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This winter I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Chatsworth House after a flurry of snow. Christmas is one of the most important events for Chatsworth, bringing together over 100 stallholders to the market and attracting visitors from all over to view the stunning decorations put up inside the main house. But the experience is certainly not cheap, costing upwards of £30. I made sure to visit in November, when your ticket also includes entry into the house.
Chatsworth
The Chatsworth estate consists of a Grade I listed house and stables with a private garden surrounded by 1,822 acres of parkland. The house is home to some of the largest collections of paintings, historic furniture and neoclassical sculptures. Often considered Britain’s favourite country house, the estate is perhaps best known for its mention in the book Pride and Prejudice and its use as a set for the film.
I could not have picked a better day to visit Chatsworth. The Peak District had recently been covered in a gentle blanket of snow. Arriving at the car park, the main house stood tall within its glistening white surroundings. As a history (and Jane Austen) enthusiast, there is something so exciting about arriving at a stately home. You almost wish you were arriving at your own home, ready to read a book by the fire in the enormous library.
The Markets
Just outside the house and spreading up towards the stables is the famous Christmas market. Within you’ll find vendors selling artisan goods from recycled silver jewellery to alcohol of every kind. Visiting the Bakewell stall is also a must to get a taste of the famous (and absolutely delicious) bakewell tart.
Along the main route were plenty of food and drinks vendors for all tastes, including a marshmallow toasting pit. I made sure to go for the quintessential British experience and had a hot pork sandwich for lunch while I watched the victorian-dressed band play traditional Christmas music.
I managed to complete a little Christmas shopping, picking up a necklace and some chocolate and rum liquor. I also grabbed myself a few handmade glass tree decorations. I won’t pretend like doing your Christmas shopping at Chatsworth is cheap but sometimes I don’t mind spending a little bit extra when the money goes to support local businesses and artists.
The House
I had not been inside Chatsworth House since I was a young child. Every Christmas they decorate according to a theme. This year they immerse guests in the new festive story, Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast.
What I love about the themes is that they are always child friendly, inspiring the young generation with fantastical tales based in history. The story was inspired by the young Henry Cavendish, a budding experimental scientist and the grandson of the second Duke of Devonshire. It follows Henry searching for the Chatsworth lion (a reference to the famous lion statues) as the lion hunts for a Christmas feast. Once you reach the end of the house you can even buy a children's book of the story. I thought this was a nice touch.
Each room is themed and marvelously decorated with warming lights and towering trees. Throughout, you can find tiny mice stealing food from the dining room table or hiding in the many wreaths adorning the house’s large wooden doors. It was an absolute treat to see how they blended elegance with childish mischief.
My Thoughts
Ultimately, my time at Chatsworth was very enjoyable. I came away swept up in the wonderland of being a well-off lady in a Jane Austen novel. But sadly, I’m not that well-off and the whole event felt quite expensive.
I’m always happy to pay for entry into historical sites as many of these places are underfunded and it would be a shame to see them fall into disarray. However, at over £30 a ticket, it’s a lot to pay at a time of year when you’re already spending above your average on presents for your loved ones. While I can’t say I’d go back to Chatsworth every year, it was certainly a nice treat. I’d recommend it to anyone who hasn’t been before.
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