What's On: Things to do this summer in the Peak District & Derbyshire
There's always so much to do in the Peak District & Derbyshire, this summer is no exception. Read on to discover some of our highlights.
Buxton Festival - 10 – 27 July 2025
Experience world class opera, music, books and jazz in the heart of the Peak District. The Buxton Festival Recognised nationally and internationally as one of the UK's leading arts festivals. Buxton Fringe Festival runs 10-27 July, the Fringe provides a showcase for performers and artists of all kinds in a variety of venues.
Bakewell Country Festival – 13 July 2025
Bakewell Country Festival is run by Bakewell Agricultural & Horticultural Society, this exciting family day out combines an exciting mix of traditional agricultural elements with family activities, entertainment, food, drink, shopping and more.
Meet the Wombles at the Heights of Abraham – from 18 July 2025
Meet Orinoco and Womble friends at the Heights of Abraham every weekend and during the school holidays this year. Great Uncle Bulgaria says "You'll love it, and you'll meet lots of new people, and I think we'll start our holiday in a cable car!.
Derby Caribbean Carnival - 20 July 2025
This annual event brings positive vibes to everyone through creative art and dance. Street performances from over 300 troupes from Derby and out of town will take to the streets to perform. A family fun day in Derby Market Place & Osmaston Park with food, entertainment and arts & craft stalls.
Chesterfield Children’s Festival - 26-27 July 2025
A free weekend of fun for families at the town’s scenic Queen’s Park, including live music, theatre, storytelling, dance, and art workshops.
Y Not Festival - 31Jul – 3Aug 2025
This fabulous annual music festival, Y Not Festival is set in the idyllic Peak District countryside. Catch your favourite bands, surrounded by the green landscape that Derbyshire has to offer.
Dog Lovers Festival - 1 – 3 August 2025
This amazing festival is a must for dog lovers. It takes place on the first weekend of August in the 362 acre grounds of Elvaston Castle. The Dog Lovers stage has some of the UK’s best tribute bands performing across the weekend hosted by a Dog Lovers compere, so as the sun goes down, you can relax in the jaw dropping surroundings of the Country Park.
Summer Saturdays at Peak Village - 2 -23 August 2025
Bring the family along to entertaining craft and activity drop-in sessions, during the summer holidays and enjoy live music.
Cromford Steam Rally - 2-3 August 2025
Derbyshire’s premier steam heritage and vintage rally showcases the very best in steam and transport, with fun for the whole family to enjoy. Visit the website for more details cromfordsteamrally.co.uk
Sounds of the 50s and 60s at Crich Tramway Village - 9-10 August 2025
Step back in time to enjoy the infectious sounds from this era. Have a go at learning dance crazes from the 1960s and enjoy live music from our popular groups and singers. Find out more and book your tickets online.
Cromford Mills Comic Con - 10 August 2025
An intergalactic display of models, props, puppets and costumes from classic Sci-Fi productions of Gerry Anderson, Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Blake’s 7, Star Trek, Stranger Things, Star Wars … and beyond!
Ashover Show - 13 August 2025
One of the finest agricultural shows in the country, with competitions for cattle, Shire horses, sheep, light horses, poultry, horticulture, dog agility, vintage tractors and more. Find our more ashovershow.co.uk
Buxton Eat in the Park - 16-17 August 2025
Discover the magic of Eat in the Park festival in the beautiful surroundings of the Pavillion Gardens - where music and food collide! Bring the whole family and enjoy a day full of fun festivities and local talent.
Ashbourne Show - 16 August 2025
A great family day out with the traditional showing of horses, cattle, sheep and more, alongside a busy arena with family fun and trade stands. More details can be found on the website ashbourneshow.co.uk
Summer fun at Bolsover Castle - 19-31 August 2025
A whole host of exciting events at Bolsover Castle this summer. Enjoy UK Prom Tour orchestra perform dance anthems or the stirring melodies of classical music under the starlit sky. Witness expert horsemen in flamboyant 17th century costume, training for art and battle to baroque music in the spectacular surroundings of the Riding School; see the castle under attack in 'Siege!'or experience the exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete for honour and glory in the Grand Medieval Joust. See the website for dates and more details.
