Family day out

Visit Chatsworth for a fun family day out, marvel at the huge painted ceilings in the house, roam the winding paths in the garden, make friends with the farmyard animals, and let off steam in the adventure playground.

You may also be interested in our calendar or family-focused events and experiences, offering opportunities to connect to nature and wildlife.

Adventure in the farmyard and playground

Allow 1-3 hours to explore the farmyard and playground. More about the farmyard.

Important information: We're working on an exciting new redevelopment of the playground which will open in late spring. This means that part of the playground, including the zip wire and climbing frame, will not be accessible over half term. We're sorry for any disappointment, but promise it will be worth the wait.

Explore the farmyard

Discover our working farmyard, plus a playground with a water and sand play.

Make new friends

Meet all of our farmyard animals - who's your favourite?

Daily activities

From animal feeding to milking demonstrations, there's lots of fun to be had at the farmyard.

Get closer to nature

Our bird hide is a great place to learn more about local bird species and see them in nature.

Admire the magnificent house

Allow 1-1.5 hours for the house. More about the house

Don't forget to look up

Keep your eyes peeled throughout the house because there are nine rooms with paintings on the ceilings. Make sure you ask a Guide to tell you about Mrs Hackett, the 1st Duke's housekeeper, while you're in the Great Chamber. She features on the painted ceiling.

Put your best foot forward

The 6th Duke bought the one metre ancient Greek marble foot that you can find in the Chapel corridor. It's thought to have been originally part of an 11 metre tall seated statue and is said to be a UK shoe size 101!

Can you hear the ROAR?

Keep an eye out for two lions at the end of the Sculpture gallery, but don't worry, they're friendly. There are a few other animals in the gallery as well. Can you find them?

Explore the great outdoors

Allow 1.5+ hours to explore the garden. More about the garden.

Adventure in the park and woodland

Go bug hunting and den buildings in Stand Wood and see if you can find the great viaduct or run wild in our free-to-access 1000-acre park.

Climbing and racing

Climb the steps in the giant rockery for an amazing view and discover the depths of the garden.

Get drawing

Have a go at some of our fun drawing activities while you explore the garden - perfect for all ages and abilities.

Special children's events and themed clubs

Lamb feeding experience

15 April to 20 May

A special opportunity to bottle feed our lambs in the farmyard. Includes access to the farmyard and playground and a bag of animal feed.

Young farmers

31 May 2024

Spend an afternoon helping the farmyard team with their daily jobs, from collecting eggs to grooming the animals.

Goat kid feeding experience

1 June–1 July 2024

A special opportunity to bottle feed and cuddle our goat kids in the farmyard.

Family explorer walk: make a tiny woodland home

23 February

Collect natural materials while on a walk in Stand wood and use them to make a woodland home for magical moss folk.

Visiting with young children

Learn more about visiting with young children, including baby change facilities, feeding and more.