Hosted Deercote Parkland Walk
20 Oct, 30 Oct
Join the property's Head Gardener on a guided walk across the surrounding parkland to explore the 18th-century Deercote, its history and nearby nature conservation projects.
Derbyshire is a scenic English county known for the Peak District National Park, historic market towns, outdoor activities, rich industrial heritage, and notable cultural landmarks.
20 Oct, 30 Oct
Join the property's Head Gardener on a guided walk across the surrounding parkland to explore the 18th-century Deercote, its history and nearby nature conservation projects.
Sudbury Hall is a historic Restoration-era English country house in Derbyshire with a renowned Great Staircase and fine art collection, featuring a National Trust Museum of Childhood that offers interactive and child-friendly exhibits within its restored interiors and surrounding grounds.
18 Jul–6 Sep
Pokémon joins Calke Abbey's Summer of Play, featuring Pokémon-themed outdoor activities, Trading Card Game mini challenges, crafts workshops, storytelling sessions, and indoor play activities throughout the summer holiday period at the gardens and house of Calke Abbey.
Calke Abbey is a historic country estate in Derbyshire offering a unique visit with its Baroque mansion in decline, extensive parkland with ancient trees and deer, a vibrant walled garden, and accessible walking and cycling trails. The venue provides family-friendly outdoor play areas, guided tours, cafés, shops, and accessibility features including wheelchair access and mobility aids.
28–29 Nov, 5 Dec
Create a traditional festive wreath using natural materials gathered from the Longshaw Estate, with help from tutors. The session includes wreath-making materials, light refreshments and festive music.
Longshaw Estate is a historic moorland and woodland area in the Peak District with outdoor trails, a tea room, shop, and indoor discovery centre offering wildlife and estate-related events. It features ancient settlements, historic guidestoops, and hosts traditional sheepdog trials.
30–31 Oct
An open-air drone light show featuring synchronised drones that create illuminated images of animals in the night sky, choreographed to a cinematic soundtrack.
The RHS Partner Garden at Wentworth Woodhouse offers restored historic gardens with a formal Italian Garden, canal pond, woodland, Japanese garden, and a maze, providing a scenic outdoor experience. The garden is accessible, dog friendly, and has refreshments and plant sales on site.
24 Oct–1 Nov
A Halloween half-term event at Bolsover Castle featuring interactive storytelling, spooky games, a themed trail and a seasonal selfie spot. Children can also take part in a daily fancy-dress competition.
Bolsover Castle is a historic 17th-century castle built on medieval ruins in Bolsover, Derbyshire. Visitors experience both indoor historic rooms and outdoor gardens and earthworks. The castle features notable architecture by Robert Smythson, rich history including royal events, and is maintained by English Heritage as a popular tourist site.
Bolsover is a historic market town in Derbyshire known for its castle, model village, and connections to coal mining history, offering cultural and walking experiences.
15 Oct, 19 Nov
Join the Forest Garden Team for a walking talk at Arcadia, with a preview of the developing garden and an introduction to forest gardening principles.
Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire offers a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences including tours of a Georgian mansion, expansive gardens, parkland, and a working model farm. It features accessible facilities, food outlets, family-friendly activities, and dog-friendly grounds across 900 acres of historic and natural landscapes.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A guided walk with a Kedleston ranger exploring autumn colours and how the estate manages its woodlands, grasslands, ancient trees and deadwood habitats.
Kedleston Hall is an 18th-century English country house in Derbyshire, featuring Palladian architecture and Neoclassical interiors. Visitors can explore its grand state rooms and extensive landscaped gardens with architectural follies. The historic seat of the Curzon family, it is now managed by the National Trust as a cultural and heritage attraction.
3 Sep
The Grazing at Calke Guided Walk is an outdoor guided walk led by the Ranger team through the parkland of Calke Abbey. Participants learn about the rare breed Portland flock and Longhorn cattle that inhabit the estate and their historical and conservation significance. The walk involves uneven terrain and is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. It is suitable for ages 10 and up and does not allow dogs.
Calke Abbey is a Grade I listed English country house in Derbyshire, cared for by the National Trust, showcasing a baroque mansion preserved in a state of decline surrounded by a landscape park rich in natural heritage and historic estate features.
17 Jul–7 Sep
Summer of Play at The Children's Country House at Sudbury offers family-friendly activities including a giant Marble Run, active challenges, imaginative play, natural construction activities, a Mystery Rooms problem-solving experience, and crafting sessions related to a children's fashion exhibition.
5 Sep
Natural History Crafts is a workshop event at Calke Abbey where participants, guided by Sarah Burhouse from Birdhouse Taxidermy, create their own diorama display inspired by exploring historic taxidermy cases. Suitable mostly for children aged 5-12 accompanied by an adult, attendees use provided materials to make a shoebox diorama to take home.
Foremark is a 230-acre nature reserve in Derbyshire featuring diverse woodland, heathland, and open water habitats including a reservoir. Visitors can enjoy walking trails including a wheelchair-accessible bridleway, a playground for children, outdoor family activities, and refreshments at the kiosk. Dogs are welcome on leads in designated areas.
