| Chatsworth House | |
|  | | Chatsworth House |
| | Chatsworth House is one of the most popular attractions in Derbyshire.
Situated near Bakewell and owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth has thousands of visitors every year. |
| Chatsworth House has been labelled the 'Palace of the Peak' and features more than 30 rooms, a large library and a magnificent collection of paintings.
It also boasts a 105-acre garden - a beautiful sight in summer - and a public park on the banks of the river Derwent.
In 2002, more than 620,000 people visited the estate which has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549.
 Pictures from around the gardens
 | | Chatsworth's famous cascading steps |
A look around the grand house reveals a selection of fine sights and puzzling curiosities. These include four royal thrones, a sculpture gallery, paintings by the likes of Rembrandt and Van Dyck and the memorable illusionist painting of a violin hanging on a door.
The gardens are spectacular too. You can get lost in a huge green maze, walk through five miles of rare trees, fountains and ponds and watch as water pours down the steps of the First Duke's cascade and shoots through the branches of the willow tree fountain ('the squirting tree').
Pictures from around the gardens
There's plenty for kids to enjoy too. The estate has a working farm with regular milking demonstrations and an adventure playground.
History
The estate of Chatsworth was bought by Sir William Cavendish in 1549, from the Agard family. Soon after purchasing the land Sir William began building Chatsworth House.
| Facts | | | The Chatsworth estate covers more than 14,000 hectares (about 35,000 acres) of Derbyshire and Staffordshire. | | | The House and Garden together provide around 66 full time and 23 part time jobs. | | | The estate has its own fire brigade. | | | It is estimated that more than a million people use the estate in some way every year. |
The building was completed by Bess of Hardwick, Sir William’s wife, after his death in 1557.
The three storey Elizabethan house was completely remodelled by 1707 by the 4th Earl of Cavendish, who was made a Duke by William III, for his support in the ‘Glorious Revolution’.
The 6th Duke of Cavendish added a library and North Wing between 1790 and 1858. The house and gardens are much the same now as they were in the time of the 6th Duke.
Chatsworth House is now one of Derbyshire’s most popular tourist attractions, having an Adventure Playground, a large park popular with walkers and a traditional gift shop.
Chatsworth’s most popular feature now though is probably the Christmas extravaganza, running in 2002 for the second time, attracting record numbers of visitors.
Visiting Chatsworth
Chatsworth is eight miles north of Matlock, off the B6012. The estate is 16 miles from junction 29 of the M1, signposted via Chesterfield, and it is 42 miles from junction 19 of the M6.
Use of the park is free but there is a charge for the house and gardens. Refreshments are located on site too.
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