Pictures: We visited Chatsworth ahead of 2026 season opening, to find out more about this year's celebration of literature exhibition

The UK-wide campaign by the Department for Education is aimed at encouraging reading in everyday life and this year’s exhibition, House of Stories: Tales from the Chatsworth Library, brings together some of the most treasured items from the Chatsworth Library and archive for the first time, shedding new light on the nation’s rich literary history.

From annotated first editions and original manuscripts to letters, scrapbooks and drawings, House of Stories invites visitors to view Britain’s literary history from a different perspective, uncovering fresh inspiration within one of its most remarkable libraries. First and early editions on display include works by some of the nation’s most renowned authors, from Geoffrey Chaucer, Alexander Pope and Jane Austen to Charlotte Brontë, Oscar Wilde and T.E. Lawrence.

Exhibition highlights include a first edition of Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, believed to have been part of Duchess Georgiana’s collection (1757–1806), and a complete manuscript of Ben Jonson’s Pleasure Reconciled to Virtue, performed for King James I at court in 1618. The exhibition also explores the Devonshire family’s own creative writing, from Duchess Georgiana’s poetry and plays to the tradition begun by the 6th Duke of documenting the legacy and history of Chatsworth.

Throughout the year, Chatsworth will continue its literary celebrations with an events programme.

Celebrating Jane Austen: Regency Festival will also return from 12 to 14 June, offering a varied range of activities each day from live theatre performances and Regency Afternoon Tea served in the Old Duke’s Glasshouse to dressing up opportunities, and expert talks and workshops, all designed to immerse visitors in the Regency era.

Chatsworth will also host a selection of wellness events from Cascade Flow Yoga and Forest Bathing in Stand Wood to the brand-new Chatsworth Wellness Festival on 27-28 June.

Annual favourites also return, including the Country Fair, Family Festival and the Christmas experience and market.

Jane Marriott, Director of Chatsworth House Trust, said: "For five centuries, Chatsworth has been a home of literary inspiration, and we’re thrilled to be opening up this history to our visitors in 2026.

“The Chatsworth House Trust charity cares for these works of national significance throughout the year, and each one holds key insights into the world of our most loved and famous authors and writers – from a first edition of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice to letters from Charles Dickens. The National Year of Reading is all about encouraging reading across generations, so what better time to share the stories of the Chatsworth Library with our visitors to foster a love of literature – and to inspire the next generation of authors along the way.

“As well as the exhibition, there’s so much going on across the entire estate. Whether developing new skills on our learning programme, gaining insights at a talk from one of our wonderful estate team, or enjoying the experiences on offer at one of our annual events, we hope our programme of activities will bring joy to people of all ages as they visit us over the coming year.”