9 Sep
Step Into History Walks - People Who Shaped the Parkland and Gardens is a gentle garden walk at Wentworth Castle Gardens. The walk explores the people who shaped the parkland and gardens with stories of bold landscape plans and plants from across the world. The walk is about 1 mile long, lasts approximately 90 minutes, and includes several stops.
Wentworth Castle is a Grade I listed historic country house in South Yorkshire, England, featuring extensive gardens, parkland, and a notable sham ruin folly. The site includes indoor heritage and outdoor landscaped gardens managed by a partnership including the National Trust. Visitors can explore restored historic interiors, formal gardens, and naturalistic landscapes.
21–23 Nov, 27–30 Nov…
The Children’s Country House is transformed into an immersive retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, with visitors following the story through decorated rooms and scenes inspired by Gerda’s adventure.
29 Oct
A family guided walk exploring the geology, archaeology and landscape west of Ilam, with stops to learn about features such as a limestone quarry and a Bronze Age burial mound. The walk covers about five miles and includes views of Thorpe Cloud, Bunster Hill and Dove Dale.
Ilam Park is a 158-acre National Trust country park in Staffordshire featuring the historic Ilam Hall, a Gothic Revival style Grade II* listed building now used as a youth hostel, set amid ancient woodland and scenic river walks.
5 Sep
Spoon Carving Workshop at Kedleston Hall is an introduction to greenwood carving where attendees create a cooking spoon using three simple carving tools. The workshop is guided by an expert wood carver and teaches safe tool use, wood types, form and function, and decoration methods. Wood is provided and the event aims to build confidence for further woodworking projects.
Duffield Castle is a historic Norman motte and bailey castle site in Derbyshire with extensive stone keep foundations, known as an early archaeological monument preserved by the National Trust. Visitors can explore the outdoor remains of this once strategically important castle with a rich history dating back to Norman times and earlier.
20 Nov–23 Dec
Christmas tree sales at Longshaw offer sustainably sourced trees selected by the site’s rangers, with a variety of species available. Visitors can browse and purchase trees to support conservation work in the Peak District.
Eyam Hall is a seventeenth-century Jacobean manor house featuring family portraits and historic furniture from eleven generations of the Wright family. Visitors can enjoy indoor house tours, educational Tudor and Victorian themed visits, and amenities including a cafe, picnic area, and accessible facilities. It is located in the historic village of Eyam in Derbyshire.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
An open day focused on bonsai, with trees, pots and tools available to browse and buy, and an expert on hand to offer advice. Visitors can also explore the Japanese-inspired garden.
Cascades Gardens is a natural four-acre garden featuring Japanese-inspired water and rock gardens, a historic limestone quarry, waterfalls, and various quiet seating areas designed for meditation, set in Derbyshire.
27 Sep
Join a guided walk at Ilam Park where an experienced guide leads you through the history of the park, including the story of Ilam Hall, with a short walk on relatively flat ground through the parkland and Italian Gardens. The event is suitable for adults and includes a voucher for a discount at the Ilam Tea Room and free car parking on the day of the walk.
Tissington Hall is a historic ancestral home dating back to 1609, offering guided tours of the house and gardens including a large family library and extensive parkland. The venue provides accessible facilities, a cafe, and opportunities to see fine panelling and art collections, making it a distinctive heritage experience in Derbyshire's Peak District.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Join the outdoors team for a walk around Wentworth Castle Gardens to explore local fungi, including their names, folklore and traditional uses. The route varies according to what is growing and may include areas off the main paths.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can explore Calke Abbey’s tunnels and encounter spooky surprises, including mysterious potions, creatures and ghosts. The event is particularly suited to children aged 4–7, with a quieter first hour each day.
Staunton Harold is a 163-acre countryside venue featuring a man-made reservoir, wildlife habitats, and walking trails. Visitors can enjoy wheelchair-friendly paths, a dog-friendly café, adventure playground, and various outdoor family activities including water sports and fishing. The site combines outdoor natural beauty with indoor facilities for a varied visit experience.
30 Aug–1 Sep
Summer of Play at Wentworth Castle Gardens is an adventure-filled outdoor event during the summer holidays featuring multiple play zones, active outdoor games, nature play areas, sensory play, and storytelling at the historic gardens and castle. It offers family-friendly activities and pop-up experiences throughout the summer, encouraging exploration and imaginative play in the gardens and parkland.
13–15 Nov
Goldsmiths North exhibitors will display and sell handmade silverware and jewellery at Wentworth Woodhouse. Visitors can browse the exhibition and shop for handcrafted items.
Dearne Valley - Old Moor is a nature reserve featuring diverse birdwatching across seasons, with facilities including accessible paths, family-friendly play areas, and an onsite cafe. Visitors can explore indoor visitor centre exhibits, hides, and shop, as well as enjoy outdoor nature trails and wildlife spotting.
30 Aug–6 Sep
Pokémon joins Hardwick's Summer of Play at Hardwick offers Elizabethan themed outdoor activities and Pokémon inspired zones for children and families, including costume play, music, sports competitions, soft play, and craft workshops on select weekdays, with normal venue admission fees applicable.
