Discover Chatsworth's farmyard adventures and woodland workshops this February half-term

Visitors to the Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground will have the opportunity to meet the estate’s four-legged friends, from piglets and goats to rare breeds such as Suffolk Punch horses, Albion cattle and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs.

Daily animal handling sessions in the Poultry House offer the chance to meet the smallest residents such as chicks and guinea pigs up close, and for a small fee, visitors can also pick up a bag of animal food and treat the animals to a tasty snack.

Tractor and trailer rides through the historic Stand Wood will also be running from 11am-1pm and 2pm - 3.30pm each day, taking a tour through some of Chatsworth’s diverse woodland.

What’s more, the adventure playground, which underwent an extensive refurbishment last year, is the perfect place to burn off some energy. A secret tunnel, climbing wall, zip wire, tall towers and racing slides will keep visitors of all ages entertained for hours. The playground is accessible with ramp access and has a coffee hut and picnic area for much needed refreshments.

A Woodland Lab Workshop will also be running on February 20 from 10.30am - 12pm and 1pm - 2.30pm, with educational activities giving visitors the opportunity to discover nature’s ‘underworld’. Based at the Stickyard, which is Chatsworth’s outdoor learning centre, the free to attend workshop will offer activities such as examining the fascinating composition of moss, lichen and fungi using magnifying lenses, discovering ‘zombie trees’ and the unique habitat they provide, as well as woodland inspired art activities.

Woodland explorer walks will also take place at 11am and 1.30pm each day of the school holiday.

Emma Flack, head of visitor experience at Chatsworth, said: “There is so much to explore and enjoy at Chatsworth as we welcome the return of spring, from the woodland and parkland coming to life to the chance to visit our new arrivals in the farmyard.

“We’re passionate about providing a wide range of activities that will encourage visitors to get outdoors and enjoy the natural landscape around us, and inspire the next generation, whether through learning about the species that call our woodland home or having the chance to meet rare breeds such as the Suffolk Punch.

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to Chatsworth this half term to let their imaginations run wild within this special setting.”

Chatsworth will be open for half-term fun every day until February 23, 10.30am – 4.30pm.

To book, go to www.chatsworth.org/visit-chatsworth/book-tickets