No, Chatsworth House is not a National Trust property; it's managed by the independent Chatsworth House Trust, a registered charity that reinvests all income into preserving the estate, while the National Trust manages other stately homes in the area like Hardwick Hall and Kedleston Hall.
Does Chatsworth House belong to the National Trust?
Chatsworth is cared for by Chatsworth House Trust, a registered charity (no. 511149). If you choose to purchase a ticket plus donation, either online or on arrival at Chatsworth, you can make a Gift Aid declaration which allows us to claim an additional 25% back from the Government.
What places are included in National Trust membership?
The National Trust members can enjoy free and discounted entry to 18 museums, historic homes and places of interest in London. As well as access to the UK's historic houses, gardens, mills, forests, castles, miles of coastline, islands, 61 pubs and inns, whole villages and even a goldmine.
Yes, the Cavendish family still owns Chatsworth House, but it's managed by the Chatsworth House Trust, a charity established by the family in 1981 to preserve the estate for public benefit, with the current Duke and Duchess living there and overseeing its operations. While the family technically owns the property, the Trust holds the house, gardens, and much of the parkland, with visitor income directly funding preservation, ensuring it remains a family home and a public treasure.
Yes, you can turn up at Chatsworth, but it's highly recommended to book timed entry online for the House to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment, as some days or times sell out; you can arrive much earlier (from 10 am) to enjoy the gardens, farmyard, and park, which have separate or free access (check specific event rules).
Yes, absolutely! Your National Trust membership card grants you free entry to over 500 National Trust properties, including historic houses, gardens, coastlines, and woodlands, across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, plus reciprocal benefits with other heritage organizations internationally.
Do National Trust members get a discount on historic houses?
Exclusive benefits to National Trust members include unlimited free admission to over 200 historic houses and gardens in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Yes, the Cavendish family (specifically the Dukes of Devonshire branch) remains extremely wealthy, with estimates around £900 million+ in assets like Chatsworth House, vast estates (Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Ireland), significant art collections, and diverse investments, though much wealth is tied in trusts and real estate, not just cash. They are one of Britain's richest aristocratic families, managing historic properties and continuing a legacy of property and art patronage.
With acres of free-to-access parkland and woodland to explore, you can visit Chatsworth as often as you like. Take a look at our ideas for fun free things to do while you're here.
Is the Duke of Devonshire related to Princess Diana?
Among the descendants of her family are the present Duke of Devonshire (via her granddaughter); Diana, Princess of Wales (born Lady Diana Spencer); and Sarah, Duchess of York (via her illegitimate child Eliza Courtney).
Are Harry and Meghan still considered dukes and duchess?
Harry remains a prince and is fifth in line to the throne. The couple, who met in 2016 and married in 2018, kept their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, but are no longer addressed as His or Her Royal Highness (HRH). Harry also gave up his military titles.
Two of his great-grandsons were George Cavendish, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey's biographer, and George's younger brother Sir William Cavendish. Sir William gained great wealth from his position in the Exchequer and also (allegedly) from unfairly taking advantage of the dissolution of the Monasteries.
Today, the Duke and Duchess are joined by Lord and Lady Burlington who play an active role in delivering on Chatsworth's commitment to creating life-changing opportunities through nature, culture, and learning for visitors, colleagues, and local and wider communities.
Both the ITV drama and the feature film were shot at Highclere Castle in north Hampshire. Highclere was used for exterior shots of Downton Abbey, and for most of the interior filming including the dining hall and the entrance room and the staircase.
The statue of superhuman proportions has been temporarily installed in the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park, London, and will tour the UK before settling at its final home in Lyme Park, Cheshire, where the eye-catching scene was filmed. "In vain have I struggled.
Alfriston Clergy House in East Sussex was the first building saved forever for the nation by the National Trust. This early 15th-century Wealden hall-house was bought as a restoration project in 1896 by the newly formed National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty.
English Heritage, which has recorded a deficit for the last three financial years, had an income of £141m in 2023-24. The charity recently turned down a record £11m donation from a charity formerly named the Hamish Ogston Foundation, after allegations were reported about its founder.