Hardwick Hall is an Elizabethan country house in Derbyshire notable for its Renaissance architecture, large windows, and rich historical associations including as a WWII parachute brigade formation site. The venue offers house tours with period furnishings and tapestries, plus extensive gardens and the ruins of the Old Hall. Visitors can enjoy a significant indoor historic experience alongside outdoor exploration of the estate grounds.
27 Sep, 1 Oct
Photography Open Day at Calke Abbey offers photography enthusiasts an exclusive view of Calke's photography collection, including items not usually on display, with opportunities to meet the house team and share programming ideas for 2027. The event takes place in the Saloon inside the house, which is accessible only by stairs, and is suitable for all ages.
Staunton Harold is a civil parish in Leicestershire known for its historic Staunton Harold Hall country house and the Holy Trinity Chapel, a rare Commonwealth-era Gothic revival church. Visitors can enjoy both the indoor architectural heritage and the scenic outdoor lakes and brook landscapes.
12–13 Sep
The Architecture Tour is an outdoor guided walk at Hardwick Estate exploring the architectural features of the Stableyard, Old Hall and Hardwick Hall. The tour includes history about Robert Smythson, an early English Renaissance architect, and details about stone work and Masons' marks. Booking is essential and normal admission charges to the venue apply.
Stainsby Mill is a restored 19th-century flour watermill in Derbyshire, England, now operated by the National Trust within the Hardwick Hall estate. Visitors can experience both the historic indoor milling machinery and the scenic outdoor mill pond and surroundings.
26–30 Oct
Families can drop in to make a bug inspired by creatures found in the gardens or design an imaginary bug of their own. The crafting sessions take place in the Blackbourn room in the conservatory building.
24–31 Oct
Visitors follow a trail through Ilam Park exploring millions of years of history, from ancient landscapes and prehistoric creatures to historic events. A trail sheet provides clues, questions and challenges, and each trail includes a prize.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A museum room display at Calke Abbey showcasing the Chinese silk hangings from the State Bed. Visitors can look at the hangings and explore the symbolism and meanings in their imagery.
Staunton Harold Church is a rare 17th-century Gothic style church set in the Leicestershire countryside, offering guided tours and historic architecture with scenic views by a tranquil lake. The site features accessibility options including ramped access on request and a visitor car park nearby with charges at weekends and bank holidays.
2 Sep
Brilliant Birds is a free drop-in event at Kedleston Hall where attendees can learn about bird life, make bird feeders, identify owl pellets, and try bird identification with binoculars and an ID chart. Bird watching walks are held at 10:30am and 1:30pm.
Radbourne Hall is an eighteenth century Palladian home set in extensive parkland and woodland near Derby. It features elegant indoor rooms and outdoor grounds and is available for exclusive hire including filming and photographic shoots.
21 Jul, 23 Jul…
Calke Crafternoons are craft sessions held in the Walled Kitchen Garden at Calke Abbey as part of the Summer of Play. The sessions include activities such as creating bug magnifying glasses, kite decorating, making bug wands, decorating coasters, coloring puppets, designing tote bags, sewing puppets, cross stitch bookmarks, designing frisbees, decorating flowerpots, and clay creations. They are suitable for children aged 3 and above, with all materials provided, and require children to be accompanied by an adult. The workshops are held under shelter, and booking is essential though some spaces may be available on the day.
Melbourne Hall & Gardens in Derbyshire offers visitors an early 18th-century English garden in the style of Le Notre, combined with a historic family home open to the public in August. The venue features elegant formal gardens, exquisite furniture, antiques, and unique garden ornaments in a picturesque setting.
7–11 Oct (another 2 days)
An exhibition at Kedleston Hall presents Tibetan artefacts and previously untold stories, alongside a film by British-Tibetan artist Nyima Murry. Visitors can also get a behind-the-scenes insight into the conservation work and decisions involved in creating the exhibition.
20 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Children can follow a Christmas trail through the woods at Longshaw, finding hidden reindeer and taking part in games along the way.
Eastern Moors is a large nature reserve in the Peak District offering extensive outdoor walking trails, wildlife spotting, and scenic views. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas and adventure trails for children, with wheelchair accessibility at key picnic sites. There are no indoor facilities, cafes, or visitor centres on site.
26–27 Nov
Bright Winter Nights features light installations, colourful projections, soundscapes and immersive artworks at Bolsover Castle, including works co-created with local community groups. Visitors can explore the installations and a special display of stories celebrating Junction Arts’ 50th birthday.
Sutton Scarsdale Hall is a Georgian Georgian ruined stately home near Chesterfield in Derbyshire, England. The Grade I listed site is an outdoor historical attraction preserving the shell of a once grand mansion, managed by English Heritage.
2 Sep
Free Archery Sessions at Kedleston Hall offer an opportunity to try archery on the lawn every Wednesday in August from 10:00 to 15:00. Suitable for ages 4 and above, sessions are wheelchair accessible and require no prior booking. The event is free to attend but normal venue admission charges apply.
16–17 Oct
Local residents in the S73 and S74 postcode areas can explore Wentworth Castle Gardens and its parkland during these free-entry days. Adults must show proof of address to qualify.
