Chatsworth House is a beautiful and historic country estate nestled along the banks of the River Derwent in Derbyshire. Its heritage spans several hundred years, beginning in the mid-1500s when Sir William Cavendish founded the Tudor building. He was spurred on by the requests of his wife, Elizabeth, better known as Bess of Hardwick. In 1557 it was a 3-storey structure around a square court, covering roughly the area of the present house. Sir William died and Bess remarried, to the Earl of Shrewsbury. During this time the estate gained some notoriety, as Shrewsbury was warden of the imprisoned Mary, Queen of Scots, and she spent some time at Chatsworth, in the rooms that now bear her name.

Chatsworth House remained in the Cavendish family, and retained its Tudor grandeur until the late 1600s, when William Cavendish, the 4th Earl and 1st Duke of Devonshire, got a little carried away during his restyling of the South Front and changed the entire outlook of the estate and gardens over several years. It was changed again within 50 years by his successor, the 4th Duke. Chatsworth House continued to be a base for the Dukes of Devonshire, who were by large very important in society and parliament. Today the estate is controlled by the Chatsworth House Trust, but is at the same time home to the 12th Duke of Devonshire, Peregrine Cavendish, and his family.

Chatsworth House is one of the most important visitor attractions in Derbyshire, and frequently voted as one of the UK’s best-loved country houses. It is more than just a stunning building. The gardens are lovely, and children will enjoy the farmyard area and adventure playground. Within the house visitors can take a tour through the many public rooms – which in 2010 were made completely accessible to disabled guests – and admire the galleries of refined art and the historic furnishings. It is particularly appealing at Christmas, when the rooms are decorated in line with the festive season.