Chatsworth to mark reopening with display of medieval masterpieces
Chatsworth has announced a phased reopening that will throw open the gates of its world- famous 105-acre garden, family friendly farmyard & adventure playground and finally, the gilded doors of its magnificent house, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.
Starting on Monday 29 March, when the ‘stay at home’ rule ends, the garden will be open to visitors, with the farmyard and adventure playground to follow on 13 April and the house on 18 May. Tickets are now on sale and must be booked in advance. Each area of Chatsworth will reopen in line with government guidance on social distancing, household mixing and travel restrictions applicable at the time.
The Duke of Devonshire: “After many months with the house closed and largely empty, the Duchess and I are absolutely thrilled at the prospect of being able to reopen Chatsworth and welcome back all our visitors.
“This last year has been an incredibly difficult time for many people, but it is wonderful to be planning for the lifting of restrictions, and we look forward to seeing people enjoying a visit to the Peak District. I’m particularly excited that we have a pair of medieval masterpieces to reveal to our visitors when the house reopens in May. We have added many thousands of new plants and lots of trees in the garden during the past 12 months, and it now looks as good as I can ever remember.”
Huge new plantings, landscaping and sculpture installations have formed part of the biggest transformation project in the garden for nearly 200 years. Since lockdown began in 2020 work has continued on a 25-acre redevelopment area that includes a remodelled Rock Garden, the Maze borders, the Ravine, the Trout Stream and the Jack Pond.
Following the garden, from 13 April the family friendly farmyard and children’s adventure playground will reopen, as well as the estate’s gift shops and outdoor catering.
Finally, the house will reopen to the public on 18 May, welcoming visitors to its splendid state rooms, a new exhibition called ‘Life Stories’, and two stunning medieval artworks on display in the Sculpture Gallery throughout 2021.
Indoor restaurants will also reopen on 18 May while most other restrictions will be lifted from 21 June.
Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Images taken by Chatsworth House Trust
