Chatsworth offers talks, workshops and artisans exhibition while stately home and garden are closed for winter maintenance

Visitors can enjoy talks on the history of the Chatsworth estate and the Devonshire collections and take part in printmaking and bookbinding workshops while Chatsworth House and garden are closed for essential maintenance and conservation.

Chatsworth’s year-round learning and cultural programme will keep visitors entertained throughout the coldest months of the year before the house and garden reopen on March 21.

Chatsworth House and garden will welcome visitors back on March 21. Meanwhile, a programme of talks, workshops and an exhibition featuring the work of Peak District Artisans will entertain visitors during the winter months.

placeholder image — Chatsworth House and garden will welcome visitors back on March 21. Meanwhile, a programme of talks, workshops and an exhibition featuring the work of Peak District Artisans will entertain visitors during the winter months.

This season marks the return of the hugely popular Winter Talks series, with each talk providing a fascinating insight into the history, workings and management of the estate. On January 16, Steve Porter, Chatsworth’s head of gardens and landscape, will take visitors on a journey through the history of the last 500 years of the Chatsworth Garden. The talk explores the characters, moments and ideas that have shaped the landscape over five centuries, looking to the future as the estate balances history with sustainability and connection to nature.

On March 6, visitors will be able to join Chatsworth estate ecologist Edmund Austin to discover how a recent bio-acoustic survey unveiled previously undocumented wildlife living on the estate, alongside the important work undertaken to monitor bird populations and manage critical habitats.

Steve Porter, Chatsworth’s head of gardens and landscape, will give a talk on the history of the last 500 years of the Chatsworth Garden on January 16, 2026.

For those looking to learn more about the house and its collections, a talk on Cardinal Consalvi and The Devonshire Collection on February 20 will shed light on the connection between Chatsworth and 19th-century Rome – and the influences you can still see today.

Chatsworth House Trust, the charity that looks after the house, garden, collections, woodland and park, will host creative workshops designed for art enthusiasts of all abilities.

On January 31, the Sustainable Intaglio Printmaking Workshop will take place in The Old Potting Shed, where participants will learn intaglio inking and printing techniques, working with an etching press to create a series of unique prints. Those looking to embrace a new skill can also attend the Introduction to Hardback Bookbinding on March 7, with the expert-led, beginner-friendly workshop teaching the French Sewn method of binding a handmade A5 notebook.

Meanwhile, a Learn to Draw in Six Weeks course will take place from January 8 January to February 12, with the immersive workshops led by experienced artist and teacher Kim Binney. Budding artists will be guided through a range of drawing techniques, from understanding tools to mastering observational drawing.

Peak District Artisan Katherine Rhodes, who painted this picture of Curbar Edge, will be displaying her work in a showcase at the Stables, Chatsworth, from January 26 to March 1, 2026.

This year, Chatsworth will also be supporting local artists by welcoming back the Peak District Artisans Showcase from January 26 to March 1 at the Stables Gift Shop. Established in 1991, Peak District Artisans is an association of some of the finest professional artists, designer makers, and contemporary artisans based in and around the Derbyshire Peak District. Watercolour, ink and acrylic paintings, three-dimensional basketry, weaving and glasswork will be among the work exhibited by 21 members. All works on display will be available to purchase.

For Chatsworth’s youngest visitors, Stand Wood provides the perfect environment to stimulate imaginations over the winter. From sensory trails and prehistoric plant discoveries to hands-on minibeast hunts, the woodland is free to access and has plenty for the whole family to enjoy.

Chatsworth’s Farmyard and Adventure Playground will also reopen for half-term, from February 14-22, where families can meet a host of friendly farm animals and enjoy the woodland playground’s climbing towers, racing slides, zip wire, and sand and water play.

Rosie Eagleton, Chatsworth public programme manager, said: “Our winter programme has been carefully designed to inspire and to spark the imaginations of visitors of all ages, providing the opportunity for them to discover new skills or delve deeper into an existing interest over the winter months.

Chatsworth adventure playground reopens for the half-term holiday, from February 14 to 22 (photo: India Hobson)

“There are so many opportunities to get involved and enjoy the estate at the start of the year. Everyone at Chatsworth, including our network of local artists and tutors, is passionate about their subjects and eager to share their knowledge and expertise.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to explore all that Chatsworth has to offer this winter.”

Parking at Chatsworth is free of charge until March 19, allowing visitors to explore Chatsworth’s free-to-access parkland and woodland. Many of the cafés, restaurants and shops will also remain open through the winter, including the estate farm shop – details of opening times are available on the Chatsworth website.

The series of insightful talks start from just £15 per person including tea and coffee and free on-site parking. Every penny generated by ticket sales and memberships, including the winter activities programme, goes directly to the Chatsworth House Trust, to maintain Chatsworth for everyone to enjoy.

For more information including timings and prices, visit: www.chatsworth.org/events