Chatsworth Estate is one of those places that never loses its magic, tucked away in the Peak District. We didn’t follow a strict route — instead we wandered through gardens, open parkland and riverside paths, letting the day unfold. It’s easy to make the walk as long or short as you like, which is perfect for families, and I took some fantastic photos along the way.
We parked at the Chatsworth Garden Centre and walked south beside the river to Beeley. A public footpath climbs the hill through fields of horses and cows to Beeley Hill Top farm. From there you enter a heather-clad woodland path before emerging into the Chatsworth House gardens. We strolled through the trees, passed the waterfall and the Hunting Tower, and stopped for tea at the house — it felt quite magical.
The grounds are spacious and varied. One moment you’re among formal gardens and sculptures, the next you’re by the river looking back at the grand house. We found quiet corners, wide meadows and plenty of safe spots for the children to explore while we enjoyed the views.
What struck me most was how peaceful the parkland felt despite Chatsworth’s popularity. The paths are well maintained and there’s something interesting in every direction — from historic bridges to rolling hills stretching out beyond the estate. You could easily spend several days exploring and still discover new things each time.
In the holiday cottage we found a book that mentioned a former owner had built stone tents across the estate so people exploring the land would have somewhere safe to stay without carrying a tent.
If you visit, wear comfortable shoes — you’ll almost certainly walk further than you expect. The views draw you on, and the landscape changes with every few steps. Time slips by before you notice, and it really is as magnificent as it sounds.
If you enjoy scenic family days out like this, you might also like our trip to Carsington Water, which offers similarly stunning views and lovely places to explore. If Chatsworth is on your list or you’ve walked the grounds before, I’d love to hear about it.
