Oh Dickens! It’s Christmas at Chatsworth

Oh Dickens! It’s Christmas at Chatsworth

11 November 2017–7 January 2018

 Last week, I was invited with my family to attend Oh Dickens! It’s Christmas at Chatsworth.

It was a cold, crisp morning, the grounds were stunning and we were able to see all the animals freely roaming the fields on our approach to the house. We arrived around 9.30am which meant we were able to avoid queues in the grounds and in the car park. This also gave us to chance to do a spot of shopping at the Christmas market. There seemed to be a lot more stalls around the market this year and boy were we spoilt for choice. Oh, and we had a lovely breakfast roll on our way round – before heading off to see the house in all its Dickensian splendour.

We walked towards the house and found these amazing Dickens-inspired silhouettes (below). There was everything from Oliver Twist to Scrooge. My son was having great fun trying to emulate them.

There was already a large queue forming but we were fortunate enough to bypass this with our press pass but I do believe that if you become Friend/Member of Chatsworth then you will also be afforded this little luxury.

Once we entered the house, it simply took our breath away and most definitely didn’t disappoint. As we entered the foyer of the house, we were greeted by the stunning ‘book man’. The artwork was made from old books carved, pleated and folded by collections technician, Luke Stones. My son loved this!

There was everything from Victorian shop fronts to an upside-down Christmas tree display, and there was even a model of Charles Dickens in the Painted Hall.

Oh, and we can’t forget Scrooge sat shivering in his four posted bed (which was kind of creepy) but my son didn’t seem to mind, he was giggling his head off! This particular scene is where Scrooge is confronted by Marley’s friendly ghost (projected in the room). Similar projections and lighting were also used around the house which really helped bring the story to life.

I can’t even begin to tell you how magical this place is and, dare I say it, it just gets better every year! This was definitely my favourite of all the themes from past events. We were simply blown away just by how enchanting the house looked. The Chatsworth Team have definitely excelled themselves this year.

Arguably the most impressive of all was The Great Dining Room set for Miss Havisham’s wedding feast from Great Expectations. Miss Havisham also had a lovely chat with my son which helped bring the magical theme to life – so he was delighted.

We were also advised on entry to keep an keep an eye out for a little stuffed dog named ‘Bullseye’ from Oliver Twist. My son took great pleasure in spotting these throughout the visit, one of the little canine cuties was also perched on this huge dining table (below). Once we had found them all, we obviously had to purchase one from The Orangery Gift shop on our way through to the gardens.

After I had taken at least 300 photos in the house (and  trust me, I could have carried on doing this because there is not one room, not one corner of the house that doesn’t take your breath away) we headed off to the gardens.

Every year, the plan is to look around the market first thing, get into the house around 10am then head to the gardens and farm park, but in previous years my son has been too tired and only managed the first two. We often frequent the farm park as my son loves it and I think it is most definitely one of the best adventure playgrounds in the Midlands. But as he was still full of beans, we only had a quick stroll around the adventure park in order to then explore the gardens – this Christmas was such a treat.

We spent the remainder of the day chasing each other around the garden’s maze, exploring the underground tunnels and climbing the rocks and stairs which are darted around the grounds. I have always loved Chatsworth House and its estate but, after this weekend, I have fallen in love with it even more. Every year we find so many more magical things to do and it is, without doubt, my favourite place to visit.

 So all I can really  say is, you must visit the house this Christmas! Hopefully my photos will help to tell some of the story but, believe me, I could have added so many more.

The Chatsworth Christmas Market has now finished but if you are planning to visit the house during the festive season and see this stunning Dickensian event then please see further details below:

For ticket information please visit – Christmas at Chatsworth 

For more information visit www.chatsworth.org

If you have already visited the house, then I’d love to hear from you and be even more delighted to see your photos, so why not tag me in on social media; @northernnewmum with the hashtag #ChatsworthatChristmas

 

Oh Dickens! It’s Christmas at Chatsworth

Oh Dickens! It’s Christmas at Chatsworth

11 November 2017–7 January 2018

This festive season, Chatsworth celebrate some of Charles Dickens’ best loved works. Discover the splendour and squalor of Dickensian London, with Victorian shop fronts, the London Docks, Scrooge’s bed and much, much more all dressed for Christmas. Fagin, Bill Sikes and Miss Havisham will help bring the theme to life delighting all ages.

