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 the glorious weather 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 Fun at Chatsworth this Summer
With so many things to do for kids young and old, Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground makes for a fun day out for all the family. And there’s plenty on to captivate the kids during the holiday.
Seedlings Gardening Club Dates starting 10th May: Explore Chatsworth's Kitchen and Cutting Garden and discover how to grow different flowers, fruits and vegetables
Chatsworth Young Farmers 10th May and other dates through summer: From collecting eggs to grooming the animals, spend an afternoon helping the farmyard team with their daily jobs.
Chatsworth Family Festival 24thMay- 1st June: Take part in floral crafts, den building, mini Olympic races, and immerse yourself in workshops by authors/illustrators Lydia Monks and Bethan Woolvin. You’ll be spoilt for choice at the Family Festival.
Goat Kid Experience now until 23rd May: Get up close with our friendly pygmy goat kids.
Tractor and Trailer Rides 24th May – 1st June: Enjoy a tractor and trailer ride through the beautiful park.
Peak Wildlife Park
Peak Wildlife Park invites you to come face-to-face with the most iconic species. Their walkthrough allows you to enjoy some of your favourite animals from up close whilst also contributing to the National Breeding Programme with young from the park potentially being released back into the wild.
Bank Holiday Circus fun at Matlock Farm Park - 26 May 2025
For bank holiday Monday 26th May 2025, the Big Bubbleman, his bubble mill, wands and special potions make the most amazing bubbles! Whether its monster bubbles the size of a car, or swirling clouds of smaller bubbles being chased by happy children, this is pure joy! With plenty of animal and playtime fun too, including sheep racing, ‘Meet the goat kids, wallaby encounter, small animal petting and meerkat talk too, it’s a super fun Bank Holiday Monday for all! With their broad range of animal activities, every animal enthusiast will have a field day at Matlock Farm Park.
Bank holiday at the Great British Car Journey - 26 May 2025
Great British Car Journey have a great bank holiday event celebrating all makes and models of UK cars. Owners from all over the UK will gather to showcase these their beloved vehicles on the 26th of May. Or keep the kids entertained with a fun Riley Rabbit Easter egg hunt for a chance to win some Easter Eggs – a fun day out for the whole family.
Half Term at Bolsover Castle - 24 May to 1 June 2025
Challenge your family and friends to giant lawn games, bounce around on spacehoppers, and play about in water and sand pits this half term! With plenty of hands-on activities in the beautiful grounds of Bolsover Castle, it’s the perfect way to enjoy fresh air and family fun! Book early and save 15%.
Pitter Patter at Buxton Crescent Experience - 23 May 2025
Discover playful activities for under-5s and their grown-ups in the Buxton Crescent Experience. Afterwards, explore this historic spa town and discover the Pavilion Gardens and Cavendish Arcade.
Birthday celebrations at Heights of Abraham
Perched atop Masson Hill, ride the cable cars to the summit where you’ll find stunning views, underground wonders, and family-friendly adventures, promising an unforgettable journey into nature and history. Or if you’re not a fan of the cable car, to celebrate National Walking Month, they’re hosting special walk-up days on selected Fridays and Saturdays this May. There are only 50 tickets available for each session so book as soon as possible.
Seaside fun at Crich Tramway - 24-28 May 2025
Enjoy the thrill of the seaside with a Fun Fair, face painting, crafts, as well as traditional Punch and Judy. Flea Circus (24th May - 28th May) and bingo (25th May). Plus, ride the vintage trams into the Derbyshire countryside. A great day out for all the family at Crich Tramway!
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.
Bubble Bonaza at National Forest Adventure Farm - 24 May to 1 June 2025
May half terms brings you Bubble Bonanza, a world-famous bubble performer who’s guaranteed to blow you away (literally!). He’s wowed audiences from across the globe, and with 12 Guinness world records he’s sure to keep the whole family entertained. To book and find out more.
Plus, enjoy all the Adventure Farm has to offer, including our huge indoor soft play, exciting outdoor play areas, mega slide mountain and of course the bumpy tractor & trailer ride! And don’t miss your last chance to take part in lamb feeding before the season ends!
Magical adventures awaits at the Tropical Butterfly House - 24 May to 1 June 2025
The Enchanted Fairy Forest is returning to the Tropical Butterfly House on 24th of May until 1st 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 and splash zone.
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.
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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