Chatsworth House
Sightseeing attraction | Bakewell | England | United Kingdom
English country house architecture
Chatsworth House in Bakewell, Derbyshire, is an outstanding example of English country house architecture and a significant cultural heritage. It has been owned by the Cavendish family since the 16th century and now serves as the seat of the Duke of Devonshire.
Historic sites in Derbyshire
History and Architecture
Private art collection UK
The estate was first built in 1549 by Sir William Cavendish and has been expanded and remodelled several times over the centuries. The current structure combines elements of English Baroque with later architectural styles and includes over 175 rooms, including grand reception halls, private chambers, and an impressive library with 17,500 volumes.
Gardens and parkland in England
Art Collection
Film locations at Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House houses one of the most important private art collections in Britain. Spanning 4,000 years, the collection includes works by artists such as Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Canaletto, and Lucian Freud. Particularly noteworthy is the sculpture gallery, which features works by Antonio Canova, Bertel Thorvaldsen, and Rudolf Schadow and is considered one of the largest private collections of classical sculptures in England.
Gardens and Parkland
The gardens of Chatsworth cover 105 acres and are a masterpiece of garden artistry. Designed by Lancelot "Capability" Brown in the 18th century, they offer a harmonious blend of formal and informal areas, including the Cascade Garden, the Wedding Garden, and the Herb Garden. A special highlight is the fountain, which at 90 meters tall is one of the highest water features in Britain.
Film Location
Chatsworth House has been used as a filming location for several movies, including the 2005 adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice," where it portrayed Pemberley, Mr. Darcy's estate. Scenes for the 2008 film "The Duchess," which explores the life of Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire, were also filmed at Chatsworth.
Visitor Information
Chatsworth House is open to visitors year-round and offers a variety of activities, including tours of the house and gardens, workshops and events for children, and seasonal exhibitions. The estate has several cafes and restaurants serving local specialties, as well as shops where arts and crafts and souvenirs can be purchased.