I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.
Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Credit: Chatsworth House Trust

You will see the house transformed complete with lavish costumes, beautiful decorations, wonderful stage sets and a few fantastic surprises in store, sure to captivate all who visit.

Credit: Chatsworth House Trust

You will have the opportunity to try on dozens of character costumes so don’t forget to share your photos  – #ChristmasatChatsworth

Credit: Chatsworth House Trust

There will be something for everyone to enjoy. Why not get Christmas shopping off to an early start with a visit to the Christmas market with over 100 stalls of gifts for the whole family.

Chatsworth Christmas market runs from Friday 17 November to Tuesday 5 December. The price of the timed Christmas tickets varies depending on whether you choose to visit:

On a weekday during the Christmas market
On a weekend during the Christmas market
Outside of the Christmas market

For ticket information please visit – Christmas at Chatsworth 

For more information, visit www.chatsworth.org

So, if you’re planning to visit Chatsworth this festive season, or if you have beat me to it and already visited the house, then I’d love to hear from you and be even more delighted to see your photos, so why not tag me in on social media; @northernnewmum with the hashtag #ChatsworthatChristmas

BTCC at Brans Hatch GP – Ticket Giveaway and Scalextric Set

British Touring Car Championship – Brans Hatch GP

30th September 2017 –  1st October 2017

The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) is one of the best-loved, most illustrious and famous motor racing championships in the world. Only Formula 1 and America’s NASCAR stock car series have longer histories and since its inception in 1958 it has attracted and captivated millions of fans around the world.

Saloon car racing was a huge success from the very start, with the public packing into Britain’s motor sport venues to watch the top drivers of the day compete in racing versions of their road cars at simply unbelievable speeds. It’s a lasting appeal that to this day continues to deliver a punch and panache that is the envy of every other motor sporting arena in the UK.

The BTCC will be held at one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues, Brands Hatch, in the historic county of Kent. Brands Hatch plays host to a multitude of prestigious motorsport events on both two and four wheels. The race track has been there since 1926, when the land was first used for grass track bike racing. In those days, competitors ran anti-clockwise, but the direction of the circuit was switched in 1954.

Brands Hatch’s unique combination of dips, cambers, fearsome corners and hills means it is still one of the world’s favourite racing circuits, and continues to go from strength to strength.

To celebrate this weekends’ British Touring Car Championship, we have 2 tickets to the BTCC (adult entry 13+) on Sunday 1st October plus a Scalextric BTCC Touring Car Set. You can enjoy a great family day out as kids go free so why not take them along for the ride!

To be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize simply answer the following question in the comments section below:

In which county is the BTCC being held this year?

 

Prize details:

2 x Adult tickets (13+) – kids go free RRP £54.00 (winner must make their own way to event -DA3 8NG )

1 x Scalextric BTCC Touring Car Set RRP £99.00

Key Features – 4 Track Layout, Speed Limiter Controller, Lap Counter
Supplied with a UK transformer
Space Required: 191 x 132cm
Track Length: 484cm
Scale: 1:32
Age Suitability: 5+

Closing date for the giveaway is Thursday 28th September 2017. A winner will be chosen at random from the correct answer given and will be informed via email on the closing date. The winner must be able to make their own way to the venue.

 

Chatsworth Country Fair 2017

Chatsworth Country Fair

Dates: Friday 1, Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September 2017

I was fortunate enough to attend the Chatsworth Country Fair on Friday 1st September which meant I was able to see Paul Hollywood, the celebrity chef, demonstrating in the Aga Rangemaster Cookery Theatre. Any of the other lucky visitors to the fair would have also been able to see Mary Berry on Saturday and also John Torode on Sunday (amongst others) over the weekend.

As many of my readers know, I am a huge foodie, so to be given the opportunity to see Paul Hollywood and sample the delights Derbyshire had to offer pleased me immensely!

 I was also very excited about the other advertised events at the show, which included the hugely popular household cavalry and a parachute display from Jump4Heroes. Also appearing in the Grand Ring was the amazing Dzhigitovka – The Way of the Cossack Warrior and The White Helmets.

My family and I arrived at around 9.30am on Friday, although (like every year) we had big plans to show up earlier to see the hot air balloons in take off. And (like every year) we were running late waiting for my son to mobilise – and were worried that we may have missed them. Fortunately, due to the early morning mist – which was stunning to see over the Chatsworth Estate, the balloons were in flight later than scheduled.

We were running all around the grounds trying to get the best shots of my son’s favourite ones.

We had a lovely walk around the fairground, the old fashioned helter skelter was amazing and my son loved it. In fact, we were all brave enough to slide down it. My decent was speedier than expected and my landing wasn’t very graceful but it was lots of fun. My son was also delighted to meet a magician whilst walking around the fairground, he was fascinated by his tricks and games. We also had a go on hook-a-duck and my little guy won himself a lovely little yellow monkey.

We purchased a program on site to ensure we knew what time the shows and demonstrations were on, and also to scope where we could escape for a cheeky glass of bubbly and a spot of lunch. We definitely needed the program as the site is huge and, as always, I was worried I was going to miss out on something!

There were over 200 trade stands to peruse. The food village (my favourite area) was packed with delicious locally sourced produce, lots of yummy samples to try and a tipple or two of your favourite drinks; such as speciality ciders, slow gin, wines and champagnes. I was in heaven!

For lunch we opted for a stone baked pizza, together with a lovely chilled glass of champagne. We sampled everything from chilli cheese, to curried sausages and giant meringues. I literally wanted to eat/buy everything.

On the grounds, we were able to view new cars, antique cars, clothing, childrens toys, outdoor wear and luxury garden furniture – to name but a few. There was everything you could want and more in the craft tents too.

The Chef demonstrations were scheduled at set times throughout the day and the tent was very busy, with fans of Paul Hollywood (on the Friday) waiting to get some expert tips.

I was able to get a little picture (albeit a little blurred) and we also had the great surprise of randomly bumping into Alan Titchmarsh whilst wandering the grounds.

 After I’d eaten myself stupid and spied on some celebrity chefs, we headed off to the Grand Ring.

We watched the most amazing performance from Dzhigitovka – The Way of the Cossack Warrior. Their display was exceptional, the jumps they completed were breathtaking, it really was an experience. My son told me he wanted to be like them when he grows up and was waving at all the warriors and horses as they galloped past us, completing some amazing routines and tricks. 

Next up were the spectacular White Helmets who performed some very daring jumps and displays. They were so slick and professional, both the audience and my son looked on in amazement. 

The Jump4Heroes team were unbelievable, the fact that none of them missed their spot to land was incredible. We were also fortunate enough to chat with the display team after their jump because my son was fascinated by their parachutes they were carrying back.

There was so much to do at the Chatsworth Country Fair , and even though we were there all day we still felt as though we hadn’t seen everything. We wanted to try zorbing and clay pigeon shooting and also watch some more of the displays, but some of this proved difficult with a tired 5 year old in tow. We did, however, get to chance to have a go at archery, it was fab and maybe a hobby we’d all like to take up.

Should you wish to attend the show next year (I most definitely will) then the dates have already been announced for:

31st August – 2nd September 2018

… so go ahead and mark it down in your diary!

Because we had such an amazing time at the Chatsworth Country Fair, we thought we’d check out what’s happening at the house over the coming months. Here’s my pick of the best events that I will be attending.

