Chatsworth announces Winter Programme with activities to inspire all ages

From insightful talks into the history of the estate and the Devonshire collections through to printmaking and bookbinding workshops, Chatsworth is encouraging visitors to explore all the estate has to offer this winter - and learn new skills along the way.

This season marks the return of the hugely popular Winter Talks series, with each talk providing a fascinating insight into the history, workings and management of the estate. On 16 January, Steve Porter, Chatsworth’s Head of Gardens and Landscape, will take visitors on a journey through the history of the last 500 years of the Chatsworth Garden. The talk explores the characters, moments and ideas that have shaped the landscape over five centuries, looking to the future as the estate balances history with sustainability and connection to nature.

On 6 March, visitors will be able to join Chatsworth Estate Ecologist Edmund Austin to discover how a recent bio-acoustic survey unveiled previously undocumented wildlife living on the estate, alongside the important work undertaken to monitor bird populations and manage critical habitats. For those looking to learn more about the house and its collections, a talk on Cardinal Consalvi and The Devonshire Collection on 20 February will shed light on the connection between Chatsworth and 19th-century Rome – and the influences you can still see today.

As well as educational talks from Chatsworth’s expert team, Chatsworth House Trust, the charity that looks after the house, garden, collections, woodlands, and park for everyone’s enjoyment, will also be hosting a variety of hands-on creative workshops designed for art enthusiasts of all abilities, helping visitors to develop new skills over the winter season and beyond.

On 31 January, the Sustainable Intaglio Printmaking Workshop will take place in The Old Potting Shed, where participants will learn intaglio inking and printing techniques, working with an etching press to create a series of unique prints. Those looking to embrace a new skill can also attend the Introduction to Hardback Bookbinding on 7 March, with the expert-led, beginner-friendly workshop teaching the French Sewn method of binding a handmade A5 notebook.

Meanwhile, a Learn to Draw in Six Weeks course will take place from 8 January to 12 February, with the immersive workshops led by experienced artist and teacher Kim Binney. Budding artists will be guided through a range of drawing techniques, from understanding tools to mastering observational drawing. All talks and workshops have been thoughtfully curated to inspire learning and engagement, encouraging visitors to learn something new during the coldest months of the year.

This year, Chatsworth will also be supporting local artists by welcoming back the Peak District Artisans Showcase from 26 January to 1 March at the Stables Gift Shop. Established in 1991, Peak District Artisans is an association of some of the finest professional artists, designer makers, and contemporary artisans based in and around the Derbyshire Peak District. 21 members will showcase their work, from watercolour, ink and acrylic paintings to three-dimensional basketry, weaving and glasswork. All works on display will be available to purchase.

For Chatsworth’s youngest visitors, Stand Wood provides the perfect environment to stimulate imaginations over the winter. From sensory trails and prehistoric plant discoveries to hands-on minibeast hunts, the woodland is free to access and has plenty for the whole family to enjoy.

Chatsworth’s Farmyard and Adventure Playground will also reopen for half-term, from 14 – 22 February, where families can meet a host of friendly farm animals and enjoy the woodland playground’s climbing towers, racing slides, zip wire, and sand and water play.

Rosie Eagleton, Chatsworth Public Programme Manager, said: “Our winter programme has been carefully designed to inspire and to spark the imaginations of visitors of all ages, providing the opportunity for them to discover new skills or delve deeper into an existing interest over the winter months.

“There are so many opportunities to get involved and enjoy the estate at the start of the year. Everyone at Chatsworth, including our network of local artists and tutors, is passionate about their subjects and eager to share their knowledge and expertise.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to explore all that Chatsworth has to offer this winter.”

Parking at Chatsworth is free of charge until 19 March, allowing visitors to explore Chatsworth’s free-to-access parkland and woodland. Many of the cafés, restaurants and shops will also remain open through the winter, including the estate farm shop – details of opening times are available on the Chatsworth website.

The series of insightful talks start from just £15 per person including tea and coffee and free on-site parking. Every penny generated by ticket sales and memberships, including the winter activities programme, goes directly to the Chatsworth House Trust, to maintain Chatsworth for everyone to enjoy.

For more information including timings and prices, visit: www.chatsworth.org/events