I have visited Chatsworth three times, the first after a trip to the village of Bakewell, just to see the farmyard. This is great value at around £7 which gets you parking, access to some grounds, and access to the restaurants and shops. The second visit we paid over thirty pounds (including gift aid) and did everything. This most recent time we felt we didn't need to see the house again, so paid just over £20 (including gift aid) for the garden, and farmyard.
The house is beautiful, although purists might resent the modern art which is added to the house. You cannot imagine you are walking through the past, although they are trying to keep it relevant. The gardens are beautiful with greenhouses, rockeries, water features and the amazing views. The farmyard is extremely well run, opportunities depending on the time of year, to hold baby lambs and goats, and to hand feed goats, sheep and chickens. The farm shop is excellent, the quality of the cheese especially, and baked goods is amazing.
The formal restaurant has a very limited menu, but also does afternoon tea, the food is excellent, but usually only 3-4 dishes are available and for a pescatarian the one fish dish had prosciutto ham wrapped around it so was no good for me. The informal dining room makes amazing sandwiches, soup and quiche, and cakes.
Overall a super day out.
Pros - the staff are all excellent, the environment is clean and the attractions are faultless
Cons - the price can be high, the day flies by quickly, and the main restaurant needs a couple more options on the menu.