Beyond Limits – Sotherby’s Exhibition at Chatsworth House – 15 September 2017–12 November 2017

Chatsworth House – Bonfire and Fireworks – 4 November 2017–5 November 2017

Christmas at Chatsworth – 11 November 2017–7 January 2018

Full Events Calendar

*Please note I was sent tickets for the fair for the purpose of this review, but all views are my own*

Smiggle – Where a smile meets a giggle

I was recently contacted by Smiggle about their back to school range and, on reviewing their range, there is so much more to this brand than just school stationery. I want to buy EVERYTHING on their site!

There are products such as funky ride-on suitcases, cool desk fans and fun party bags.

We were kindly sent a selection of these fantastic goodies for my son to try out and oh my was he excited!  

This Smiggle pencil case is ‘awesome’ (in my son’s words) because it has a funky dinosaur pattern on the case together with three separate zip compartments. One with a great selection of colourful felt tip pens, the other with coloured pencils (all branded with the cool the Smiggle logo) and the last compartment has pens, a ruler, rubber and a pencil sharpener – so all your creative requirements are contained in one compact portable case.

 

This is great because we have a planned a number of breaks away, which means we can grab some paper, together with this fab case, and my son will easily be entertained on a rainy day – or simply create his own masterpiece at home.

This pen is the envy of lots of my son’s friends. They picked it up and started practising some handwriting with it, not realising that if they pressed the button at the side of the pen the cool basketball head would pop off. This pen/toy is a great crossover for kids of all ages to enjoy.

We were also fortunate enough to receive this great little Smiggle wallet. My son doesn’t own a wallet but as it was his birthday this week, it definitely came in handy! He was given some money from friends and family and was over the moon to take ownership of ‘his pennies’ as he called them. The wallet has a velcro fastener and contains zip compartments for change and built in sleeves for the notes.

I would highly recommend the Smiggle range for whether it’s your kids’ first day back to school or just for having some fun and games at home with their friends. They would also make really fun and practical gifts.

To view the full Smiggle product portfolio, which includes their Back to School range – ‘where school starts, dreams begin’ – then please visit the following site – Smiggle

Disclosure: We were sent the above items for purpose of the review but all views are my own.

Chatsworth Country Fair – 1st, 2nd, 3rd September 2017

 

Chatworth Country Fair takes place on Friday 1, Saturday 2, Sunday 3 September 2017

Whirlwinds on horseback set to thrill at
Chatsworth Country Fair

Death-defying and jaw-dropping feats of skill and courage performed on horses at full gallop by legendary Cossack Warriors will be seen for the first time at this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair.

The three-day celebration of the countryside set in the beautiful Chatsworth parkland is offering a feast of family entertainment, from the whirlwind that is Dzhigitovka! – The Way of the Cossack Warrior, to what is set to be one of the very last displays by the army’s world famous motorcycle display team, The White Helmets, before they are disbanded at the end of the summer.

Today, the equestrian art of Dzhigitovka, which sees the rider leaping from his horse at full gallop or sliding under its belly, is practised as a sport by the distant descendants of the Cossack Warriors. But, three centuries ago, it was a military technique that allowed the riders to dodge bullets and arrows and attack the enemy where least expected. In traditional costume, the Cossacks will be a highlight of the Grand Ring programme, which runs from 10.45am to approximately 6.30pm each day.

Founded in 1927, The British Army’s White Helmets, made up of volunteers from the Royal Signals, owe their heritage to the daring dispatch riders of the First World War who, with skills honed on the battlefront, began to perform tricks by pitching their motorcycles against horses at their base in Yorkshire.

Now, after 90 years, the display team is being disbanded to make way for a more modern presentation of the Royal Signals in a digital age. With Chatsworth set to be one of the very last chances to see these highly skilled riders perform their crowd-pleasing routine of tricks, it should be an occasion to remember.

The iconic Second World War planes of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flypast will return to the skies of Derbyshire, whilst Jump4Heroes, the British Legion’s Extreme Human Flight Team, will be dropping into the arena trailing smoke and flying flags.

