Chatsworth Christmas Market

A Handy Guide to Parking & Getting There

Before heading out, I checked the Chatsworth website to clarify whether entry to the market was free. While the site can be a bit confusing, here’s the scoop: the market itself is free to visit, but parking and access options vary. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan:

1. Park at Chatsworth House:

   Ideal if you prefer minimal walking, but it’s not the cheapest option. Parking prices range from £10 to £35 depending on when you book, and spots sell out fast. Pre-booking is essential - no paying on the day! The bonus? This option includes house and garden entry.

2. Park at Carlton Lees Car Park:

   
   Located near Chatsworth Garden Centre, it’s just £5 for the whole day (a bargain!) and about a 20-minute walk to the market. Keep in mind, though, that the ground can get muddy, so bring sturdy shoes. Note: this option is market-only; house and garden access aren’t included.

3. Travel by Bus:

   If you’re local, consider taking the bus - an affordable and hassle-free choice. Like the Carlton Lees car park, this option is for market access only.

Can you believe it’s nearly that time of year again? To jump start the season, Scott, Indie, and I visited the magical Chatsworth Christmas Market just a couple of weeks ago. It seems I’m officially embracing the early Christmas spirit alongside the rest of Britain!

I can’t believe I’ve never been before, especially since it’s only an hour from home. We often explore the Peak District, where Chatsworth House is nestled, but somehow this festive gem had eluded us until now. With Indie in tow, we focused on the market itself, but you can easily turn your visit into a full-day experience by touring the house and gardens, which I imagine are stunningly decorated for the season. (Heads up: the house and garden tours do have an entry fee, check their website for details.)

Festive Fun at the Market

We visited on Saturday 9th November, the opening day of the market, which runs until 1st December. With over 100 stalls offering everything from tasty treats and festive decorations to unique gifts, there’s truly something for everyone.

The stalls themselves are beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere is charming - albeit busy! We arrived at around 11:30 a.m., and the crowds only grew as the day went on. Afternoons and evenings are likely the busiest times, but I imagine the market feels extra magical as the sun sets and the fairy lights twinkle. Live music adds to the festive vibes, with a rotating line-up of performers throughout the day.

What We Bought (And Loved!)

We couldn’t resist treating ourselves, even though we’d planned to stick to gifts. Here are some of our highlights:

• Cheese Selection Boards: Perfect for family presents, though we couldn’t resist sampling some ourselves. The Great British Cheese Company had an incredible variety of flavours. I highly recommend stopping by their stall!

• Toffee Vodka: From Spirits of Christmas, this was an indulgent treat. A quick sample convinced us, and it made a delicious toffee vodka floater later that evening!

• Italian Desserts: Casa Mia’s stall tempted us with pistachio cannoli and almond biscuits, which tasted like marzipan and were simply divine.

• Turkish Delights, Nuts and Feta: Though I forgot to catch the name of this stall, their feta cheese, nuts, and Turkish delights were unforgettable! If you spot this one, don’t miss it!

• Fudge: With over 30 flavours to choose from, this was the perfect place to find gifts. We picked up rum and raisin fudge for family… fingers crossed I can resist eating it before Christmas!

A Perfect Ending

After exploring the market, we strolled back across the fields and wrapped up our day at Chatsworth Garden Centre. It’s dog-friendly, which is always a bonus, making it a relaxing stop for us and Indie.

Final Thoughts

Chatsworth Christmas Market is a must-visit for anyone wanting to soak up festive cheer and discover unique gifts. Whether you’re sampling delicious food or enjoying the lively atmosphere, it’s an experience that’ll leave you feeling merry and bright. Don’t miss out—add it to your festive plans before it ends on 1st December!