23–25 Oct, 30 Oct–1 Nov
A trained instructor provides a one-to-one cycling lesson for people learning to ride or returning to cycling. Sessions are also suitable for children aged five and over when accompanied by an adult.
3 Dec
Join a Park Guide on a walk along the Tramway Trail to hear about its industrial past and see the landscape, flora and fauna, including woodland planting and winter birds.
Melbourne Hall Gardens in Derbyshire offers formal garden landscapes with avenues, specimen trees, sculptures, and water features. Visitors can enjoy restored historic garden layouts, notable ironwork, and statuary in a tranquil outdoor setting.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A Pokémon-themed art trail at Hardwick featuring 30 Pikachu cards illustrated by different artists, with facts about Pikachu and an opportunity to design a trading card.
24 Oct–30 Nov
A self-guided Halloween trail around Ilam Park, where visitors follow the Old Crone’s audio messages, find clues and complete three magical activities to help restore balance to the park.
12 Dec, 23 Dec
Quieter, pre-bookable sessions at Shugborough Mansion for visitors who may find regular opening hours overwhelming because of sensory processing difficulties. Visitor numbers are reduced, and flashing lights and noises are minimised.
Shugborough Hall is a Grade I listed historic stately home and museum in Staffordshire, England, featuring opulent 18th-century interiors, a working model farm, rare farm animals, and notable follies with classical and Chinese themes in extensive grounds.
16 Nov
A three-hour art workshop with artist Paul Morin, where participants learn to create a winter landscape using ink on toned paper, with white gouache for highlights. Materials are provided, and participants take home their finished work mounted and ready to give as a gift.
2 Dec
Join an expert ranger for a 3.5–4 mile walk exploring Hardwick’s veteran trees, their place in the historic landscape and their importance as habitats for wildlife. The walk lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
24 Oct–1 Nov
An outdoor autumn adventure at Longshaw, with a walk to spot skeletons and solve riddles. Visitors can choose a shorter route to the pond or a longer loop, and explore the kitchen garden.
31 Aug–6 Sep
Summer of Play 2026 at Ilam Park is a free outdoor event celebrating playful activities in the countryside for all ages with various games and activities including Frisbee Golf, Mud Kitchen, and a rainbow ribbon Maze, running during summer holidays with drop-in sessions.
17 Oct–1 Nov
A folklore-themed adventure at Staunton Harold Reservoir, where participants use the Stranger Folk app to work together on puzzles and quests involving goblins and other creatures.
7–8 Oct, 10–15 Oct…
Explore photographs and photobooks about two generations of the Harpur Crewe family’s children at Calke Abbey. Visitors can read, try a jigsaw and rocking horse, and dress up to act out a play.
Bluebell Arboretum and Nursery in Derbyshire features a beautiful nine-acre woodland garden with a notable collection of unusual trees and shrubs, offering seasonal displays and educational plant information.
6 Nov, 4 Dec
A gentle, leader-guided five-mile circular social walk from Edale, beneath Kinder Scout and Mam Tor. Walkers can meet others while exploring the countryside and building confidence walking outdoors.
4 Sep
A free monthly social walk event in Edale taking place on the first Friday of each month. The walk is a gentle 5-mile circular hike under the skyline of Kinder Scout and Mam Tor, starting and finishing at the Penny Pot Café in Edale. It is led by knowledgeable walk leaders and is designed to help participants meet new people, discover new places, and build confidence walking in the countryside. Dogs on leads are welcome, but the walk is not suitable for pushchairs or prams due to some stiles along the route. Booking is essential.
The High Peak area in the Peak District offers visitors outdoor experiences including walking and cycling on the Pennine Way, exploring the historic Mam Tor hillfort and vast moorlands, and enjoying conservation projects and guided events. It is noted for its natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance in Derbyshire.
5 Nov
Join a Park Guide for an autumn walk in Calke’s parkland, learning about the resident deer herds, their behaviour and history, and rutting season.
1 Sep
Summer of Play: Family Minibeasts Safari in the Garden is an outdoor family activity event for children aged 4-12 held in the formal gardens of Hardwick. Participants can explore and learn about minibeasts and their role in the ecosystem on a guided safari through the gardens. The event is free but normal admission charges to the venue apply.
2–3 Sep
Mystery Rooms: The Queen's Cure is a puzzle-solving event where participants step into a Victorian surgery to decode clues and find the cure for Queen Adelaide, inspired by her historic visit to The Children’s Country House. The event involves solving a series of puzzles in a challenging and immersive environment suitable for children aged 8 and above, supervised by adults.
8 Oct–14 Nov (another 36 days)
An exhibition in the Old Hall presents handmade quilts created by a local sewing group to support veterans, sharing the project’s craftsmanship and stories.
Wentworth Woodhouse features the largest country house in the UK with extensive gardens including ancient trees, woodland, follies, and a restored Camellia House. Visitors can explore accessible gardens, enjoy food overlooking scenic spots, and find activities for children and wellbeing.
12 Sep
Bristol 4 Tibet at Kedleston Hall is an event featuring Tibetan calligraphy live demonstrations, traditional Tibetan dance, and Tibetan music and singing in the gardens. Attendees can also try calligraphy themselves and explore Tibetan culture as part of the How Did We Get Here? exhibition extended outdoors.
27 Nov–23 Dec
A Christmas market in Calke Abbey’s Riding School, featuring handmade gifts from local makers and food and drink suppliers. Local traders rotate throughout the market period.
5 Dec
A guided wreath-making workshop where participants weave a willow wreath base and decorate it with fabric flowers and ribbons to create a festive wreath.
21 Oct
Join a guided beginner birdwatching walk around Hardwick’s ponds and wood pastures, learning about local birds and looking for seasonal visitors and woodland species.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Bess’s Dream is a display in Bess of Hardwick’s bedroom exploring her life and the thoughts and memories that may have featured in her dreams near the end of her life. It features her letters, a 400-year-old gown and an eight-minute film.
27 Oct, 29 Oct
Visitors can drop in to the East Stables for seasonal natural-craft activities and demonstrations, including making friendship bracelets, herb sachets, felted flowers, paper crafts and willow wreaths. Activities vary by date and are suitable for all ages, with children accompanied by an adult.
7–8 Nov, 14–15 Nov…
A self-led visit around Calke Abbey explores how ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ was filmed there. Visitors can see rooms used as Tommy Shelby’s home, film-related props and costumes, and photo opportunities.
9–12 Oct, 16 Oct–2 Nov
Follow a trail inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar, spotting fruits and snacks and discovering facts about the caterpillar-to-butterfly transformation. The trail includes games and activities around the stable-yard and gardens.
16–18 Oct (next weekend)
Adventure Cinema presents a programme of film screenings outdoors on the West Front Lawn, including family films, cult classics and blockbusters. Attendees can bring a picnic and watch screenings from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October.
Bolton Ings is a nature reserve in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, part of the Dearne Valley network, offering outdoor trails and bird watching opportunities with views of pools and reedbeds. It has no onsite facilities, and dogs are welcome under control.
16–25 Oct
Visitors can wander through Myriad, an inflatable luminarium by Architects of Air, exploring winding tunnels and soaring spaces filled with coloured light. The experience draws inspiration from natural forms, geometry and architecture.
18 Sep
A free social walk event on Friday 18th September 2026 in Castleton as part of the YHA Festival of Walking. The walk is a gentle 5-mile circular hike under the skyline of Mam Tor and the Great Ridge, departing and finishing at Castleton YHA Centre. The walk includes mild ascent and descent and is unsuitable for pushchairs, prams, and dogs except assistance dogs. The event finishes with tea and cake served at the YHA centre. Booking is essential due to limited capacity.
The High Peak Estate is a vast area of Pennine moorland within the Peak District, owned by the National Trust, offering wild landscapes, notable natural features, and historic sites for outdoor exploration.
1–30 Sep
The Zodiac Trail is a step-free trail winding through the formal gardens to the Chinese House at Shugborough Estate, featuring zodiac-themed interpretation points to encourage exploration of the gardens in relation to East and South East Asian Heritage month.
18 Jul–6 Sep
Earthly Delights is a new art installation at Ilam Park celebrating the 200 year anniversary of Ilam Hall. It features a large dome-shaped structure inspired by lost glasshouses, with plants, sculptures, and natural materials, along with a free trail of smaller artworks across the park inviting visitors to explore its landscape and history. The installation is available from 18 July to 6 September 2026 on the lawn in front of Ilam Hall.
19–20 Dec
Storyfolk present festive folk carols and Elizabethan tales about winter in a museum room at Hardwick Hall. The performance lasts one hour.
23 Oct–15 Nov
A Diwali celebration at Kedleston Hall, with light installations, marigolds and diya lamps displayed throughout the Hall.
23 Oct
Children aged five and under can join Fiona the Calke witch for a spooky storytelling session, followed by Halloween crafts including making a crown. The session takes place in the Study at Calke Abbey.
26 Sep
This event is a workshop at Hardwick Estate where participants learn heritage ink making using traditional medieval recipes, hear folklore tales, and engage in a writing workshop with a local poet to create quill-written poems and artwork.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition about Bess and her family brings together portraits and other collection objects, exploring their creation, conservation and investigation. Visitors can learn about the technical analysis used on the portraits, watch a short conservation film and follow displays through the Hall.
4 Sep, 2 Oct…
Volunteer-led house tours at Wentworth Castle offer an opportunity to see inside the grand house on select dates. The tours showcase intricate ceilings and grand staircases through a selection of the house's finest rooms, lasting around 75-90 minutes. Booking and admission are required, and the route involves staircases and uneven floors.
17–25 Oct
Visitors can explore Myriad, an inflatable Luminarium by Architects of Air, wandering through winding tunnels and spaces filled with glowing colour. These quieter sessions offer a calmer, less crowded experience at each visitor’s own pace.
12 Sep
Specialist Craft Open Days at Hardwick feature members of the specialist craft teams, including carpenters and masons, who care for National Trust collections and historic properties. Attendees can talk to the teams and learn about their skilled work. The event takes place on selected days during spring and summer, with sessions open from 10am to 3pm.