Weather permitting, visitors will also get to see the majestic sight of one of the country’s largest hot air balloon lifts setting off each day in the early morning and at dusk across the river Derwent and parkland.

In this celebration of the countryside, animals naturally take a starring role, whether it’s the adorable ponies taking part in the high-speed Mounted Games, the terrier race and hounds parade, CJ with her birds of prey or the popular Dog and Duck Show.

There is loads on offer for children too, whether it’s joining the Band of The Royal Logistics Corps for the traditional Children’s March Past; taking part in ‘Scufts’, the family fun dog show, or all manner of active fun – from zorbing and climbing to bouncing and balancing.

Banana Brain Fun Shows • Pony Rides • Bouncy Castle • Vintage Fairground • Wow Water – Zorb Balls • Exotic Animal Encounters • Bumper Boats • Highline Adventure – Climbing Wall and Spider Mountain • Low Ropes • Target Golf

It’s not just kids that can get stuck in though. There’s loads for visitors of all ages to try from laser and clay pigeon shooting and archery to fly fishing tuition.

• Clay Pigeons • .22 Rifles • Air Field Target • Air Rifles • Archery • Catapults • Crossbows • Family Fun Dog Show • Ferrets • Fly Casting • Gundog Scurry • Laser Sporting Shoot • Lurcher Events • Muzzle Loaders • RAFAT Simulator • Regency Rifles • The ‘A’ Squadron “Battle Range” • Target Golf •

Always a crowd favourite is the chance to experience first-hand some of the nation’s favourite chefs whipping up delicious culinary delights. This year, there is a mouth watering line-up of talent led by Paul Hollywood (Friday), Mary Berry CBE (Saturday) and John Torode and Lisa Faulkner (Sunday), along with some fantastic local chefs showcasing their talents all set in the foodie haven of the Fine Food Village.

Gates open at 9am each day, with a closing ceremony at 6.30pm.

For more information on the event and to book a ticket, please visit www.chatsworth.org/events

Win Tickets to Chatsworth Country Fair

Mind-blowing sword skills from legendary Cossack warriors and delicious live cookery demonstrations from popular TV chefs Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, John Torode and Lisa Faulkner are just some of the fantastic acts topping the bill at this year’s Chatsworth Country Fair, taking place from 1-3 September 2017.

Other attractions include The White Helmets motorcycle display team, the iconic RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Fly Past, as well as exciting animal demonstrations and acres of trade stands.

On the gate prices for adults are £25 per day, with children aged 14 and under getting in free. Some fantastic offers are available for advance booking including an Early Bird discount of 15 percent available until midnight 31 July. Free parking for online booking and members’ packages are also available.

CLICK HERE for your chance to win two adult tickets for entry to the fair on either Friday 1st September, Saturday 2nd September or Sunday 3rd September 2017. Free entry for children under 14.

Closing date for the giveaway is Monday 7th August 2017.

For more information visit: www.chatsworthcountryfair.co.uk

Chatsworth Country Fair Facebook
Chatsworth Country Fair Twitter

 

 

 

Restaurant Review – De Rodes Arms, Chesterfield

Last month I was contacted and asked to review the (recently refurbished) De Rodes Arms, Chesterfield. The De Rodes Arms wanted to know our thoughts on the refurbishment and the new menu that has been introduced.

As most of my friends, family and followers will know, I am food mad. I talk about food as soon as my eyes open in a morning and the last thing at night when my head hits the pillow, so this email request made me ONE HAPPY LADY. We decided to dine over the weekend (Saturday 1st April) and we took my toddler along for the ride.

 I didn’t really know what to expect and the Trip Advisor reviews were not that kind if I’m being honest (with a different chain) and if my memory serves, it pointed to typical pub grub with nothing particular of note.

So it’s probably fair to say that I didn’t have particularly high expectations from a ‘chain’ pub/restaurant, before we arrived.

