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Chatsworth is so much fun with kids, I’ve lost track of how many times we have visited here as a family. If you want to plan the perfect day and make the most of Chatsworth farm, playground and gardens in 2026 you have come to the right place. Even if you only plan to get the farm and playground pass we have some great ideas for you. Chatsworth is so well designed for families you could just spend all day in one section.
Another great thing about Chatsworth is that they do something amazing in every season. We have managed to visit in every season over the years and want to break down what makes every season special, so further down we will dive into when is the best time to visit Chatsworth with kids.
Walks near Chatsworth
As Chatsworth is in the Peak District if you are staying in the area you are surrounded with amazing family walks. If you are having a family holiday in the area you will definitely want to check out these amazing family walks in The Peak District. Derbyshire is the perfect place for an adventurous family holiday. For those of you with little kids who still want to do some beautiful and pretty adventurous walks we have also put together a post with all the best toddler friendly walks in The Peak District.
How to plan a perfect day at Chatsworth farm, playground and Gardens
First up, read a great blog like this one! Haha, it is kind of true. If you take a bit of time to make sure you know what is there you can plan your day better and wont miss out. By the end of this post you should be able to work out the scale of Chatsworth and if you just need a Chatsworth farm and playground pass, a house and garden pass or just a garden pass. As it can get a bit pricey, it’s worth taking time to work out what you will enjoy the most.
We will also give you an idea of the cost of food, where to eat and whether you may want to consider packing a picnic.
What is there to do at Chatsworth Farm?
Chatsworth Farm is one of the best places in Derbyshire for younger kids. When you arrive, check out the time tables for the day to make sure you make the most of what is on offer. They have petting times for different animals, feeding times and at different times of year mini classes where you can turn up and learn something new with your children. The staff are super friendly at Chatsworth and love to help your children connect with and learn to care for animals.
In addition to all the scheduled things you can do at Chatsworth farm, you can just walk around the animal’s enclosures at your own pace. They have horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, guinea pigs a, wide variety of fowl and other farm creatures you would hope to meet. Spring is the best time to visit as you get to meet all the new baby animals. The farm also includes a life size tractor they can climb on and an area they can race toy tractors and vehicles around.
If you are intentional about engaging with all the animals and activities you could spend a good morning or afternoon at Chatsworth farm.
What is in Chatsworth farmyard?
From the moment you walk into Chatsworth farmyard you are met with lots of exciting options. Our kids never quite know whether to run off to the petting area on the left, straight to goats, or over to the right where there is a life siz tractor for them to scramble onto. As mentioned, they have horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, guinea pigs a, wide variety of fowl, any time you go there is always a great way to get up close and get involved, Chatsworth farmyard is one of the most interactive and educational in the area.
What is Chatsworth Adventure playground like?
EPIC! If I had to pick one word to describe Chatsworth adventure playground it would just be epic! There is so much to do, we found our kids will happily play here all day. If you are planning to do that, bring yourself a picnic as there is a designated area for lunch, but other than that let your kids run wild in this super well designed play park.
Why is it so amazing? Chatsworth Adventure playground is designed for kids of every age. They have created sections for tiny tots, confident toddlers and older wilder bigger kids … and to be honest, we love a good run around too. There is a sand and water area, assault course, climbing wall, trampoline, zip line and huge tree top climbing areas with super exciting slides for kids of all ages. Surrounded by woodland, with a wood chip floor it feels like a beautiful and fun place to be. There are toilets onsite and in summer they run a whippy ice cream shop. You can get an 99 ice cream cone with a chocolate flake for £2.50, so if you’re having a fun family day out, an icecream is a great way to top it off.
Best parts of Chatsworth House Gardens with kids
You can buy a house and garden pass or just a garden pass. Depending on how old your children are and what you’re hoping to do with them will really dictate which pass you buy. The gardens are so vast and varied you could spend a day exploring them as a family. If you have younger children who justy love to run around, this is probably the best option. If you have older children who would appreciate and learn something from walking around Chatsworth house then it is worth buying the combined pass.
The house is stunning in itself and very well kept, it is one of the most impressive stately homes we have visited. You know your kids though and whether they are at a stage where they would truly get something out if it. It is worth noting that at Halloween, Christmas and occasional other points in the year they do decorate the house in ways that make it super exciting for children of all ages, so it’s worth checking their website for the latest whilst you’re planning.
The gardens are huge, we particularly love the hedge maze, rock garden and water gardens. To make a day of it you could explore the tower in the morning and then drop down for a picnic on the lawn facing the Iconic Chatsworth house. After that head over to the ponds, pools and mazes.
Chatsworth opening times
Chatsworth is open 7 days a week between 9:00am and 6:00pm. Within Chatsworth house and gardens various areas and eateries open and close at slightly different times, but the general pattern is most sections are open between 10:00am and 5.30pm. Chatsworth farm and playground opens the earliest, you can go in here as early as 9.30. If you need very specific times for each, you can check them out Chatsworth official site
Latest Ticket Prices for Chatsworth farm, playground, house and gardens
Parking is £5 if you don’t buy any other tickets and just want to visit the surrounding grounds. If you buy any other ticket, its is included with your pass.
