Art, culture and the great outdoors
My very first experience of Derbyshire was to visit the stunning stately home that is Chatsworth House. I was totally enchanted by this majestic place and blown away by the beauty and grandeur of each room. Of course, its vast appeal doesn’t just lay within its Elizabethan style walls, but extends much further as its charm spills over into the sprawling grounds and gardens.
While the house and garden are closed for essential maintenance and conservation until March 15, there’s still plenty visitors can experience. From family walks through the woodland to tours and workshops on themes including art, horticulture and the landscape, Chatsworth is encouraging visitors to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature.
Many of the activities created for children are free to attend, whilst the series of insightful talks start from just £13 per person including tea and coffee and free on-site parking.
Created for children aged five and above, the Woodland Lab workshop and walks are the perfect adventure to keep families entertained during February half-term. These free to attend events at the Stickyard, Chatsworth’s outdoor learning centre, allow younger visitors to explore nature’s ‘underworld’.
On Friday, February 28, Chatsworth’s Production Garden Team will lead a talk on the evolution of the garden. The talk starts in the 1550s, when it was principally used for food production, through to the mid-1800s, when it adapted to grow large collections of exotic plants in specialist housing, and to today, where the team takes a more ecologically conscious, regenerative approach in tune with seasonal rhythms.
This event forms part of the Winter Talks series, which will uncover historical treasures from Chatsworth’s past, and explore the developments planned for the estate throughout 2025. On Friday, February 14 visitors can join Chatsworth’s Garden Plant Collection and learning manager Faye Tuffrey, as she explores the fascinating history of the Chatsworth orchid collection.
As well as educational talks from Chatsworth’s expert team, Chatsworth House Trust will be hosting a variety of hands-on creative workshops designed for art enthusiasts of all abilities, helping visitors to learn a new skill over the winter season.
From 25 February to 1 April. the Chatsworth Print Club invites new and experienced printmakers to join a weekly six-week workshop at the Chatsworth Garden art studio. The course covers all aspects of printmaking – from observational drawing and safe use of tools to different printing techniques.
Participants will also have access to the Chatsworth Garden for inspiration at a time when it is closed to general visitors. There will also be a Wet Felting Workshop and Book Binding course, as well as many others.
Parking will be free from January 6 to March 12, allowing visitors to explore Chatsworth’s free-to-access parkland and woodland.
Many of the shops and restaurants also remain open, with details of opening times available on the Chatsworth website.
Every penny generated by ticket sales and memberships, including the winter activities programme, goes directly to the Chatsworth House Trust.
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