When we arrived in the Reception area, we were a little confused as to where to order food and drinks and how the ordering process worked but once we had been to the bar the staff explained at little more.  You order the starters and then take a bleeper to your table, this will go off once your starters are ready and they can be collected from the pizza section.

We our took at seat and had a look at the menus whilst enjoying a nice glass of Pinot Grigio. My son loved the dinosaur kids menu together with the dinosaur drawing/activity sheet and crayons he was given – so that was a nice touch as it’s often difficult to find restaurants that endeavour to keep the kids happy and entertained.

We decided to order a couple of starters which were pigs in blankets and black pepper mushrooms with a blue cheese sauce. My son went for fish fingers and when the food was ready at the pizza section we were advised to go and help ourselves to everything else. I decided I wanted a carvery for my main and was given a ticket to go up whenever I was ready.

So whilst waiting for our meals, I explored the building and, I have to say, I thought the decor was colourful, warm and welcoming.

The beeper then went off on the table and my son thought it was hilarious to answer the bleeper like a telephone.

 My son decided he wanted some chips and beans with his fish fingers so I popped up to collect them and served the beans from this great selection below, together with the chips from the carvery section.

I did try and encourage him to try the fab salad bar that we could also use – but he was definitely not in a ‘trying new food’ mood.

The salad bar looked great and had a good selection of dressings to choose from.

On to the main event – feast your eyes on this amazing selection! From the carvery, you could choose from Steak and Ale Pie, Sausages, Half a Roast Chicken, Gammon, Turkey or Beef. I was really impressed with this selection as I was with the sides which were on offer, such as green beans and cauliflower cheese together with your usual carrots and peas. There was also creamy mashed potato and beautifully crisp roast potatoes. I was spoilt for choice!

Luca was pretty thrilled at being provided with his free activity sheet and crayons, which kept him entertained whilst enjoying his fish fingers, chips and beans.

Here was my plateful. I opted for both beef and turkey but I was also offered a sausage which my son soon swiped off my plate. The roast potatoes were so nice and crispy and were definitely not ready made from the freezer. The mash was lovely and creamy and the vegetables still had a nice bite to them. There was also the option to have onion gravy or just the standard…. so I had a bit of both.

I could then have added anything else I wished, such as chips, beans, mushy peas – basically anything that was available in the restaurant. Our lunches were very tasty and you can get a lot on your plate, so to ‘go large’ would definitely have put me in a food coma.

Along with the traditional carveries that are served all week, you can also order pizzas or burgers – which I have to say looked very tempting when I saw them come out. As with our meals, you then go up to help yourself to the salad bar, chips and or veggies again.

Dessert time – I opted for a strawberry and cream cheesecake, it was super rich and tasted amazing. It was very creamy and the biscuit base still had a crunch to it, nothing soggy in sight. I would possibly have preferred a little scoop of ice cream with mine rather than the squirty cream, but it was still lovely nonetheless.

My son opted for the smiley face custard. He had spotted this as soon as he opened the menu and told me that’s all he wanted, no dinner just that initially – ha ha. I don’t actually think he processed what it was, he just pointed to the picture and said, ‘I want that!’ So when it arrived, lets just say he was super excited. It was creamy custard with a chocolate button and sauce face – he was delighted!

After dessert, Luca wanted to have a look around and spotted the ice cream and sprinkles station, the sweet shop and toy grabber, so of course I was talked into everything. These were really cute additions to a traditional restaurant – and definitely not something you’d do all the time, but for a treat – this is a kid’s paradise.

I also must add that all the staff were very friendly and attentive. We were always asked whether we required another drink, they enquired about our food and made a real fuss of my son, which he loved.

After lunch, we popped outside to the front of restaurant where there is an area with patio tables – just a shame there wasn’t a little children’s slide as maybe my son would have stayed a little longer, but it definitely didn’t stop him from having fun.

