Chatsworth Turns on Fun with Water Spectacular
A week-long event starting on Saturday 23rd May will see Chatsworth’s water features played in all their original glory this half term holiday with the Emperor fountain expected to reach a staggering height of 200 feet – the equivalent of 14 double decker buses!
As well as the Emperor fountain – which was named after Tsar Nicholas I Emperor of Russia in anticipation of a visit that never took place – visitors will be able to enjoy the impressive site of water tumbling over the roof of the Cascade house before it flows over the stone slabs created to mimic the sound of music.
Another water feature to look out for this May Bank Holiday is the Willow Tree Fountain. Designed as a practical joke when it was first ‘planted’ in its own little dell back in the 17th century, the copper tree often catches out the unwary with its spurts of water.
Free waterworks tours will take place five times a day, starting from the Cascade house and culminating in a countdown as a member of the public is invited to turn up the Emperor fountain to its full 200 feet, more than double its usual playing height of 75 feet.
Chatsworth’s Paul Hayes said: “These water features rarely get played to this level, the last time we had them all on was for the Queen’s visit last year. It’s an amazing opportunity to see them in their full glory as they were originally intended to be viewed.
“To give an idea of how impressive the plume from the Emperor Fountain will be, it’s likely spray can be felt in the car park if the wind blows in the right direction!”
Also on offer over the weekend will be bee themed activities in the Stickyard; a new educational space in the garden, where a series of hands on fun activities looking at native bees will be taking place, and packs of bee friendly plant seeds will be handed out for visitors to plant at home.
