With so much going on in Manchester this Christmas season, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the chaos of the city, what with the Christmas Markets taking over and all the lights going up. If you fancy getting away from the crowds and indulging in a truly magical Christmas experience for all the family outside the urban area, but not too far, look no further than Christmas at Chatsworth.
Discover the ‘Palace of Advent‘ at Chatsworth House from 9 November, 24 rooms filled with Christmas wonder and the sights, sounds and scents of the season. Travel under archways adorned with candy canes, handmade Christmas stockings and mistletoe, and explore a winter wonderland in the glittering Christmas tree brooch forest.
At the heart of the house, you’ll find Father Christmas’ workshop; a hive of activity as preparations are underway for the all-important Christmas Eve deliveries. Keep your eyes peeled for his little helpers around the house, who you may spot making mischief whilst Father Christmas is away.
Make a Christmas wish to hang on the special Wish Trees and take the opportunity to stir the giant Christmas pudding pot, just one of many festive photo opportunities to be enjoyed with friends and family.
Featured in the decorations will be items from the Devonshire Collections, including ecclesiastical paintings by Luca Giordano (1634-1705), Salvator Rosa (1615 – 1673) and Paolo Veronese (born Paolo Caliari, 1528-1588). British artists have also been commissioned to craft new works for the experience, such as fine artist Bethan Maddocks and digital artist Leavon Archer.
The celebrations continue in the garden with an interactive light and sound trail past the Cascade, and through the Rock Garden and Maze, leading to a spectacular animated light show that transforms the house into a giant advent calendar. Wrap up warm and enjoy festive food and drink as you explore.
The farmyard is dressed for Christmas with decorations and lights where you can meet the friendly farm animals, enjoy milking demonstrations and take part in guinea pig cuddling sessions. There are also Christmas crafts in the barn and children can enjoy letting off steam in the woodland playground – hopefully encouraging a nap all the way home. Entry to Christmas in the garden is included with your Christmas at Chatsworth ticket.
Chatsworth House is less than a 1.5 hour drive from Manchester city centre, located in Bakewell in the Derbyshire Dales. Booking in advance is essential and can be done here, which includes one car parking space per transaction, admission to the house and garden, and admission to the farmyard and playground.
Adult tickets start at £32 and children from £8. Usual last entry times for Christmas at Chatsworth are 4.30pm for the house, farmyard and playground, and 5pm for the garden and car park.
📍 Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP.