Chatsworth re-opens with exciting spring events and National Year of Reading celebration
The celebratory book exhibition will showcase iconic literary works including the first edition of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice and letters from Charles Dickens.
Chatsworth is gearing up for a spring reopening ready to welcome visitors with an exciting series of events.
The historic estate is set to reopen the house, garden and farmyard for the 2026 season in a celebration of literature to mark the National Year of Reading, alongside new events and returning fan favourites.
Celebrating the National Year of Reading – a UK-wide campaign by the Department for Education aimed at encouraging reading in everyday life – this year’s exhibition is House of Stories: Tales from the Chatsworth Library.
It 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 designed to inspire more people to make reading a regular part of their lives.
This includes sessions such as Chatsworth in Seven Objects on May 12.
Here, literature fans take a deep dive into Chatsworth’s fascinating history through items from the Devonshire Collections.
Visitors can also learn new skills from hands-on workshops, from creating a personalised Ex Libris book stamp, to book-binding and mono printing from nature.
Chatsworth’s hugely popular Celebrating Jane Austen: Regency Festival will also return from June 12 to 14, once again offering a varied range of activities each day.
These include 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.
To complement this year’s focus on literature and the benefits of reading, Chatsworth will also host a selection of wellness events.
These are aimed at helping visitors immerse themselves in nature, from Cascade Flow Yoga and Forest Bathing in Stand Wood, to the new Chatsworth Wellness Festival on June 27-28.
Annual favourites also return, including the Country Fair, Family Festival and the spectacular immersive Christmas experience and market, completing a year-long programme of events and experiences for all ages and interests.
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.
“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.”
For more information on the events being held at Chatsworth throughout the next 12 months click here.
Chatsworth events 2026
Here are some of the events taking place at Chatsworth over this year.
- House of Stories: Tales from the Chatsworth Library | 21 March – 4 October 2026
- Chatsworth Family Festival | 23 -25 May 2026
- Chatsworth Garden & Plant Fair | 5 – 7 June 2026
- Celebrating Jane Austen | 12 – 14 June 2026
- Chatsworth Wellness Festival | 27 – 28 June 2026
- Classic Ibiza | 11 July 2026
- Farm Shop Summer Food Fair | 24- 26 July 2026
- Chatsworth Country Fair | 4 – 6 September 2026
- Christmas Market | 7 November – 13 December 2026
- Christmas at Chatsworth | 7 November 2026 – 3 January 2027