We visited Chatsworth House in the Peak District at Christmas - and here's what we thought

I’m normally a bit put-off by the idea of stately homes. I’m never really up for them because I find it a bit depressing walking around and looking at all the posh stuff I’ll never be able to afford.
By Ben McVay
Published 11th Dec 2023, 13:57 BST
Updated 14th Dec 2023, 15:49 BST
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And outside in the gardens I’m normally thinking, yes this is all great but I could have just gone for a walk in the countryside for free.

And Chatsworth is not cheap to enter.

Tickets to Christmas at Chatsworth will set you back £34 for an adult and £19 for a child, or £84 for two adults and up to three children.

Actors Hannah Blaine and Nick Goode at Chatsworth House, transformed into the Palace of AdventActors Hannah Blaine and Nick Goode at Chatsworth House, transformed into the Palace of Advent
Actors Hannah Blaine and Nick Goode at Chatsworth House, transformed into the Palace of Advent
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But, having never been inside Chatsworth House and having seen some photos I thought the kids might like it so I gave it a go.

We started with the gardens - also our first time - before the rain set in and I have to say, I found myself quite enjoying the atmosphere.

One advantage is that the main attractions in the garden are all quite close together, so if you have moaning, badly-behaved youngsters in tow you can get most of the sites ticked off before you start getting cross and shouty.

A benefit of going when it’s cold and wet is that most people don’t bother - we only saw a few people and it felt like we had the place to ourselves.

Re-enactor Hannah Blaine at Chatsworth HouseRe-enactor Hannah Blaine at Chatsworth House
Re-enactor Hannah Blaine at Chatsworth House
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