Chatsworth House Gardens Walk

Overview
Difficulty:	Easy
Distance:	As long as you want!
Terrain Type:	Paved pathways and dirt tracks.
Starts From:	Chatsworth House, Bakewell, DE45 1PP
Closest Vet:	Croft Veterinary

If going for a walk in bog-standard countryside isn’t good enough for your precious pooch, then unleash your inner aristocrat and visit the Chatsworth Estate in rural Derbyshire. There’s loads to explore here, whether you’re just taking a stroll through the famed gardens or roam further into the extensive parkland. In this article we’ll take you through what’s what so you get the most out of your visit to Chatsworth.

How Do You Get To Chatsworth House?

If you’re driving in, you’ll want to take the B6012 into Edensor village before taking the turning that leads you over Paine Bridge into the estate grounds. Directions to the House are well signposted once you’re in Edensor, so you can’t really go wrong.

Depending on which direction you approach from, be wary of using Google Maps to find your way. When we visited, we used Google Maps to navigate and it tried to take us though the entrance at Baslow. If you try this you’ll be met with a set of locked gates – so make sure to access the estate via Edensor.

When you get close to the House, you’ll be directed to a spot on one of the surrounding car parks by one of the staff members. The car parks are open from 9am till 6pm, and a ticket costs £5. If you’re planning on accessing the gardens, then I’d strongly recommend booking your gardens ticket in advance online. Doing this means you get free parking on the day – just show a staff member your gardens ticket when parking up.

If you’re walking into the estate from Baslow, Nether End Car Park is a good option. It’s spacious, there’s a toilet block and by all accounts it’s cheaper than the Chatsworth car parks if you’re only staying for a few hours.

Chatsworth House Gardens

As alluded to earlier, you will have to pay to access the gardens. At the time of writing, an adult ticket costs £15.50 and a child’s ticket costs £9. They also offer a family ticket for £39, which gives access to 2 adults and up to 3 children. You’ll get your money’s worth though, as you’ll be in there for a while if you go and see everything. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads.

The recorded route shown at the top of the page is just in the garden section of the estate. We covered 2 miles over the 2 hours we spent here, and we still didn’t go and see everything the gardens had to offer. There’s 105 acres of gardens to explore, containing grand water features, grottoes, and even a maze.

The most iconic parts of the gardens would be the Emperor Fountain in the Canal Pond, and the Cascade. The former was engineered by Joseph Paxton in the 19th century, and can reach an impressive 28m in height.

The Cascade is even older, originally being constructed in 1696 (although it’s been through many changes since). There’s nothing better than soaking your feet here in the ice cold water (sourced from the hills behind the estate) on a hot day. The Cascade stones are slippy underfoot though, so be careful if you’re going for a paddle. Personally speaking though, my favourite part of the gardens is the ravine at the far end.

Chatsworth House Park

There’s more than just the gardens to explore at Chatsworth – they’ve also got 1,000 acres of parkland to roam around in. Best of all, this part of the estate is free to access. There are a few suggested routes provided by the estate, but you’re free to wander wherever you like. As with the gardens though, dogs must be kept on leads at all times. This is to avoid disturbing the livestock and wildlife that call the park their home.

Once we’d left the gardens, we decided to head north along the banks of the River Derwent (where Flynn dived in and nearly took me with him). We then followed the main path leading north until we reached the Golden Gates. After a few minutes deliberating on whether I should get an identical set for my driveway at home, we turned around and headed back to the House, skirting along the edge of the woodland on our way.

The range of the park is not limited to the area we explored though. There’s Stand Wood, that lies behind the main house and garden. Contained within this 385-acre medieval woodland is the impressive 16th century Hunting Tower as well as the lakes that feed the water features in the gardens. The entrance to Stand Wood is found near the farmyard and adventure playground.

There are also a couple of landmarks situated in front of the house. The stone bridge across the River Derwent on is the Three Arch Bridge, one of two designed by the architect James Paine and completed in 1761. Once you’ve crossed the bridge into the estate, you’ll notice a large stone construction towards the left-hand side. This is Queen Mary’s Bower, a surviving feature of the 16th century water gardens located to the north-west of the house. It’s so named because of a story that states it was constructed to give the captive Mary Queen of Scots a raised area in which to exercise in the 1570s. Although she was present at the house during this period, there’s no evidence to suggest that this was the actual reason for construction.

One Arch Bridge, the other bridge designed by James Paine, is located at the southern end of the parkland. From here you’ll also have a view of the Paine’s Mill, an ornamental working building designed by Paine for the Duke to replace the original working mill that was situated nearer the house.

Are Dogs Allowed Inside Chatsworth House?

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed inside Chatsworth House itself as a result of the fragile items that are on display. The only exceptions to this are assistance dogs. The same rule applies to the farmyard and playground area, as it contains livestock that are easily disturbed by dogs. There are posts just outside the farmyard where you can leave your dog if you want to.

Aside from this though, they are welcome inside the gardens and park as long as they are on a lead. If you’re hungry, there is a dog friendly seating area inside the Carriage House Café, as well as there being outdoor seating next to all of the Food to go outlets within the estate.

Also worth mentioning is that there are drinking stations for dogs by the toilets near the entrance to the house, and in the courtyard by the Carriage House Café exit. General rubbish bins are located in the gardens and parkland near the house for you to dispose of any bags.

What To Do After

If you’re after something to eat, the aforementioned Carriage House Café is always an option. It’s open between 10am and 5pm, but only serves hot food between the hours of 11:30am and 3pm. Expect your usual café fare from here: pies, sandwiches, pastries, and coffees are all on the menu. While it’s conveniently located, be aware that the food is expensive for what you’re getting.

If you want better value for money, I’d advise travelling a short distance to one of the following:

The Prince of Wales, Baslow: This country pub was recently awarded its second AA rosette for AA Hotel and Hospitality Services and serves great food and drink for a fair price. Dogs are welcome in the bar area of the pub and treats and water can be provided if requested.
The Old Smithy, Beeley: This charming little café in neighbouring Beeley uses locally sourced seasonal ingredients in their dishes. They serve breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as afternoon tea and homemade cakes. Dogs are allowed inside as well as out.

If you’re after accommodation in the area, the Hunting Tower we mentioned earlier is now a dog friendly holiday let. There are also some dog friendly cottages next to the lakes behind Chatsworth. It costs £15 per night to book your dog in too at these properties, but you get a welcome pack including dog treats, bowl, and towel to use as part of this. If you really want to spoil them, you can hire a four-poster dog bed for £35 per night (probably not advisable if your dog’s a chewer).

Chatsworth House Gardens Walk

How Do You Get To Chatsworth House?

Chatsworth House Gardens

Chatsworth House Park

Are Dogs Allowed Inside Chatsworth House?

What To Do After

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