Chatsworth: Like a Country House, Only More So

In Brief. 

Chatsworth is the grande dame of northern country houses, having been the home of the Duke of Devonshire and ancestors in the Cavendish family for over 400 years. Located in the picturesque Derwent Valley, the exterior of the property is vast but elegant, in contrast with with the rather showy interior. The gardens are extensive, varied and well maintained, and are likely to be the high point of most visits.  

Chatsworth from the Salisbury Lawns

What's Here?

Chatsworth is what a country house can be made to look like with access to an almost unlimited budget over a prolonged period. The result is undeniably a notch more grand than other stately homes in the area, and interestingly visitors on a weekday in summer include many more overseas tourists than can be seen at a typical property run by the National Trust (such as Lyme Park) or English Heritage (such as Brodsworth Hall). 

The interior has clearly been designed to impress, but can give the impression that no opportunity to exhibit restraint has ever been taken. The spectacular Painted Hall leads to a series of ornate state rooms, replete with painted ceilings, tapestries and ornate carvings. These rooms are then stuffed with furniture and numerous objets d'art, including (in a hopefully temporary feature) sometimes incongruous items of modern art. Overall, the visual feast often seems a bit much, and it was a relief to move on to some of the less overwhelming later rooms. 

The 300 year old cascade

In contrast, many of the large-scale garden features work well, with open vistas, an impressive fountain and the distinctive cascade. There are fine views of the house from different directions, a maze, woodland walks and the peaceful ring pond. Only the ghastly Rock Garden represents what can happen when budget exceeds talent, and overall the gardens are extensive and interesting enough to be worthy of a couple of hours of exploration.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 40 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 10 mins

Price: $$$. 

Parking: Included in the entrance fee if you book ahead.

Food and Drink: There are several outlets. I had a satisfactory scone (not up to National Trust standards) and pastry lunch in the garden cafe.  Expect the paper plates, etc, to blow away, rather spoiling the ambience.

Retail Therapy: There is a substantial gift shop in the garden, with Chatsworth souvenirs, clothing, books and gardening items.

Child Friendly: There is a farm and associated play area.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: The house: 1 hour; the gardens 2 hours.

Inside-Outside: 40:60.

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