off, plan what you would like to achieve in a day. We found that, whilst it’s possible to complete all 3 attractions within one day, it is a dash around! Perhaps wiser to select one or two areas to concentrate upon, particularly those with young families.
3. Look out for guided tours of the Chatsworth gardens that take place each day. Check the signs at Flora’s Temple for further details on the day of your visit.
4. Look out for free farmyard talks & animal handling sessions taking place at the farmyard.
5. Whilst additional charges are in place for taster tours & audio guides of the house, there are FREE information cards available in each room. Always worth chatting to the room attendants too who are very happy to answer any queries you have.
6. If you are taking young children around the house, pick up the FREE treasure map to keep them entertained.
7. There is plenty in the gardens to keep the kids amused; don’t miss the Coal Hole & Tunnel for underground fun or the maze!
Remember our Cheap Ticket Guide to Chatsworth to help you save money at this popular setting.
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I have had four unsuccessfully attempts to purchase a Discovery Voucher online as a present for my daughter and family to visit, during next year, the magnificent estate which we know so well. I have also failed to find a number to make a telephone booking and time is now running out for me as this is a Christmas present for them. Any contact details for my purchase would be most helpful.
Many thanks, Frank Quinn.
Hi Frank, thank you for your query regarding a gift experience for Chatsworth Estate. Whilst we are independent of Chatsworth, (we simply provide information on deals & top tips for top visitor attractions), I think you trying all the right things trying to purchase vouchers either online and via the telephone booking line. The only other options I can think of is to visit them, (although of course you may live quite some distance away) or email them directly. Good luck, Liz