Things to do this Spring half term in Derbyshire and the Peak District
Our round up of what's on this May half term to keep the kids entertained
Make the most of this Spring Bank Holiday and head into the beautiful Peak District and Derbyshire! Keep reading for our highlights of the spots and attractions to be visiting this half term.
Family Festival at Chatsworth
23 - 25 May 2026
A family festival in the garden offers a range of entertainment and activities designed to entertain every family member, welcoming everyone from 1 to 101. To find out more visit the website chatsworth.org
Have a otter fun at Peak Wildlife Park
23 - 31 May 2026
This May Half Term Peak Wildlife Park invites you follow the Meet the Otter Family Trail in celebration of World Otter Day on the 27th May!
Grab your wellies and head to Matlock Farm Park
29 May 2026
Enjoy an amazing Junior Farmer day and experience what life is like on the farm! Spend the day with behind the scenes and get to know the wonderful animals. Every budding young farmer will have a field day at Matlock Farm Park.
Kids go FREE at the Great British Car Journey
23 - 31 May 2026
This half term Kids go FREE! Explore this popular motor museum which celebrates all makes and models of UK cars. Join in the number plate hunt and have fun at the Hot Wheels track. Find out more greatbritishcarjourney.com
Mystery Mission at Bolsover Castle
23 - 31 May 2026
A top-secret message has gone missing at Bolsover Castle. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to follow the trail, track down the clues and crack the codes to uncover the secret message.
Meet the Wombles
Selected dates in May
Orinoco and Great Uncle Bulgaria are back at the Heights of Abraham! Ride the cable car and find both of them at the Meet & Greet area near the WOMBLE MANIA exhibition.
Seaside fun at Crich
23-31 May 2026
Enjoy the thrill of the seaside with a Fun Fair, face painting, crafts, as well as traditional Punch and Judy. Flea Circus and vintage penny arcade. Plus, ride the vintage trams into the Derbyshire countryside. A great day out for all the family at The National Tramway Museum!
Explore Gulliver's Kingdom
Open daily at 10:30, the whole family will have an unforgettable time at this Matlock Bath theme park. With countless rides and activities, you’ll be in for a thrilling and fun day out at Gulliver’s Kingdom.
Celebrate at National Forest Adventure Park
23 – 31 May 2026
Celebrate 15 years of the Adventure Farm this May Half Term with a day packed full of fun for the whole family! To book and find out more.
Magical adventures await at the Tropical Butterfly House
23 - 31 May 2026
The Enchanted Fairy Forest is returning to the Tropical Butterfly House. You are invited to step into a world of wonder and magical fun for all the family! Dust off your wings and sharpen your goblin ears for a fairytale adventure brimming with mischief and mythical creatures! Gnome Zones, woodland walks and so much more.
May Merriment at Hardwick Hall
23 – 31 May 2026
Come out to play in May! From maypole merriment to careful crafting, there’s something new to explore at Hardwick this half term! Visit the website for more details nationaltrust.org/hardwick
Get outdoors at Calke Abbey
23 -31 May 2026
Follow the Blooming Blossom Activity Trail. Have a go at writing your very own blossom-themed poetry, try some nature inspired yoga poses and create natural art to celebrate the season at Calke Abbey.
Family Tree Top Adventure at Go Ape
25 - 31 May 2026
Discover where boring ends and adventure begins at Go Ape Buxton, perfect for families, friends, and thrill seekers, an action-packed outdoor high ropes experience.
SAVE 20% this May half term
Enjoy local Well Dressings
The tradition of Well Dressing is a unique Derbyshire custom that dates back hundreds of years. Works of art created by hand using natural materials such as petals and seeds by groups of dedicated volunteers. Well Dressings taking place this week include Tissington, Wirksworth and Middleton by Youlgrave. See our Well Dressings page for details of displays or pick up a leaflet from a Tourist Information Centre.
Take a hike and enjoy the view
Alternatively, you can just take the kids for some fresh air with a walk or bike ride in the stunning countryside across Derbyshire and the Peak District. Check out our trail pages for ideas of walks and traffic-free cycle trails: Walking & Cycling Trails
Whatever you do this half term, make sure your visit is a responsible one by following the Countryside Code and stay #PeakDistrictProud by keeping dogs on a short lead, parking only in designated areas, sticking to public rights of way where you can, saying no to BBQs and open fires, and taking your litter home with you.
Respect, Protect, Enjoy: Keep it #PeakDistrictProud
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