I went to settle the bill which came to a total of £42.73. This included 2x starters, 3x mains, 3x desserts and we had alcoholic drinks plus my son had a soft drink. We thought this price was incredibly reasonable for a meal for three people. The menu choices and prices really surprised me, the standard carvery is £5.99 pp with an option to go large and the starters and desserts range between £3-£4.00, kids meals are also around £3-£4.00.

This is great value and knowing you could have a meal and drink with a friend for under £20.00, well I think these prices are very hard to beat elsewhere.

So to conclude, we loved the restaurant, the food was tasty, great value for money and we can’t wait to return!

For more information on De Rodes, Derbyshire, then please visit their website here: The De Rodes Arms, Chesterfield.

I was asked to review the restaurant by The De Rodes Arms. All views are my own.

Easter at Chatsworth

Easter at Chatsworth

8 April 2017 –  23 April 2017

Last week we were kindly invited to attend Easter at Chatsworth.

We arrived on the impressive grounds of Chatsworth at around 11.00am and it was a stunning, sunny morning. We were all super excited and didn’t know what to do first. Our pass allowed us to visit the farmyard, house and gardens – so we were spoilt for choice. We knew there was going to be huge Easter Egg hunts, Eggspress Trailer rides, and hands-on spring activities for those who visit Chatsworth this Easter.

We asked the kids what they wanted to do first so they sprinted towards the farmyard and adventure playground area. They loved seeing the chickens and ducks roaming freely through the park and spotting the names of the animals, such as this lovely lady, Jasmine.

There was also an area in which the kids could meet some of the animals, which included learning how to milk a cow, meeting some baby chicks and the opportunity to brush the guinea pigs – which the kids loved (and which prompted, “Mummy, can we buy a guinea pig?”).

Whenever we visit Chatsworth playground, my son always has to stop first to ride on the mini tractors and see the chickens – I’m guessing he was having a whale of a time from this photo! ha ha.

So off they sprinted towards the park to let off some steam in the adventure playground. I cannot tell you how magical this playground is! There are areas where the children can play in the sand and also fetch water from the nearby stream. There is also super speedy slide together with lots of rope bridges for the kids to run along. This area has something for children (and adults) of all ages.

There are also lots of areas where you can sit and eat and share your lunch with the local ducks wondering around the park, so we had a little picnic before setting off on our next adventure.

We decided to head off to the gardens as we had heard that there were some extra special Easter Eggs to find ….and the kids were SO egg-cited! Of course we had to collect an ice-cream on our way there too.

When we reached the garden entrance, the kids were given a map of the gardens so they knew what places to point out, such as the maze and the water fountain.

We had never visited the gardens before, as the children are usually too tired after running around the adventure playground or the house, so this was a massive surprise to us. I hadn’t realised just how enormous the gardens were and how utterly breath-taking they are. There was lots to see and explore, including the water fountain which the kids loved as it kept spraying them.

Along our route there were lots of interesting things for the kids to spot, such as the ‘wonky bushes’ as the kids called them, the waterfall and this elephant statue.

The most exciting part was that there were loads of gorgeous, sparkly Easter Eggs hidden amongst the gardens and they couldn’t get enough of them. Although, kids being kids, they want to try and get the egg and smash it open and my friend and I had to explain that they weren’t Kinder eggs and we can’t break them!

This egg was the most precious egg to them as they had to climb a little to get to it. It was hidden really well so they were delighted when they were able to tick this off their list.

 After all the egg hunting we were about to head off to the house to explore further, but realise that the children were exhausted. We had been on the grounds for 4 hours so their little legs were tired and, to be quite honest, my feet were aching too.

We had an amazing day and the weather was very kind to us too. Fortunately we remembered the sun cream as the kids were outdoors for pretty much the whole day.

As I always say when I visit Chatsworth, it is simply stunning and takes my breath away every time. We always manage to find new places to explore and, as usual, we didn’t get to do everything we wanted as all that fun and sun wiped us all out.

If you have the time and you want to see Derbyshire at its best, then you must make sure your visit Chatsworth House and Gardens during the Easter holidays.

