Chatsworth Family Festival in May half-term holiday launches a run of festivals and fairs in the grounds of stately home
Chatsworth launches its new programme of festivals for the spring and summer with a feast of family entertainment.
The return of the much-loved Chatsworth Family Festival (May 23-25) will transform the garden into a hub of creativity and adventure for younger visitors during their half-term holiday from school. Interactive workshops, live performances and hands-on activities designed to spark imaginations and encourage outdoor play are in store. Highlights include meet-and-greet sessions with New York Times best-selling children’s illustrator Claire Powell, as well as a Big Top Circus Show, archery and a mini-Olympics.
Over the summer months, visitors to Chatsworth can enjoy festivals which are designed for visitors of all ages and a range of interests, from horticulture to the Regency period to self-care and wellbeing.
For gardening enthusiasts, the Garden & Plant Fair (June 5-7) brings together a wide range of specialist nurseries and growers from around the country. Visitors can discover new plant species, gain practical advice from horticultural experts, and find inspiration for their own outdoor spaces, all within the setting of the Chatsworth garden. For the first time this year, gardening experts Martin and Jill Fish will be giving daily talks about learning to grow and cook seasonal produce.
Chatsworth’s hugely popular Celebrating Jane Austen: Regency Festival takes place on June 12-14, offering an array of immersive activities and experiences. The event was named Festival of the Year at the 2026 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards, and this year visitors can enjoy live theatre performances, Regency Afternoon Tea served in the Old Duke’s Glasshouse, dressing up, carriage rides, and expert led talks, tours and workshops.
New for 2026, the inaugural Wellness Festival (June 27-28) will be a weekend dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing. Visitors can explore a range of practices, attend workshops and hear from expert speakers, with topics including holistic health, self-care and personal growth, all set within the peaceful surroundings of the garden.
From sessions with award-winning wellbeing coach Helen Fiddler on how to build a personal toolkit to deal with life’s challenges, to guided wellness walks with Mountain Bear Adventures, and yoga and meditation, all activities will encourage visitors to relax, reflect, and reap the benefits within the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Emma Flack, head of visitor experience at Chatsworth, said: “Our festival programme is a celebration of everything Chatsworth and the Peak District have to offer. From family entertainment and gardening inspiration to Jane Austen and health and wellbeing, this year’s calendar offers something for everyone. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to enjoy time together, learn new skills, explore their passions and reconnect with nature.”
Entry to the festivals is included with 'house and garden' and 'garden' tickets, with activities and talks included, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.chatsworth.org/events
*Other highlights at Chatsworth over the coming months include The Farm Shop Summer Food Fair from July 24 to 26, Chatsworth Country Fair from September 4 to 6 and The Queen’s Reading Room Festival on September 19 and 20.