Things to do this Spring half term in Derbyshire and the Peak District

Its all about the children at Chatsworth this summer

The woodland playground at Chatsworth’s farmyard has officially reopened, following an extensive refurbishment. Featuring a giant Great Spotted Woodpecker, secret tunnel, climbing wall and even a zip wire, the new playground offers hours of adventures for children and families. And there’s lot’s more to keep the kids entertained during the holiday.

Picturing Childhood runs all summer - Discover rarely seen artwork from the collections and new interactive works in this multi sensory exhibition celebrating childhood.
Chatsworth Family Festival 25^th-27^th May: Circus skills, kite making, bushcraft, drawing workshops with authors Bethan Woollvin and Lydia Monks and more; let imaginations run wild at our inaugural family festival.
Childrens flower crown making 29^th-30^th May: Create a floral crown using flowers from the Kitchen and Cutting Garden.
Chatsworth Young Farmers 31^st May and other dates through the summer: Spend an afternoon helping the farmyard team with their daily jobs, from collecting eggs to grooming the animals.
Goat Feeding June & July: Bottle feed and cuddle our goat kids in the farmyard.

Bank Holiday Circus fun at Matlock Farm Park - 27 May 2024

This Bank Holiday Monday there is a variety of activities throughout the day at Matlock Farm Park! Have a go at a range of guided circus skills in workshops on our lawn and meet fabulous stilt-walkers for photos. Children can also enjoy the delights of HUGE bubbles and masses of smaller bubbles created by the Bubble Maker and the children can try making their own!

Kids Rule! At Bolsover Castle - 25May to 2June 2024

Travel back in time this May half term at Bolsover Castle for an immersive journey into the life of a knight! Experience thrilling interactive shows: storytelling, page training, squire training, sword school, and a gripping battle story. Book online and save 15%.

Crescent Crafts and Teddy Tales - 28May 2024

Every teddy has a story, and at the Buxton Crescent Experience they aim to find new homes for your preloved teddies. Drop off your clean preloved teddies at the Pump Room on 28^th May along with a short backstory, and they’ll find them new homes.

Seaside fun at Crich Tramway - 25-31May 2024

Enjoy the fun of the Seaside with a Fun fair, mini-beach, bingo, crafts, as well as traditional Punch and Judy. Face Painter and Balloon Modeller, Flea Circus (25th May- 27th May) and Juggling shows (28th-31st May). Plus, ride the vintage trams into the Derbyshire countryside.
A great day out for all the family at Crich Tramway!

Dino Week at National Forest Adventure Farm - 25May to 2June 2024

Embark on an adventure of prehistoric proportions! Prepare for an unforgettable journey as you tread through the brand new Dino Walk-through. Brace yourself for heart-pounding thrills as you participate in riveting Dino Training Shows, where you’ll emerge as a certified Dino Ranger. Then, come face-to-face with awe-inspiring creatures in meet and greets held throughout the day.
To book and find out more.

Magical adventure awaits at the Tropical Butterfly House - 25May to 2June 2024

The Enchanted Fairy Forest is returning to the Tropical Butterfly House on the 25^th of May until the 2^nd of June. You are invited to step into a world of wonder and magical fun for all the family! Visitors can also enjoy family-friendly fun activities from animal encounters and animal antics shows to tractor rides and our playparks.

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 Ashford-in-the-Water and Middleton-by-Youlgrave. See our Well Dressings page for details of displays or pick up a leaflet from a Tourist Information Centre.