8 Oct, 12 Nov…
Monthly nature-themed sessions for children aged 2–5 and their adults at Longshaw. Activities include play, a story, exploring the estate, and simple crafts.
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Meet and help feed the deer with the farm team during an early-morning visit to Wentworth Castle Gardens, then enjoy a festive breakfast in the Long Barn café.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Follow an interactive Halloween story trail through the Walled Garden and Farm yard, joining the Witch’s adventure with activities such as spotting pumpkins, casting a spell and pretending to fly on a broomstick.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Create an autumn-themed wall hanging using leaves, seed heads, pine cones and other natural materials. The indoor workshop provides the materials and guides participants through the process step by step.
14–15 Nov
A weekend of Diwali celebrations at Kedleston Hall, with South Asian music and dance, food, and illuminated historic interiors on Saturday evening. Families can also take part in storytelling and craft activities across the weekend.
11 Oct, 13 Oct
A guided tour of society photographer Patrick Lichfield’s apartment, led by the house and collections team. Hear stories about his life and learn how the apartments and their collection have changed over the years.
24 Oct
A full-day watercolour landscape painting workshop led by artist Sue Chatterton, inspired by Shugborough’s landscapes and The Painted Paradise exhibition. Participants visit the exhibition, sketch outdoors and paint indoors.
7–31 Oct (another 22 days)
Visitors use the free Stranger Folk app to follow Old Mal’s directions and find folklore creatures around Hardwick’s outdoor estate, solving a riddle to begin and helping to seal a gap between worlds. The activity is recommended for children aged 7–12 and includes spooky themes.
12–13 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Stainsby Mill offer free entry to explore the Victorian water mill and learn about its innovative technology. The mill is open on selected days with no booking required. Visitors can also explore the historic parkland of the Hardwick Estate.
12 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
Families and children aged 7 and over can follow a digital folklore adventure at Longshaw, using the Stranger Folk app to complete magical tasks while walking through the woods or across the moors.
17 Sep
Heritage Open Day: Collage at the Cottage is a scrapbooking workshop held in the garden at Stoneywell. Suitable for all levels, attendees can create their own collage inspired by the family home and natural surroundings while enjoying mocktails under a marquee. The event is free and booking is essential, but it is not suitable for children and wheelchair access to the garden is limited due to slopes. The event offers a relaxed creative environment in the late summer evening.
Ulverscroft Nature Reserve is a 56-hectare protected area in Leicestershire featuring diverse natural habitats such as woodland, heath, wet grassland, and a sphagnum bog, ideal for experiencing rich local flora and wildlife outdoors.
28 Oct
Children aged 10 and over can learn broom-making techniques and create and decorate a broomstick using natural materials in this Halloween-themed workshop.
11 Oct (this Sunday)
A full-day yoga retreat welcoming the arrival of autumn, with mindful movement, breathwork, meditation, restorative yoga and Yoga Nidra. The programme also includes a mindful walk and a seasonal lunch.
29–31 Oct
A guided evening tour of Shugborough Mansion shares spooky stories connected with the historic Hall. Ticket holders can then have cream tea or a hot or cold drink with a Halloween-themed biscuit in the Mansion tearoom.
27 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Visitors can follow an outdoor trail along the surfaced short-walk path at Kedleston Hall, opening 25 Advent doors to find festive challenges, questions and discoveries. The event is presented as a family adventure.
25 Sep
A morning event featuring a gentle yoga practice followed by a guided dance and movement experience using silent disco headsets in a natural landscape setting. Attendees explore mindful movement and connection with nature with no dance steps to learn, suitable for participants over 14 accompanied by an adult.
24 Oct–1 Nov, 4–8 Nov…
A family nature trail at Wentworth Castle Gardens exploring the plants and insects that live in the fernery during autumn. Visitors can pick up a spotter sheet and follow the trail around the garden.
31 Aug–6 Sep
Summer Of Play at Kedleston Hall features a variety of fun outdoor activities in the Secret Garden such as giant dominoes, jenga, penalty shoot-out, an outdoor theatre, nature camp, obstacle course, and soft play for smaller children. The event is suitable for children and takes place in the garden area with seating available.
2–6 Dec, 9–13 Dec…
Follow an advent trail through Wentworth Castle Gardens, finding festive games and artwork created by local communities. The artworks explore nature, community spirit and the changing seasons.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A digital folklore adventure for groups, recommended for ages 7 and up, in which players follow audio-led prompts and complete magical tasks around Wentworth Castle Gardens. The app guides participants as they encounter fictional folk creatures and decide their fate.
14–15 Nov
Curly Magpie’s autumn market brings together handmade artisan products, vintage items and local food suppliers. Visitors can browse and buy gifts and homeware from local makers and bakers.
12 Sep
Children's Book Festival by Imaginarium Creations is a family-friendly festival celebrating books, stories and imagination for children aged 5 to 10 and their families. The event includes immersive storytelling, creative workshops, author and illustrator meet-and-greets, family yoga, music making, and a pop-up bookshop. The festival takes place at The Children’s Country House at Sudbury with activities both indoors and outdoors.
