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Chatsworth Garden
Type:Garden
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1PP
About
Famous for its rich history, historic and modern waterworks and sculptures, its Victorian rock garden and maze, there is something for everyone in the 105-acre Chatsworth Garden.
The house and garden were first constructed by Sir William Cavendish and Bess of Hardwick in 1555. The Elizabethan garden was much smaller than the modern garden is now.
In 1811 the 6th Duke (known as the Bachelor Duke) inherited a garden which had been sadly neglected by his father. The restoration, on a very grand scale, was not immediate and 15 years were to pass before Joseph Paxton was appointed as head gardener. Paxton proved to be the most innovative garden designer of his era, and remains the greatest single influence on Chatsworth’s garden.
In the last 60 years, many of the historic features of the garden have been restored and numerous important new features have been added. These include the ravine and azalea dell, the rose garden, the serpentine hedges, the redesign of the trout stream and, last year, more than 80,000 new flowering perennials, shrubs and trees.
The Arcadia project was Chatsworth’s biggest garden transformation for nearly 200 years working to a plan by the celebrated garden designer Tom Stuart-Smith to plant over 80,000 plants to create new, meadow-like glades connected by woodland walks and featuring a major new sculpture installation by artist Laura Ellen Bacon.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled access
Catering
- On-site catering
- On-site light refreshments
Children
- Children welcome
Parking
- Parking with charge
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Public toilets
Site Features
- Regional Tourist Board Member
Target Markets
- Coach parties accepted
Opening Times
* General Opening Text
TripAdvisor
- Excellent5778
- Very Good1988
- Average914
- Poor555
- Terrible433
Map & Directions
Road Directions
From North/South Leave M1 at Junction 29 and take A617 to Chesterfield (approx 4 miles). At traffic light controlled roundabout select left lane and take 3rd exit. Keep in left lane and, at next roundabout, take 1st exit (continuous lane, signposted Chatsworth). At traffic lights, select middle lane and to straight on, keep in left land and at roundabout (Matalan), take 2nd exit (A619, signposted Chatsworth). Continue for 8 miles through the village of Baslow. Pass Cavendish Hotel on left, at roundabout, take 1st exit signed Chatsworth. Follow road for approx 1½ miles to Chatsworth Estate. Cross cattle grid and take next left to the House.
From East Follow A617 to junction with M1 and follow route from North/South
From West From Bakewell, take A6 (signposted Matlock) to village of Rowsley. Take 1st left after Peacock Inn (signposted Chatsworth). Follow road to traffic light controlled bridge. Continue on same road through Chatsworth Estate and take next right to the House.
Public Transport Directions
Nearest train station Chesterfield, 10 miles away.
Bus number 170 from Chesterfield town centre to Baslow followed by 1¼ mile walk to the House
