Chatsworth House
Derbyshire, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Chatsworth House Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Bakewell DE45 1PP
Telephone 01246 565300
Chatsworth has been the seat of the Duke of Devonshire since the 1550s and is one of England's grandest stately homes, with reviewers comparing its packed picture galleries to a major European art museum rather than a typical country house. The gardens are rated highly and cover a huge area. Opinions are more mixed on value, with some visitors finding the entry fee steep for a visit where parts of the house and grounds - including, at times, the cascade - are off limits.
Worth the trip
The picture galleries - reviewers have likened the scale and density of art on display to a major European museum.
Before you go
Check what's included before you go, as reviewers note parts of the house and grounds can be closed off and features like the cascade aren't always running; a Universal Credit discount is available on the entry fee.
Reviewers consistently praise the gardens as the highlight, with the maze, rewilded lawns and dotted art installations singled out for special mention, alongside a house interior that several compare favourably to a major art museum. Families particularly enjoy the farmyard activities, tractor tour and adventure playground, and staff are repeatedly described as friendly and helpful. The main recurring complaint is the entry price, with one visitor noting that significant parts of the house and grounds were off-limits and that the cascade was not working on their visit. One reviewer also flags the interior as feeling chaotic in places due to the many generations of changes, though most still rate the overall day out very highly.
Seat of the Duke of Devonshire since the 1550s, one of England's grandest stately homes
“Simply stunning. Beautiful gardens and an even more grand house interior. You can feel the elegance and class in each room you visit. From grand portraits to murals on the walls and ceilings, and much more in between. …”- James O'Hanlon, visitor review
Common questions about Chatsworth House
Where is Chatsworth House?
Chatsworth House is in Derbyshire, England, at Bakewell DE45 1PP.
Do you need a ticket to visit Chatsworth House?
Yes - Chatsworth House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Chatsworth House Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Chatsworth House?
The picture galleries - reviewers have likened the scale and density of art on display to a major European museum.
Is Chatsworth House a ruin or still intact?
Chatsworth House is largely intact - Seat of the Duke of Devonshire since the 1550s, one of England's grandest stately homes.
