Water Spectacular springs into action at Chatsworth this May half term
Visitors are invited to explore outdoors this half term at Chatsworth with a week-long Water Spectacular featuring magnificent displays from the Emperor Fountain, reaching the staggering equivalent height of 14 double decker buses.
With the May bank holiday set for glorious weather, visitors can also marvel at the impressive site of water tumbling over the roof of the Cascade House before it flows over the stone steps designed to mimic the sound of music.
Other spectacular water features on display are the Ring Pond and Willow Tree Fountain. A survivor from the 17th century garden, the Ring Pond’s original columns originally stood in the garden at Chiswick House in west London but moved to Chatsworth in 1893. The Willow Tree Fountain was designed as a practical joke when it was first ‘planted’ in its own little dell back in the 17th century. The artificial tree of brass often catches out the unwary with its sprays of water.
Free drop-in tours of the water features will take place five times a day. Starting from the bottom of the Cascade, tours will focus on the waterworks with a short five minute talk before each feature is turned on.
Chatsworth’s Paul Hayes said:-
“With glorious sunshine predicted for the bank holiday, we’re confident visitors will be in awe of the spectacular water features here at Chatsworth. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the full potential of our waterworks and a chance to cool off in the spray of the impressive Emperor Fountain as it shoots 200 feet into the air, more than double its usual playing height of 75 feet!”
Hands-on activities will also be on offer over the weekend (27-28 May) in the Stickyard. Visitors are invited to join the education team and volunteers from Moors for the Future and discover more about moorlands and the plants and animals that live on the moors above Chatsworth.
Face painting, shire horse and dray rides plus live performances from the barrel organ will also be taking place throughout the holiday, offering visitors the perfect family-friendly day out this half term.
