Inspirational ideas for group days out and holidays

Chatsworth will be transformed inside and out for its spectacular floral festival from 1 to 6 May, as more than 20,000 tulips and other spring flowers are used in traditional and modern displays to decorate the opulent rooms in the house.

Spring Florabundance will also feature 16,000 top quality, top size tulip bulbs donated by the bulb specialist de Jager and planted in the garden in 2009 to come into flower for the festival. It is also hoped there will be a brand new Deborah Devonshire bulb seen for the first time in flower created by de Jager to mark the Dowager Duchess’s 90th birthday.

Inside the house, inspirational floral designs will tell the story of the tulip from its Turkish origins through to the present day. Visitors will see the Dining Room dressed with magnificent tulips in an array of breathtaking colours fit for the wealthy Dutch bulb merchants of 17th century Holland.

Group rates for 2010 are £9.25 for adults and £7.75 for senior citizens based on house and garden admission for pre-booked groups of 15 or more. Groups can also pre-book special tours of the house in English, French, German and Italian. It is also possible to pre-book brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or other refreshments at one of the restaurants or in a private room.

Call the Chatsworth Bookings Office on 01246 565 300 to book your group visit or visit www.chatsworth.org for more information.