Christmas at Chatsworth may be on many people’s bucket list of ‘things to do’, however those who love food may also need to add one more place to their must-visit list.
The Orangery shop stocks gifts and non-perishables, and is located in the house and can also be accessed from the garden.
However the real gem in my opinion, is the Chatsworth Farm Shop, not on the estate but a mini-trek away.
I made the journey from the House to the Farm Shop and what I discovered made me feel as if I was in heaven.
Seemingly endless rows of shelves were filled with locally sourced, artisan produce. A personal highlight were fresh pastries and fist-sized scones, quite possibly the largest I have ever seen.
I picked up a few treats including a Chatsworth Bloomer loaf of bread, mince pies (no it’s not too early) and morello cherry jam.
I could easily have spent hours in there, perusing delicious bakes, fresh catches of the day from the fish counter and more.
I was transported back to my childhood when my grandfather would take me to the market to buy fish. I remember a helpful fishmonger pointing out his recommendations of chunky steaks of hake and it sent me on a trip down memory lane.
The farm shop itself is a little slice of Chatsworth history.
It was first established by Duchess Deborah in 1977 who was on a mission to sell high-quality produce sourced from the estate, and trusted suppliers to locals.
In fact it was Duchess Deborah who insisted many of her own family recipes were used in the kitchens including bread and pudding.
She is reported to have always been in the farm shop kitchen, tasting what was being made and being the key figure-head to drive the farm shop to the thriving business it is today.
Over the years, the multi-award winning shop has gained critical acclaim, accolades include Midlands winner at Farm Shop & Deli Show Awards.
I cannot wait to visit again, it was really busy when I visited at around 1pm, but that may have been down to the lunch-time rush for hungry souls seeking a freshly made sarnie or picnic bits.
Good to know visiting Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop
Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop is two miles or a five minute drive from Chatsworth House. It is worth bearing in mind that the house and farm shop have different postcodes:
- Chatsworth House, Bakewell DE45 1PP
- Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop, Pilsley, Bakewell DE45 1UF
So if you were thinking of visiting both, be prepared to travel.
The distance in miles may be short, however it is an approximate 40 minute trek on foot.
Here are a few photos from my visit to the farm shop. If you’ve been, I would love to know what you thought of the farm shop. Get in touch by emailing [email protected] and we’ll take a look.
17. Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop
Pilsley, Bakewell DE45 1UF | Ria Ghei
18. Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop
Pilsley, Bakewell DE45 1UF | Ria Ghei