PREVIEW: Chatsworth unveils its 2026 summer festivals season line-up

Festivals will take place against the backdrop of Chatsworth House's 105-acre garden and historic parkland in Derbyshire. | Chatsworth

placeholder image — Festivals will take place against the backdrop of Chatsworth House's 105-acre garden and historic parkland in Derbyshire. | Chatsworth

Chatsworth has announced a vibrant new festivals programme for summer 2026 - with a calendar of events designed for visitors of all ages and a range of interests.

The line-up gives visitors the opportunity to experience everything from children's entertainment and storytelling, to horticulture, the Regency period, and self-care and wellbeing.

BUY TICKETS: For more information and tickets click on links below and visit: www.chatsworth.org/events

Each festival will take place against the backdrop of Chatsworth’s 105-acre garden and historic parkland, offering visitors the chance to reconnect with nature, learn new skills and enjoy time outdoors.

Chatsworth Family Festival

The programme begins with the much-loved Chatsworth Family Festival (23-25 May) during the May half-term, which will transform the garden into a hub of creativity and adventure for younger visitors. Families can enjoy interactive workshops, live performances and hands-on activities designed to spark imaginations and encourage outdoor play.

Highlights include meet-and-greet sessions with New York Times best-selling children’s illustrator Claire Powell, as well as a Big Top Circus Show, archery and a mini-Olympics.

Chatsworth Garden & Plant Fair

For gardening enthusiasts, the Garden & Plant Fair (5-7 June) returns, bringing together a wide range of specialist nurseries and growers from around the country. Visitors can discover new plant species, gain practical advice from horticultural experts, and find inspiration for their own outdoor spaces, all within the setting of the Chatsworth garden.

Chatsworth's Garden & Plant Fair (5-7 June) brings together a wide range of specialist nurseries and growers from around the country. | Chatsworth

For the first time this year, gardening experts Martin and Jill Fish will be giving daily talks about learning to grow and cook seasonal produce.

Celebrating Jane Austen: Regency Festival

Chatsworth’s hugely popular Celebrating Jane Austen: Regency Festival takes place on 12-14 June, offering an array of immersive activities and experiences.

The event was named Festival of the Year at the 2026 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards, and this year visitors can enjoy live theatre performances, Regency Afternoon Tea served in the Old Duke’s Glasshouse, dressing up, carriage rides, and expert led talks, tours and workshops.

Chatsworth's Celebrating Jane Austen: Regency Festival takes place on 12-14 June with live theatre, talks, tours, workshops. afternoon tea, dressing-up, carriage rides and more. | Chatsworth

Chatsworth Wellness Festival

New for 2026, the inaugural Wellness Festival (27-28 June) will be a weekend dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing. Visitors can explore a range of practices, attend workshops and hear from expert speakers, with topics including holistic health, self-care and personal growth, all set within the peaceful surroundings of the garden.

From sessions with award-winning wellbeing coach Helen Fiddler on how to build a personal toolkit to deal with life’s challenges, to guided wellness walks with Mountain Bear Adventures, and yoga and meditation, all activities will encourage visitors to relax, reflect, and reap the benefits within the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Gardening experts Martin and Jill Fish will be giving daily talks about learning to grow and cook seasonal produce at Chatsworth Garden & Plant Fair (5-7 June). | Chatsworth

Emma Flack, Head of Visitor Experience at Chatsworth, said: “Our festival programme is a celebration of everything Chatsworth and the Peak District have to offer.

“From family entertainment and gardening inspiration to Jane Austen and health and wellbeing, this year’s calendar offers something for everyone. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to enjoy time together, learn new skills, explore their passions and reconnect with nature.”

Entry to the festivals is included with 'house and garden' and 'garden' tickets, with activities and talks included, and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

CHATSWORTH 2026 FESTIVALS LINE-UP:

Chatsworth Family Festival | 23-25 May

Chatsworth Garden & Plant Fair | 5-7 June

Celebrating Jane Austen: Regency Festival | 12-14 June

Chatsworth Wellness Festival | 27-28 June

Farm Shop Summer Food Fair | 24-26 July

Chatsworth Country Fair | 4-6 September

The Queen’s Reading Room Festival 2026 | 19-20 September

LINKS:

Website: www.chatsworth.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/chatsworthhouse

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@chatsworthofficial