Monday 20 July 2015

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House
In the UK warm weather is a scarcity, so when it shines most of us head for the outdoors. Last Saturday the weather did exactly that so with little hesitation we decided to head to Chatsworth House, which is a breathtaking stately home in Derbyshire.
Chatsworth House
The house has one of Europe's most significant art collections. So if you are into history or art you definitely need to take a look.

The house is set in 1822 acres of beautiful gardens, parkland, farmyard, adventure playground and a farm shop.

Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House
The display greenhouse houses some wonderful ornamental plants.
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth house

The gardens have been a highlight of ours for many years, as the setting is breathtaking, housing some of the oldest trees in the UK and a wonderful array of old and new sculptures.
Chatsworth House
Modern Sculptures
Modern Scultptures
The cascade is an iconic stone stepped fountain which is 300 years old. 
Chatsworth House
As the water trickles down it makes a wonderful and calming sound. We have spent many a wonderful afternoon picnicking watching children absentmindedly playing in the water.

Another beautiful water feature is the squirting Willow tree splashing water from its fountain branches. 

Chatsworth House
On a warm day this is the perfect place to have a cool down, perfectly positioned in the shade to eat a yummy ice-cream. 
Chatsworth House
The emperor fountain though for me is the highlight of the whole garden. It is one of the highest fountains in the world reaching heights of 90 metres. 
Chatsworth house
Today in order to preserve energy it runs at half the possible power but is still a sight to behold and the squeals of children getting wet as the wind carries the water is a delight to behold.

Another favourite is the rookery created by giants, where there are gigantic stones standing tall and proud 45 feet with a wonderful waterfall.

Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House

This year Chatsworth worked with Laurent-Perrier and garden designer Dan Pearson to create a show garden  at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. They were successfully awarded best show garden, quite the achievement for a first time outing well done Chatsworth and Laurent-Perrier.

On a visit you can easily while a way a good few hours just in the gardens, so if you are visiting make sure you arrive early and stay for a whole day to make the most of your visit. 

As a foodie the day wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Chatsworth estate farm shop. 
Chatsworth House
The shop houses a bakery, butchers, fish counter, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables. 
Chatsworth Farm shop
Chatsworth Farm shop
The butchers offers a wonderful selection of beef, lamb (Available mid May), venison (Available November - March), grouse (Available August -December) and pheasant (Available October - February) straight from the estate. 

Chatsworth House
Over 60% of all the products are produced or prepared on site. It is the perfect place to pick up all your supplies for Sunday lunch. 

On our visits we always seem to end up leaving with a wonderful cake. 
Chatsworth House
I'm not sure how it makes it into the basket but you certainly won't hear me complaining. 

Chatsworth House never fails to disappoint, it is the perfect day out for all the family and definitely worth a visit www.chatsworth.org

What's your favourite way to spend a hot summers day?
Chatsworth House

 photo foodieforce_32.jpg

28 comments:

  1. Oh wow, the photo with the lake in the front is stunning. Love visiting places like this but haven't in years! I should revisit some of the ones I went to as a child :)

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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    1. The grounds are beautiful you should define you pick out a few to visit Lucy x

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  2. Lovely pictures. I can't believe I've never visited. It seems like a lovely day out.

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  3. Oh gosh, this brings back memories Lucy, we used to go to Chatsworth quite a bit when I was younger, it's such a lovely place :) That cake looks a bit yummy, did you try a bakewell tart as well? They always taste better when they come from Bakewell I reckon! My favourite way to spend a summers day is always going to be on the beach, lazing around, having a dip in the sea, beachcombing, a game of something, and of course a picnic followed by an ice cream! Hope you are well! xxx

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    1. It is a beautiful place to visit, glad that you got to enjoy it as a child. The cake was yummy, they sell Bakewell tarts at the cafe in the house to take home have had a few but enjoy with custard which makes it more suitable for winter. If I was near the beach that would be a highlight too Lucy x

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  4. OMG I've never been and really want to go, it looks absolutely beautiful! Perfect way to spend a hot summer day x

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    1. It is the perfect way to spend the day Lucy x

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  5. Just shows how beautiful the English countryside can be :)
    Lots of love,
    Angie

    SilverSpoon London

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    1. It certainly is and it's important to make the most of it Lucy x

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  6. I've been to Chatsworth but I didn't know about the squirting willow tree - amazing!

    Suze | LuxuryColumnist

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    1. The whole gardens are beautiful and so well looked after, it is the perfect place for a picnic Lucy x

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  7. You took lovely pictures of Chatsworth House, it looks beautiful.

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    1. The gardens are all beautiful so capturing a pretty picture is fairly easy Lucy

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  8. Aw, seeing this post made me so happy and kind of emotional! My family home is near here and we spent many weekends when I was a child having picnics here and visiting the farm shop! :)

    Style Sunrise☀

    :)
    x

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    1. How lucky to have this near your home, such a beautiful place to visit. Hope you are settling well in London Lucy x

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  9. I love Chatsworth House, it's been ten years since I visited but reading this has brought it all back! I especially love the gardens :) xx

    Toasty

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    1. Glad that it bought back happy memories the gardens are beautiful Lucy x

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  10. Lucy, this is so amazing!!! I want there, too. Never heard about this place. So thankful to you, my love! So glad for you! Kisses, Liuba x

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    1. Thanks Liuba, hope you have had a good week Lucy x

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  11. Oh Lucy, Chatsworth House is one of my very favourite places! Have you ever been to their Christmas markets? They're amazing. I adore Derbyshire too and being in Yorkshire I'm only a stones throw away - very lucky! I'm glad you had a lovely time!

    Marie X
    www.titchytombie.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I haven't been at Christmas time but definitely will not I bet they do a wonderful Christmas market Lucy x

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  12. I love a good old stately home with gorgeous gardens. One of the best things about blogging is that I've read so many posts about gorgeous castles and mansions all over the country and I keep adding to my list of amazing places I want to go. Another one to add to that colossal list x

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    1. You will have to start ticking some of them off. This is definitely one of my favourites as it is so big and the gardens are well tendered for Lucy x

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  13. I was reading this thinking why have I heard of this? But then I realised I got it confused with the Chatsworth Estate on Shameless - definitely NOT the same thing! This is a stunning place, it's insane to think that people actually live there. x

    Josie’s Journal

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    1. Very different Josie but you made me chuckle could you imagine them living here. I don't think the gardens and house would stay beautiful for long Lucy x

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  14. Beautiful photos Lucy! This looks like an ideal spot for a summers day out :)

    Ash | Liakada

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    1. It really is perfect for a lazy weekend picnic Lucy x

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