For ticket details, please visit Easter at Chatsworth or for more information, visit www.chatsworth.org

*Please note, we were sent tickets to visit the house and gardens for purpose of this review but all views are my own.

Easter at Chatsworth – Ticket Giveaway

Easter at Chatsworth

8 April 2017 –  23 April 2017

Huge Easter Egg hunts, Eggspress Trailer rides, and hands-on spring activities are just some of the treats in store for those who visit Chatsworth this Easter.

 

Spread across the house, garden and farmyard, there’s something for visitors of all ages to enjoy at Chatsworth this Easter holiday. As well as the hugely popular Easter Egg hunts taking place several times a day in the fields adjoining the farmyard, visitors can also take a ride on the Easter Eggspress trailer ride through the park.

There will be animal sessions in the farmyard where visitors can see newborn lambs and chicks, before letting off steam in the adventure playground.

 

For ticket information please visit – Easter at Chatsworth 

CLICK HERE for your chance to a win a family pass (2 adults, 3 children ) to attend Easter at Chatsworth

Closing date for the giveaway is 31th March 2017.

For more information, visit www.chatsworth.org

 

Christmas at Chatsworth – The Nutcracker

Christmas at Chatsworth – The Nutcracker

5 November 2016 – 3 January 2017

 Last week, my family and I were kindly invited to attend Christmas at Chatsworth – The Nutcracker.

It was a cold, crisp morning, the grounds were stunning and we were able to see all the animals freely roaming the fields on our approach to the house. We arrived around 10.00am which meant we were able to avoid queues in the grounds and in the car park. This also gave us to chance to explore the Chatsworth estate, gift shop and grab a coffee – before heading off to the house to see The Nutcracker.

My son was very excited as we told him to keep his eyes peeled for the Nutcrackers around the house. The staff were also dressed accordingly for the Nutcracker theme, including some beautiful Ballerinas. We were advised by the Chatsworth staff to keep an eye out for the toy mice which were hiding around the house (we had to count the number of them hidden in each room, which my son loved).

As soon as we entered the house, we were in awe of the amazing decorations. There were SO many Christmas trees around the route of the Nutcracker tour, simply breathtaking.

 

Whilst on the look out for the toy mice, we came across this stunning room which was gingerbread themed. There was a sweet train that went all around the gingerbread house and there were stunning Christmas trees that were decorated with gingerbread men and candy canes.

The tour took us around the house, up the stairs and to a dressing-up room, and then onto ‘the Ballerina bath’. I can’t tell you just how incredible the house is, it absolutely took our breath away. From the stunning artwork on the ceilings to the amazing windows and statues around the house.

Once we had counted the mice, we arrived at the end of the tour where children could write a wish on a tag and place it on the wishing tree, which was really quite sweet. This is where you could see the ballerinas projected onto the walls and, my son’s favourite part, where he got to hold hands with one of the actual ballerinas.

On your way out of the tour you enter the Orangery where the gift shop is. The gift shop gives you the opportunity to buy some Nutcracker goodies (which we did, we bought the book and of course a toy mouse ) along with Chatsworth Farm merchandise and some lovely jewellery, books etc. Some great gifts for all ages.

It was still a little cold outside so we had a short wander around the gardens and then headed for some lunch in the restaurant. After lunch we had a short walk up to the farmyard and play area. This place is amazing, there is lots of fun to be had for all ages. The farm was brilliant as it gave us all an opportunity to stroke a sheep, see the piglets feeding from their mother and we play on the small tractor track, which my son thoroughly enjoyed – along with excitedly pointing out all the chickens on the park.

In summary, we had an amazing day out, in particular the tour of the house and the Nutcracker experience. The farmyard and playground are SO much fun too. Everyone needs to experience the house tour at Christmas, when it is at its most magical.

For ticket information please visit – Christmas at Chatsworth 

For more information, visit www.chatsworth.org

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*Please note my family and I were sent tickets to visit the house for the purpose of this review, but all views are my own*