29 Oct
Join a guided morning walk at Longshaw to look and listen for wildlife, including winter birds, deer and fungi, and to see the autumn colours. The walk covers about three miles over approximately two hours, with pauses along the way.
22 Jul, 29 Jul…
Summer of Play: Free Weekly Crafts is a series of self-led craft activities held in the Summer of Play zone at Hardwick for children, with a different creative theme each week.
12–13 Sep
Heritage Open Day at Hardwick offers free entry on 12 and 13 September 2026 with demonstrations in natural dyeing techniques, specialist crafts, architecture tours (booking needed for tours), and access to Stainsby Mill. The event includes exploring the hall, gardens, and parkland. It is held both indoors and outdoors throughout the day from 09:00 to 18:00.
28–29 Nov, 5–6 Dec…
Families can enjoy a festive breakfast at Ilam Park, followed by a visit from Santa and activities including crafts, colouring, a photo opportunity and a Christmas trail in the parkland.
5–6 Dec
Festive event at Bolsover Castle, with visitors invited to explore the castle and enjoy seasonal activities for the whole family.
17–31 Oct
Families can take part in Hallowtide-themed half-term play activities at Hardwick, including witches’ hat hoopla, a barefoot broomstick walk and traditional apple games. Visitors with a House and Gardens ticket can also follow the Apple Jack trail in the orchard.
4–6 Nov, 9–13 Nov…
A small-group guided tour of Calke Abbey explores how the house was used as a filming location for 'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man'. Visitors hear about the production and see recreated sets, with authentic props and costumes displayed in designated areas.
5 Sep, 13 Sep…
The Chinese House opening for East and South East Asian Heritage Month is a free event (venue admission applies) at Shugborough Estate where visitors can step inside the historic Chinese House, an 18th century Chinoiserie garden building, and learn about its story of travel, cultural exchange and artistic inspiration.
7 Nov
A full-day needle-felting workshop with textile artist Hannah Dodd, where participants learn dry felting techniques and create a three-dimensional felted hare. Materials, tea, coffee and sweet treats are provided.
27 Nov–23 Dec
Christmas at Calke features festive decorations and displays across the stableyards, house, gardens and tunnels. Visitors can explore the displays, look for hidden knitted mice, enjoy festive games and a carousel on weekends, and see a Christmas-themed underground light experience.
24–25 Oct
Children can join Fiona the Calke witch for a spooky Halloween storytelling session in the Study, followed by a craft activity. The sessions are tailored as much as possible to the ages of the children attending.
15–21 Feb
A self-led family birdwatching trail through Ilam Park and Dovedale, with activities and bird facts to help participants spot birds and listen to their songs. Trail sheets are available from the bookshop.
29 Oct, 25 Nov
Join the Wentworth Castle Gardens Rangers for an informal walk through the parkland and woodlands, with seasonal themes including trees, blossom, flowers and wildlife. Walks last around one to two hours and include opportunities to ask about the landscape and conservation work.
7 Oct–1 Nov, 4–8 Nov…
Visitors can explore National Trust places with their dog and collect stamps in a Pooch Passport. Collecting five stamps earns dog treats, and ten stamps earns a pin badge.
30 Oct
Join a family guided walk along Ilam Park’s paths at dusk, hearing local ghost stories and tales from the past while searching for spooky creatures. Candles are provided for the walk.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Explore locations at Calke Abbey used in *Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man*, with information about filming in the historic interiors and outdoor spaces. A downloadable walking trail highlights filming locations across the estate.
8 Oct, 15 Oct…
Join a guided group walk exploring one of Hardwick’s longer routes through its historic estate parkland. Four routes are offered, ranging from 5.5 to 8 miles.
4 Mar, 1 Apr…
A monthly, gentle-paced group walk through the White Peak countryside, intended to support wellbeing and confidence in walking. Tea and filter coffee are provided indoors at the Coach House after the walk.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Join Shugborough’s house and collections team for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Mansion, with access to normally restricted areas including the state bedroom, cellars and basement. The tour also explores conservation work on the building and its collection.
3 Oct
Half-day needle felting workshop with artist Hannah Dodd at Ilam Park, where participants learn dry needle felting techniques to create 3D felted fungi. Materials, teas, coffees, and cakes provided. Open to members and non-members. Held in an accessible indoor events space suitable for adults.
25 Sep
A moderate circular guided walk summiting Mount Famine, South Head and Brown Knoll in the Peak District, starting from Bowden Bridge car park in Hayfield. The walk covers approximately 7 miles with steep ascent and uneven footpaths, includes a steep ascent, and passes through varied terrain including a restored blanket bog and an ancient packhorse route. Dogs on leads are welcome, but the walk is not suitable for pushchairs or prams. Knowledgeable walk leaders will guide and answer questions.
Peveril Castle is a ruined 11th-century Norman stone castle located on a hilltop overlooking the village of Castleton and the Hope Valley in Derbyshire. It offers visitors dramatic outdoor historic ruins with panoramic views and is protected as a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Monument, maintained by English Heritage within a national park.
