10 of the best stately homes in Derbyshire

The UK is known for its magnificent and grand stately homes, and the county of Derbyshire has more than its fair share of these. A visit to these fantastic historic buildings will not only have you marvelling at amazing architecture but also wandering gorgeous gardens and exploring exciting history. Below we pick the 10 best stately homes in Derbyshire.

1. Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House is a contender for the finest stately home in the world and an unmissable day out. Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, it houses one of the most significant collections of art in Europe. Visitor’s here can explore over 30 rooms including the Painted Hall and State Rooms as well as the 105 acre garden where you’ll see stunning water features and rockeries, a huge maze, pretty streams and rare trees and shrubs. There is also a farmyard where kids will enjoy seeing demonstrations of cow milking, chicks hatching and other farm related fun. An adult ticket is £19 and a child is £13 for admission.

2. Haddon Hall

Haddon Hall is set in the heart of the Peak District overlooking the River Wye. This house is one of England’s oldest and most romantic stately homes. Although the building is not huge, the setting more than makes up for this and the house has long been a film location favourite - three versions of ‘Jane Eyre’, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ were all filmed here. The house has changed very little over the years and makes an ideal location for an afternoon visit offering a good restaurant and gift shop. Adult tickets are £10 and children and £5.50.

3. Hardwick Hall

Hardwick Hall is an extremely impressive Elizabethan masterpiece. The interiors house a wonderful tapestry and artefact collection and the estate includes some very beautiful parkland. The grounds are perfect for relaxing with a picnic or taking a leisurely stroll with your dog. Tickets for adults are £10.90 and £5.45 for children.

4. Eyam Hall

Eyam Hall is a stunning Jacobean manor house containing a fascinating history. The house tells the story of Eyam village, famous for isolating itself during the plague to prevent the spreading of further infection to surroundings villages. Yisitors can also explore the interiors of the house and the walled gardens outside, which are especially beautiful when the apple blossom is in season. There is also a craft centre on site where families can get involved in arts and crafts. Adult tickets are £6.50 and children are £3.30.

5. Kedleston Hall

Kedleston Hall is a spectacular Neo-Classical mansion surrounded by stunning parkland. The house was designed to provide lavish entertainment and the interior décor consists of paintings, sculptures and lovely original furnishings. Inside you can see Lord Curzon’s Eastern Museum housing the former Viceroy of India’s fascinating collection of souvenirs from his travels throughout Asia. Adult tickets are £8.90 and £4.40 for children.

6. Calke Abbey

Calke Abbey is dramatic stately home with a difference. The building tells the story of the decline of the country estate, with abandoned buildings, peeling paintwork and displays dedicated to the treasures of eccentric former inhabitants. Visitors can also explore the Walled Garden, the Orangery, the Auricula Theatre and the Kitchen Gardens to name but a few. Also of interest here is the ‘Old Man of Calke’ - a 1200 year old oak tree still growing in the parkland surrounding the house. In 2014 the house will begin to offer conservation tours, food markets, and open brand new rooms to discover. Adult tickets are £10.68 and £5.38 for children.

7. Melbourne Hall

Melbourne Hall, built in the 16th Century, is still a warm and welcoming family home. Visitors can explore the dining room, library, billiard room and many others, not forgetting the stunning gardens too. The gardens are a paradise of lush green lawns, avenues and curiosities and are regarded as one of the finest historic gardens in England. Look out for the beautiful ornamental wrought iron arbour, known as ‘The Birdcage’, that sits on the south side of the parish church. There is a great visitor centre here as well as a tearoom for refreshments. Adult tickets are £6.60 and children are £4.50.

8. Catton Hall

Catton Hall is a wonderful private estate that has been owned by the same family for almost 600 years and has interesting connections with Lord Byron and Napoleon. The rooms inside are beautifully proportioned and include 17th-18th Century paintings, antiques and exquisite furniture. Standing on the bank of the River Trent, this idyllic house is surrounded by gardens and parkland where visitors can enjoy tours during the summer. Adult tickets are £5 and £4 for children. On the estate you’ll also find the Seasoned Cookery School where you can enjoy cookery courses and demonstrations and dine with guest chefs-great for foodies!

9. Sudbury Hall

Sudbury Hall is a 17th Century house with elegant interiors. Inside you’ll find examples of high levels of craftsmanship from wood carving, plasterwork to painted murals. The house is also home to the brilliant Museum of Childhood, which is extremely popular with both children and adults, with interactive displays, archive films and toys to get all nostalgic over. There is a church to the side of the house and also an outdoor wooded play area for the kids. Adult tickets are £13.50 and children tickets are £6.75.

10. Tissington Hall

Tissington Hall is a superb historic house that is often overlooked by visitors to the area. The hall was built in 1609 and features a great Main Hall, Dining Room and 2 State-Drawing Rooms to explore plus many others-the library is home to an impressive collection of over 3000 books. Tours of the hall get good reviews. There is also 40 acres of parkland to enjoy spending a family walk and Tissington is a charming village. Admission to the house is £10 for adults and £4 for children.

Derbyshire is home to some of the best stately homes in England and they make an ideal way to spend a day or long afternoon. The whole family will have fun seeing the variety of treasures hidden inside these elegant houses as well as exploring their beautiful gardens.