Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House, the enormous home (the roof alone covers 1.3 acres) of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. While the Duke and Duchess occupy a portion of the house, you can walk through the opulent halls admiring priceless paintings, furnishings, silver plate, and china. Best of all, though, are the acres and acres of landscaped gardens: vast lawns laid down in 1760 and groomed ever since (except in wartime); the maze; the gardens (rock, kitchen, rose, cottage, and sensory). Water pours down the steps of the 1st Duke’s water cascade (take off your shoes and climb its broad steps to the fountains at the top of the hill), shoots from the willow tree (known as the squirting tree), and spills from Revelation, the water-operated sculpture. There are 5 miles of walks with trees, shrubs, fountains, and ponds. There is also access to the excavated coal tunnel. The gift and teashop are a must. If you are traveling with children, they will enjoy a visit to the farm and the adventure playground.