Chatsworth Park is beautiful, with the Bradders Bus fully loaded we headed through the golden gates into the stunning green parkland in the heart of the Peak District, Derbyshire.

The opening ceremony with Julia and the Duke of Devonshire was an amazing sight. The Poppy Parachute Team flew in from a helicopter and gifted Julia with a poppy brooch. Followed by The Massed Band of The Fire and Rescue Service Band. Very moving.

Chatsworth Country Fair
Massed Band of The Fire and Rescue Service

The Country Fair, established in 1981 has been going for 38 years now and Julia Bradbury was invited to host the event and The Outdoor Guide had a stand too!

The programme was full of great activities for all the family. Whether you like to take part in country sports, watch the brave motocross riders in the grand ring or simply treat your tastebuds. There is something for all.

We went with Julia as she explored the show ground, from book signing at the TOG stand to getting involved in the pony scurry. There are lots of activities for all ages!

Julia Bradbury
Julia Bradbury

The Bradders Bus was a great base for this trip. It is an Autosleeper Symbol Plus branded up by A3M Designs which we managed to lose the keys to!! Luckily the lovely Steve from Marquis Leisure found the spare set at last minute! All of our kit was in the van but luckily Holly’s camera was rescued just as the parachuters jumped from the helicopter! Talk about short notice!

The Outdoor Guide Stand
Bradders Bus
Chatsworth Country Fair

Julia’s hat, (which I love) was designed by Claire Simpson Millinery who also runs Champagne and Muddy Boots. She has a fantastic range of fedora hats, well worth checking her out.

Julia Bradbury

Whilst Julia stayed in the house with the Duke and Duchess. The TOG team stayed at Hurdlow Grange hosted by the wonderful Peak Venues. Their selection of cottages ranges from big country houses to small barns and even converted pubs. Located in the Heart of England, Peak Venues are perfect for group holidays, birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries and special reunions for group sizes of 2 – 50 people.

Fancy a walk?
The Peak District is Britain’s oldest national park and has something for every kind of walker – from countryside strolls to woodland trails and challenging hill walks.

The iconic peaks of Mam Tor and Kinder Scout are popular with walkers who base themselves in Edale or Castleton, with other well-known routes including Win Hill, Bamford Edge, Ladybower Wood and Chrome Hill. Families can enjoy relaxing strolls in Dovedale or on the Monsal or Tissington Trails, and if you want to go subterranean there are plenty of cave systems to explore.

theoutdoorguide.co.uk/walks/walks-by-location/peak-district-walks

Exploring the house and grounds in a wheelchair:
Earlier this year Debbie was shown around the house and ground. watch the video: