An exhibition celebrating Chatsworth’s 500-year history of design and creativity leads a season of discovery across the house, garden and park of the Derbyshire estate this year. Mirror Mirror: Reflections on Design at Chatsworth opens 18 March 2023.

All the signature events are back, from the Chatsworth International Horse Trials in May to the three-day Chatsworth Country Fair in September with the show stopping festive season opening in early November. New for 2023 is a Celebration of Derbyshire Women for International Women’s Day.

As well as the popular annual events, a year of discovery awaits the curious with a carefully curated programme of activities from landscape drawing and gardening clubs to exploring literary gems in the library and getting a behind-the-scenes insight into the historic textiles conservation.

Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground: 11 – 26 February 2023

Opening for February half-term, there is plenty for children to enjoy from feeding the animals to learning all about the rare breeds thriving at the farmyard including the Suffolk Punch horses, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, Bagot goats and Cream Legbar chickens. The farmyard has Rare Breeds Survival Trust accreditation in recognition of its important contribution to the conservation of some the rarest livestock and equine breeds native to the UK, making it the perfect place to see these animals up close. There will also be crafty creative sessions under cover and tractor and trailer Discovery tours into Stand Wood.

International Women’s Day: 10 March 2023

Curated and hosted by the High Sheriff in Nomination 2023/24, Theresa Peltier, a celebration of Derbyshire women will take place at Chatsworth. The day will feature displays and a rolling series of talks, discussions and performances by women from a diverse range of backgrounds on topics as broad as running small businesses, creating art, or providing charity and other services to the communities of Derbyshire. This free to access, drop-in event is open to all and also features local singer songwriter Carol Fieldhouse; writer, poet and performer Seni Seneviratne; resident sculptor at Derbyshire Eco Centre, Sue Allanson; Derbyshire Lord Lieutenant Mrs. Elizabeth Fothergill CBE and charities such as Women’s Work and Adoption East Midlands.

Mirror Mirror: Reflections on Design at Chatsworth: 18 March – 1 October 2023

Chatsworth has been a centre for creativity and new ideas for more than 500 years. This exhibition brings the legacy up to date and introduces new works from 16 leading international artists to the house and garden. Contemporary pieces in the historic setting make unexpected connections with the architecture, interiors, furniture, ceramics as well as its essential materials of glass, stone, wood, and light.

Chatsworth International Horse Trials: 12 – 14 May 2023

World-class equestrian competition across the three disciplines of cross country, show jumping and dressage combine with the fun dog show, children’s entertainment and have-a-go dog agility to make for a memorable experience for all the family. Book before 30 April for early bird tickets.

Chatsworth Country Fair: 1 – 3 September 2023

One of Britain’s most spectacular annual outdoor events held in the 1000-acre parkland, Chatsworth Country Fair delivers three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, inspirational cooking masterclasses, countryside crafts, interactive activities and a vintage fun fair. Book before 30 June for early bird tickets.

Christmas at Chatsworth: 4 November 2023 – 7 January 2024

Chatsworth’s must visit Christmas season will see the house transformed from early November. While the theme is a hotly guarded secret until September, preparations are already underway for the show-stopping festive display.

In the garden

The ongoing work around the recently developed area of the garden known as Arcadia continues, with the glades now looking spectacular as the planting led by designer Tom Stuart-Smith has become established since it was planted. Other work includes 200 Rhododendrons being planted to repopulate the area around the Ravine and Grotto Pond. This year, there are more opportunities to engage with the 105-acre garden from landscape sketching and creative sessions for children to gardening clubs for all ages, as well as talks and workshops from the expert garden team.

In the park

Free to access all year-round with free parking until 16 March, and well-served by local transport links, the trails and paths in Chatsworth Park offer the perfect setting for enjoying the Derbyshire landscape. Three new waymarked paths have been created in Stand Wood above the house to make it easier to explore the medieval woodland located on the hill near the farmyard. For those who would like to find out more about the landscape, an expert from the park team will be running two hour walking tours focusing on the flora and fauna and sharing insights into what goes into managing the estate which includes 1,000 acres of parkland and the river Derwent.

For more events and activities taking place in Chesterfield throughout 2023, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.