Christmas in the Derwent Valley

This Christmas why not celebrate with us. The 13^th December is the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site’s Birthday! And this year they’re celebrating 23 years of being on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Whether you’re looking for a festive event, interesting and unique gifts or something to do over new year out and about across this wonderful site there’s something for everyone.

• Friday 13^th December: Christmas Carol Service at Cromford Mills: Sing classic carols, mulled wine and spiced apple and wassail through the mil yard and over to St Mary’s church for a short carol service with readings. 6pm gather in the mill yard.
• Saturday 14^th – Sunday 15^th December: Christmas at Cromford. Dive into the Christmas spirit with a Cromford Mills twist. Cromford Mills Christmas Markets, Elf Off the Shelf workshops, meet father Christmas, love music, Christmas tree display and Christmas tree sales, festival drinks and treats, meet the Grinch, Matlock Tuneless Choir (only 14^th at 11am)
• Saturday 14^th December: Belper Farmers market, Market Place Belper 8.30 – 1pm
• Saturday 14^th December: Laser Cut Christmas Bauble Workshop at the Museum of Making, Derby
• Saturday 14^th December: Festive Wreath Workshop, Museum of Making Derby
• Sunday 15^th December: Belper Pubs Past and Present Heritage Walk 2pm with Belper North Mill Volunteers.
• Saturday 21^st December: Santa’s Elves Build your own Birdbox workshop at High Peak Junction Railway Workshops, Cromford Canal.
• Boxing Day: Thursday 26^th December: Belper and the Beasts Heritage Walk with Belper North Mill Volunteers.
• Friday 27^th December and Saturday 29^th December: High Peak Junction Forge Days – have a go at being a blacksmith on the historic forge and make a poker or toasting fork to take home and keep.
• Sunday 29^th December: Introduction to Blacksmithing Courses half day courses at High Peak Junction Railway Workshop on the historic forge by the Cromford Canal.

• Fancy yourself as a blacksmith? High Peak Junction Railway Workshops on the Cromford Canal have regular ‘forge days’ where you can have-a-go and make a poker or toasting fork to take home and keep or more in depth ‘introduction to blacksmithing courses’
• Enjoy a peaceful journey along the Cromford Canal - Hop onboard ‘Birdswood’ the Friends of the Cromford Canal’s trip boat. You can even charter a special trip just for your family or group.
• Explore Cromford Mill Yard - You'll find a wide range of shops with antiques, books and the mill shops with souvenirs and gifts for all ages. Cromford Mill Cheese Shop with over 40 varieties including artisan, local cheese and vegan options. WeaveKnitit has locally sourced fleece, yarn and wooly goods and workshops brilliant for all those crafters. The Mill Yard Studio Gallery is a contemporary yet quirky working studio and gallery home to local artists with art, ceramics and jewellery.
• Head to Cromford Village - Have a drink at Arkwright’s famous Greyhound Hotel, Bar and Restaurant or lose yourself in the wonderful rooms and huge range at Scarthin Books. Or for something truly original head to Masson Mills Visitor Centre for woven cloth and string made at Masson, thread, bobbins, shuttles, historic textile items and a range of wonderful handmade items by local makers.
• Discover Belper - With a wealth of independent stores, small businesses and things out of the ordinary Check out what’s on offer. Twice winner of the Great British High Street awards there’s definitely lots to love and chance to shop and eat with lots of variety!
• Let’s Make Christmas at the Museum of Making and Museum and Art Gallery - A seaonal celebration of contemporary making until the 24^th December. Beautiful handmade gifts from local makers showcasing throughout the season with new businesses each week so keep popping back!
• Make your own gift - Recycled Jewellery Making Day Course at the Museum of Making: An introductory course to jewellery making and fine metalworking using recycled or reclaimed materials and found objects.
• For the history buff in your life - Why not purchase a book about the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site from the Derwent Valley Mills Educational Trust?

• Get active - There are so many options for walking, cycling, jogging, horse-riding, canoeing and climbing across the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Whatever your age, fitness level or ability we have lots of options to discover more and enjoy the beautiful landscape. There are lots of walks available and free routes to download here.
• New Wayfinding in the Valley - Belper, Darley Abbey and Milford all have self guided walks – follow the large information boards or find a waterwheel plaque and follow your own trail around the settlement. If you have a smart phone you can follow the QR codes to find out lots more and view old photographs discovering the streets beneath your feet!
• Getting here? The Derwent Valley Rail Line runs through the heart of the World Heritage Site with stops near lots of our attractions. There’s even a train window guide to make the journey more interesting as you travel. Regular bus services link up from across the region. Find out more here.
• Accessiblility - Across the site the team are working hard to have access for all, tricky sometimes with the historic nature of a World Heritage Site but if you want to find out what facilities are available please check out the Access for All pages.