When we write about the Peak District, we often picture its dramatic mountains and wild beauty. We don’t usually imagine stately homes and their neat-and-tidy, historic gardens. But not too far from the town of Bakewell – famous for its tarts – you’ll find the 300-year-old Chatsworth House.
Here, you’ll discover the history of this great Derbyshire country house and explore over 25 grand rooms. Outside, the 105-acre garden is home to an arboretum, a rock garden, modern waterworks, and so much more – making it one of the Midlands’ most beautiful hidden gems.
What families love it most for, however, is the farmyard. Open for children since 1973, you’re able to feed, pet and (some) cuddle, the adorable livestock. From Old Spot pigs and Shire horses to goats, chickens and guinea pigs – you can even meet Eugenie the rare breed Suffolk Punch mare.
There’s only one thing that could make it better – and that’s the introduction of a brand-new, woodland adventure playground. From the farmyard, take the secret tunnel to the playground for exciting adventures filled with tall towers, a climbing wall, rope bridges, racing slides and a sandpit.
“Climb inside our huge Great Spotted Woodpecker, mount the log tangle and shoot off down the zip wire,” said a spokesperson for Chatsworth House. “There are also climbing frames, swings, a giant sand play area, and an Archimedes screw to fetch water from the stream.”
For a bird’s-eye view from among the tree-tops, climb up one of two tall towers. You can even communicate between the towers using the ‘flower phone’ before heading back down on a 12-metre-long slide… Plus, there’s a coffee hut and a picnic area on site. You can have access to the house, gardens, farmyard and playground for all one ticket too – making the drive up there more than worth it – starting at £29 for an adult and £8 for a child.
To learn more about Chatsworth House head here.