Chatsworth to open for winter season after visitor numbers decimated by Covid-19 restrictions

It comes after a difficult year, which has seen visitor numbers decimated through enforced closures and the loss of its hugely popular Christmas season.

Between March and November, the Derbyshire estate has welcomed fewer than half its usual number of visitors.

In line with most historic properties, the ‘closed season’ is traditionally taken to refresh, renew and repair before opening for the new season in March.

But this year, the house will open on January 16, with a slightly shorter visitor route as the north wing with the great dining room and sculpture gallery will be closed for conservation.

The garden will open on January 1 and the popular festive illuminations will remain until January 31.

The farmyard and adventure playground will open every weekend from January 23 as well as the February half term.

Jonathan Fish, Chatsworth marketing manager, said: “Having been closed for large parts of 2020, and having to restrict numbers when we have been open, we want to be able to welcome those people who have not had the chance to visit this year.

“We have historically closed from early January to late March for essential conservation and development works, however the enforced closures during 2020 mean that much of this work has been carried out ahead of schedule, allowing the estate to open during the late winter and early spring months.

“The charity that maintains Chatsworth, the Chatsworth House Trust, relies on ticket sales for its income.

"This has been severely impacted in 2020, so it is hoped this new winter season will also help support the trust.”

Restaurants and shops in the stables, house, garden and farmyard will also be open through the winter season subject to government restrictions and with safety measures in place.

Anyone planning to visit is advised to check the Chatsworth website before travelling for all the latest opening news and hours, with online booking essential.

For more information, visit www.chatsworth.org.