Children 3 years and under are not charged for the house and garden pass.
Children 2 and under are not charged for the farmyard and playground pass.
| Chatsworth House and Garden Pass | Adults: £24 |
| Children: £12.50 | |
| Family (2 adults / 3 children): £61 | |
| Chatsworth Garden Pass | Adults: £14 |
| Children: £7.50 | |
| Family (2 adults / 3 children): £36 | |
| Chatsworth Farm and Playground Pass | Adults: £7 |
| Children: £7 | |
| Family (2 adults / 3 children): £26 |
These prices are true as of 2021, you can check out the latest on the Chatsworth booking page.
Parking at Chatsworth
There is a vast car park at Chatsworth that gets you close to where you want to be. On super bust days they just start to use the lower field to host everyone. The carpark fee is £5 unless you buy a ticket to one of the areas and then it is included.
Where to eat in Chatsworth House and Gardens
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat at Chatsworth. It might seem pricey, but the quality is so high it feels worth it for what you pay. Sometimes we eat there, other times we have taken a picnic, we almost always make time for a coffee or ice cream when we visit. The places to eat near Chatsworth farm and playground feel a little more family friendly. The courtyard is however the most impressive area with the greatest variety.
There are many places you can eat at Chatsworth:
- Carriage House Cafe (sometimes referred to as the courtyard cafe)
- Cavendish restaurant
- Estate farm shop cafe
- Farmyard Cafe
- Floras Temple Tea
- Flying Children’s Restaurant
When is the best time to visit Chatsworth?
All the time! Haha, we’re a bit bias, we like to see Chatsworth as our second home. Chatsworth is so much more than a house. It is a living breathing home that comes to life in each and every season. Chatsworth farm is full of new life in spring, the house is brimming with culture in summer, the gardens are canvas of colours in autumn and the winter is the season for creative themed decor and warm drinks.
We have eagerly explored and experienced this unique gem in the heart of Derbyshire throughout every season and so are giddy to tell you all about it and why it’s a perfect day out whatever the season. We really hope this helps you plan the best time to visit Chatsworth house and gardens with your family.
Spring at Chatsworth
As the English weather lulls you into a false hope of good weather in late March, make the most of any day you can and go explore Chatsworth farm, park and gardens. Chatsworth farm and gardens is the best place to be on those fresh spring days. Just after the daffodils had sprung, we had the sweetest day exploring the farm with our baby boy. Adoring the little lambs and chicks, feeding a goat and petting a guinea pig made for an exciting trip around the farm yard. There was such a lovely atmosphere as children ran round the playground and the local staff greeted us and encouraged us to interact with the animals. You can tell the staff really care about making sure your family is having the best day possible. Pete used to visit when he was a little boy, so was filled with nostalgia as we enjoyed the legendary play park. He’s such a big kid, I think he had more fun on the swings than Bodhi! ooo and you’re never too far from somewhere selling giant whippy ice-creams!
Summer at Chatsworth
When picnic and ice cream season truly arrives, there is no better place to enjoy it than Chatsworth gardens. By this time the gardens are in full bloom ready to be explored, just watch you don’t get lost in the hedge maze! There are endless exciting exhibitions, tours and shows on throughout the year, if you live close by or plan to go soon it is worth signing up to their newsletter so you don’t miss anything.
If you want to experience not only Chatsworth, but Britain at its finest you must must must attend their summer fair. I would say to anyone visiting England that Chatsworth is a must, but if there is anyway you can make it to the summer fair it is outstanding.
I don’t think there is anywhere else in the world where you can enjoy breathtaking performance, household cavalry, delicious food, Mary Berry, hot air balloons, dog shows, great shopping and traditional funfair rides all in one awesome place!
Autumn at Chatsworth
You can do more than throw leaves around in autumn! But let’s be honest it’s the most fun thing you can to do!
They say Autumn is a good reminder of how beautiful it can be to let go of things. So often we don’t make time to stop and reflect. At Chatsworth the impeccable planned and planted gardens explode into a fabulous fusion of warm colours before the season draws to a close. The gardens are a deeply beautiful and peaceful to walk around during this season. Or, if you’re like me, you may want to dig out your boots and go play in the leaves, because, well, it’s just fun to play with leaves!
I can’t overstate how beautiful the gardens are at this time of year. Oh and stopping at the cafe for a huggable hot drink after a walk is just autumnal perfection.
Winter at Chatsworth
Crunching through the gardens after the snow has fallen is truly beautiful. It is so picture perfect at the time of year, you almost feel like you are walking around in a postcard. From Charles dickens to the nutcracker, every year they bring the house to life with a new and exciting seasonal theme. It was magical to walk round as a family for the first time in this year just gone and take our first Christmas family photos by the giant beautifully dressed trees.
As children of all ages excitedly made their way round and gasped with delight at the magical touches Chatsworth had came up with, it made us feel giddy and oh so ready for Christmas. A walk around the house itself in winter is the best thing to get you in the festive mood. We finished our trip with a huge bowl of chunky minestrone soup in the courtyard cafe. I can’t wait to see what this year’s theme will be!
So, whatever the season, come rain or shine, it is always a good time to explore Chatsworth.
