Each year (aside from last, for obvious reasons!) Chatsworth House plays host to one of the biggest and most popular Christmas markets in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Somehow, I hadn’t actually been before until today, but I’ve been asked so many questions I thought it was worth putting together a blog post. Here’s everything you need to know about Chatsworth Christmas Market.
What’s Chatsworth Christmas market like?
I visited mid-week at the start of the 2021 season and was really impressed with the organisation and festive atmosphere. There are over 100 stalls housed in wooden Alpine style huts selling everything from artisan food to Christmas decorations. Lots of delightful gift ideas.
In terms of local businesses I noticed Crooked Pickle Co., the Hartington Cheese Shop and The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop and of course several stalls selling items from the Chatsworth Estate. I’m sure there were others but lots of the stallholders had travelled from all over the country.
In my mind one of the highlights of an artisan market is always the street food. There was an impressive array! Everything from Yorkshire pudding wraps to Katsu chicken curry and hog roasts. For the sweet toothed there was everything from toasted marshmallows to crepes to churros. There are several outdoor bars serving mulled wine, traditional German beer or a cheeky glass of champagne from the Laurent-Perrier champagne bar in a vintage van. There’s lots of picnic table style seating (although I imagine this would be at a premium at the weekend).
There was a delightfully festive atmosphere courtesy of numerous Christmas trees, fairy lights and live music.
What’s car parking like at Chatsworth Christmas Market?
Firstly, it’s highly recommended to book car parking in advance. The parking was well managed with lots of marshals. From Chesterfield/Sheffield direction entry is via golden gates before Baslow village. Most of the car parking here is on grass. It wasn’t excessively muddy when I visited, although this would depend on the weather conditions. There’s a regular, free service of golf carts and tractors pulling carriages, shuttling people to and from the market. I didn’t have to wait at all at either end, although I expect it would be much busier at the weekend. Or you could walk (and there is a temporary pedestrian walkway that’s not muddy).
Car parking is expensive. Prices vary from £5 to £20 per car depending on whether it’s a weekday or weekend. So if you can travel by public transport that’s probably worth doing (and you get dropped off right at the market). There is detailed bus information on Chatsworth website.
Is Chatsworth Christmas Market pushchair friendly?
Yes overall I would say so. You would need to fold up the pushchair to travel on the tractor/golf cart (which might be a bit tricky if you were by yourself and had to hold a baby too) but I did see people doing this. Or of course you could walk to the market from the car park. The terrain at the market itself is smooth and there aren’t any steps, although it is situated on an incline.
Is the market dog friendly?
Well behaved dogs are welcome on leads. It was busy in places but we did see lots of dogs.
Are there toilets at Chatsworth Christmas Market?
Yes, lots! There’s a block of portaloo style toilets within the market itself. Or you could walk up to use the toilets in the stable block where the shop and café are. There are also portaloo style toilets at the overflow car park.
Is it muddy?
Overall, not at all muddy. The market itself is all on temporary plastic mats to avoid the ground getting excessively muddy. Just be aware that you may have to park on grass and in which case there’s a short walk to the shuttle stop. How muddy it is will depend on the weather but I managed perfectly well in inappropriate footwear.
Where’s a good place to stay for Chatsworth Christmas market?
The Chatsworth Estate own and operate two lovely pubs, The Devonshire Arms at Beeley and The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley. Both are lovely traditional country inns with gorgeous rooms and would be great places to stay after/before Chatsworth Christmas market. Both would also be lovely for a post-market drink or meal. Early booking advised.
Go for
One of the East Midland’s largest Christmas markets, in a stunning location.
Details
6th November – 24th November 2021, 10am – 5.30pm (6pm weekends)
Free but book car parking online, from £5 off peak up to £20 or travel by bus
Well behaved dogs welcome on leads
4 replies on “Chatsworth Christmas Market”
I like the idea of golf carts and tractors pulling carriages! Very good tip on how parking needs to be booked in advance. I imagine it being a bit of a nightmare if you turn up without knowing that. I’ve never been to Chatsworth as it’s rather out of my neck of the woods (Gloucestershire) but I’d love to go one day. Sounds like this is a fab market to get you in the Christmassy mood!
Caz xx
That sounds like a date to do with my parents as a treat day off work. Can’t wait. And think Dad can drive so I can have a cheeky drink. X
That sounds PERFECT. I was driving yesterday so sadly didn’t partake. Definitely arranging a chauffeur next year! Have fun! X
Oh I love a Christmas market, definitely need to visit this one!