Chatsworth House

In the UK warm weather is a scarcity, so when it shines most of us head for the outdoors. Last Saturday the weather did exactly that so with little hesitation we decided to head to Chatsworth House, which is a breathtaking stately home in Derbyshire.

The house has one of Europe's most significant art collections. So if you are into history or art you definitely need to take a look.

The house is set in 1822 acres of beautiful gardens, parkland, farmyard, adventure playground and a farm shop.

The display greenhouse houses some wonderful ornamental plants.

The gardens have been a highlight of ours for many years, as the setting is breathtaking, housing some of the oldest trees in the UK and a wonderful array of old and new sculptures.

The cascade is an iconic stone stepped fountain which is 300 years old. 

As the water trickles down it makes a wonderful and calming sound. We have spent many a wonderful afternoon picnicking watching children absentmindedly playing in the water.

Another beautiful water feature is the squirting Willow tree splashing water from its fountain branches. 

On a warm day this is the perfect place to have a cool down, perfectly positioned in the shade to eat a yummy ice-cream. 

The emperor fountain though for me is the highlight of the whole garden. It is one of the highest fountains in the world reaching heights of 90 metres. 

Today in order to preserve energy it runs at half the possible power but is still a sight to behold and the squeals of children getting wet as the wind carries the water is a delight to behold.

Another favourite is the rookery created by giants, where there are gigantic stones standing tall and proud 45 feet with a wonderful waterfall.

This year Chatsworth worked with Laurent-Perrier and garden designer Dan Pearson to create a show garden  at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. They were successfully awarded best show garden, quite the achievement for a first time outing well done Chatsworth and Laurent-Perrier.

On a visit you can easily while a way a good few hours just in the gardens, so if you are visiting make sure you arrive early and stay for a whole day to make the most of your visit. 

As a foodie the day wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Chatsworth estate farm shop. 

The shop houses a bakery, butchers, fish counter, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables. 

The butchers offers a wonderful selection of beef, lamb (Available mid May), venison (Available November - March), grouse (Available August -December) and pheasant (Available October - February) straight from the estate. 

Over 60% of all the products are produced or prepared on site. It is the perfect place to pick up all your supplies for Sunday lunch. 

On our visits we always seem to end up leaving with a wonderful cake. 

I'm not sure how it makes it into the basket but you certainly won't hear me complaining. 

Chatsworth House never fails to disappoint, it is the perfect day out for all the family and definitely worth a visit www.chatsworth.org

What's your favourite way to spend a hot summers day?