Chatsworth's historic sheep will greet families on half-term holiday

Jacob sheep have taken up residence in the farmyard paddocks at Chatsworth. Photo by Chatsworth House Trust.

Ewes and lambs from the historic Jacob breed have relocated from the estate farm to the paddocks in the farmyard to join the goats in an area newly opened to visitors.

The distinctive piebald sheep has a long association with Chatsworth, stretching back over 250 years of grazing the estate’s parkland. Historical references to the Jacob, whose origins are in the Middle East, date back to the Old Testament, making it possible the oldest sheep of its kind in the world.

Chatsworth farmyard manager Melissa Underwood said: “We are excited to have the Jacob sheep here to settle in before half-term and we’re sure they’ll be a popular addition for all our visitors. We are also all very excited about the arrivals of lambs from the flock in the spring.”

Visitors will be able to hand feed the Jacob sheep and Bagot goats out in the paddocks, a new visitor area with beautiful views of the estate. Bags of feed will be available to purchase on site.

As well as the new arrivals, visitors throughout the half-term period, running until November 1, can meet the other friendly farmyard animals; enjoy spooky crafts in the Oak Barn and let off steam in the woodland adventure playground with its ropes, trampoline and slides.

The farmyard café is open serving food and drink as well as the gift shop offering pocket money toys too. The indoor picnic room has now reopened.

As part of the Covid-19 safety measures, capacity in the farmyard and playground is limited and advance booking of timed tickets online is essential. There is a choice of two daily three-hour sessions beginning at 10am and 1.30pm each day. Tickets are £7 per person and include parking (for up to five in a car), or £26 for a family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children.

Other increased safety measures include the temporary suspension of the tractor-trailer tours and animal handling sessions.

Every penny of visitor admission goes to the Chatsworth House Trust, which is dedicated to the preservation of Chatsworth House, the collections, garden, woodlands and park for the benefit of the public. For more information, visit www.chatsworth.org