Peak District Highland Games - 24 August 2025
Matlock Farm Park once again hosts the Peak District High Games - see the country’s leading strongmen and women compete in this popular annual event at Matlock Farm Park. Cheer them on as they tackle challenges including the Eight Tonne Tractor Pull and the Tossing of the Caber.
Darley Park Weekender - 29 - 30 August 2025
Back for 2025 with three days of musical entertainment, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Darley Park. 80s Mixtape returns with Bananarama, Haircut 100, The Fizz and Gary Davies. Poptastic icons Heather Small, East 17, 911 and Damage will join the Ultimate 90s line up and rounding the weekend off is The Darley Park Concert, Derby's annual summer highlight with classical music and fireworks. Book tickets online.
Chatsworth Country Fair - 29 - 30 August 2025
One of Britain’s most spectacular annual outdoor events, held in the 1000-acre Chatsworth parkland, delivers three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, inspirational cooking masterclasses, countryside crafts and plenty of interactive activities. All this plus a vintage fun fair, children’s climbing wall, bungee trampoline and much more. Book tickets online.
National Trust Summer of Play until 7 September 2025
Play your way with the National Trust’s Summer of Play . Discover a world of adventure at National Trust places across the Peak District & Derbyshire. No need to pre-book activities included within standard admission/FREE for National Trust members.
Summer of Play: The Garden of Imagination at Calke Abbey, 12 July—3 September
Summer of Play, 19 July—1 September at Hardwick Hall
Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak: Summer of Play, 19 July—7 September
Longshaw Estate: Summer of Play, 29 July – 27 August.
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury: Summer of Play – 25 July to 1 September
Wheely good fun with cars this summer
Great British Car Journey, an interactive car museum, has a whole host of events this summer. Join in the car filled fun for a special Hot Hatches and the 80s themed car Day on Sunday 13th July. To find out more and discover other great events visit greatbritishcarjourney.com
Well Dressings
Nothing says ‘summer’ like these beautiful handmade works of art dotted around local towns and villages. Highlights include Chapel-en-le-Frith July 11-19; Buxton July 4-13; Eyam August 23-31; and Chesterfield September 13-21. For full details visit our Well Dressing web page.
Outdoor Cinema – you’re spoilt for choice
Sit back relax and enjoy your favourite movie in some stunning surroundings this summer. Some great venues to watch classic movies outdoor this summer.
Adventure Cinema at Calke Abbey
Adventure Cinema at Hardwick Hall
Adventure Cinema at Kedleston Hall
With so much happening this summer you may want to stay longer. Check out our latest offers and last minute deals and book yourself a short break here in the Peak District & Derbyshire.
Places to Stay
Business
Westwood Aparthotel
Nestled in the heart of Glossop Town in the Highpeak, Westwood Aparthotel offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience
Business
Fountain Villas
Holiday house in Matlock Bath sleeping 16 in ideal location for large families and groups of friends to get together for holidays or special occasions
Business
Homestead Barn
A historic Peak District Barn situated on the outskirts of Biggin by Hartington, converted into luxury holiday accomadation for up to 20 guests
Business
The Hut Eyam
Tucked away in a quiet corner, our Plankbridge Shepherds Hut has been planned with your comfort & relaxation in mind
Whats On
Events
Buxton Brick Festival
We’re planning the FIRST EVER Buxton Brick Festival -Whether you’re a master builder, a collector, or just a huge fan of the brick this is event for…
Events
Summer of Play at Staunton Harold
Enjoy summer outdoors at Staunton Harold, with outdoor games and den building for the whole family.
Events
200 Years of Train Travel since 1825 at Buxton…
Join us for a magical railway-themed day in the historic Assembly Rooms, Buxton, as we celebrate 200 years of railway heritage!
Events
Rockin The Bowl at The Forge Warehouse– Sheffield
Brace yourselves, rock fans – Sheffield and South Yorkshire’s biggest open-air celebration of pure, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll is back!
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