Chatsworth is one of Britain’s best loved historic houses and estates, offering something for everyone to enjoy, from famous works of art and the spectacular fountains in the garden to the finest shopping, food and drink and many miles of free walks. The home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is set in the magnificent landscape of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park.
Every day of the year, the 1000 acre park, on the banks of the river Derwent, is open for free, for everyone to enjoy as they choose; walking, playing or picnicking. There is a free car park at Calton Lees, just off the B6012, one mile south of Chatsworth house.
The parklands, the farm shop and its restaurant are open all year round. Just down from the Calton Lees car park is the garden centre, and well worth a visit.
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A lovely walk takes you from the car park down towards the garden centre - before reaching the garden centre, leave the path and go down the hill towards the road. Cross the bridge and take the road to your left, climb the hill up towards the farms, then cross the stile and follow the route over the fields, and up onto the heath land. Enter the woods and follow the path, there is one to your left and another to your right. |
| There is plenty to see on the way, and for wildlife lovers, and photographers, there is even more to this walk. You will need to leave a good day for this walk. |  |
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The Swiss Cottage is a Victorian folly and is now privately owned. |
| From the Hunting Tower you can enjoy panoramic views of Chatsworth Park, however, the tower itself is private and not open to visitors. |  |
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This was taken on a walk where we surprisingly came across what appears to be an old roman style viaduct, this presumably carries water down towards the house and into one of the lakes. |
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You can walk from the car park across the fields towards the house and along the way, you will come across several weirs, one of them is pictured above.
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