13 Sep, 19–20 Sep
History Talks at Staunton Harold Church provide volunteer-led 30-minute talks throughout the day about the church's varied history, including topics like the Shirley family, the Staunton Harold Estate, the English Civil War, and heraldry. The event takes place inside the historic church and requires normal venue admission.
Ashby de la Zouch Castle is a 15th-century ruined castle in Leicestershire, England, known for its well-preserved Tudor gardens, historical significance in the English Civil War, and association with Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe. It is managed by English Heritage as a tourist attraction with notable architectural features and gardens.
23 Oct, 27 Nov
Visitors can drop in to meet Wentworth Castle Gardens volunteers at the Conservatory and learn about the estate’s history and seasonal highlights. The conversations offer an informal alternative to a guided walk, with topics changing throughout the year.
21 Oct
A volunteer ranger leads a gentle-paced walk through Kedleston’s historic parkland, highlighting its heritage features, wildlife and current conservation projects.
23 Oct
A relaxed, SEND-friendly storytelling session with Fiona the Calke witch, followed by an opportunity for children to make a wooden Halloween wreath. The stories are sign-supported using Makaton, and children can finish their craft during the session or take it home.
30 Oct
Families can join rangers to build a bat box using hand tools, with activities arranged so that people of all ages can take part. Children must be supervised by an adult.
1–2 Sep, 9–10 Sep…
Rooftop tours at Hardwick Hall offer an exclusive guided experience to explore panoramic views over the Derbyshire countryside. Participants learn about Bess of Hardwick's history while ascending through the hall to the roof to see local landmarks and visit Bess' rooftop banqueting room. The tour requires booking and admission payment, lasts approx 1 to 1.5 hours, involves climbing steps and is suitable for those over 16 years only.
30 Oct
Storyfolk present an after-hours performance of myths, legends and history inspired by Hardwick’s collection. The 1.5-hour storytelling takes place in the High Great Chamber.
1 Sep, 30 Oct…
Dovedale Big Litter Pick is an outdoor community event where participants join rangers and volunteers to pick litter along the Dovedale valley in the National Nature Reserve to help keep the area clean and enjoyable for nature and people.
29 Nov, 1 Dec…
Quieter, reduced-capacity sessions at Shugborough Mansion are designed for visitors who may find regular opening hours overwhelming because of sensory processing difficulties. Visitors can explore with resources including visual stories, sensory maps, a handling collection, discovery bags and ear defenders.
31 Aug–7 Sep
Wearing Feelings: Childhood in Black and Bright is a major house exhibition exploring children's fashion over the past 150 years, showing how children's clothing evolved from restrictive to more comfortable styles reflecting greater emotional freedom in childhood.
31 Aug
Marble Run by Wild Rumpus is a playful, gigantic upcycled marble run event at The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, featuring a construction made from broomsticks, lampshades, piping, and bamboo. Attendees can pick a cedar ball and try to roll it to the bottom, with the runs set at various heights including some lower level tubes. The event is aimed at children and families and requires normal venue admission.
30 Aug–6 Sep
Summer of Play at Longshaw is a series of free activity sessions designed primarily for children aged 5-10 to learn about the work of Rangers and participate in outdoor games, crafts, and activities such as Gully Racing, Leaves Bingo, and experiencing the Barefoot path. The sessions run each Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the summer holidays at the Moorland Discovery Centre.
22 Oct, 26 Nov…
A day-long writers’ retreat at Hardwick Park, where attendees can work on their own writing projects with quiet writing time, facilitator-led group check-ins and opportunities to connect with other writers. Breaks include time to explore the parkland, and refreshments and lunch are provided.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Celebrate Diwali at Kedleston Hall with colourful illuminations, rangoli designs, craft sessions and storytelling. Activities include making decorations, with Indian block-printing sessions on 27 October.
7–11 Oct (another 2 days)
A self-guided outdoor trail through Kedleston Hall’s park and garden, with seven points exploring the spiritual significance of nature in Tibetan culture. Visitors can follow the points in any order and reflect on the natural surroundings.
31 Aug, 4–6 Sep
Summer of Play at Stoneywell offers outdoor play, woodland adventures, and creative activities in the garden and woodland for all ages to explore and enjoy from 10 July to 6 September 2026. The event takes place in a natural outdoor setting with space to climb, imagine, and relax, with facilities including a tearoom. Booking is required for visits, but the event itself does not require an admission fee beyond normal property entry charges.
Ulverscroft Nature Reserve in Leicestershire offers visitors a rich experience of ancient forest heathland and woodland habitats, managed by the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust, with beauty especially noted in spring during bluebell season. A permit is required for non-members to visit.
31 Aug–30 Sep
Sam Plants a Sunflower: Story Trail is a free story trail event around the Walled Garden and Farmyard at Shugborough Estate, inspired by the book 'Sam Plants a Sunflower'. Attendees can explore the story of Sam learning to plant sunflowers through a series of activities along a step-free route. No booking is needed and normal venue admission prices apply.
28 Nov 2026–3 Jan 2027
Families can follow an outdoor Christmas trail around Ilam Park, finding six stations and taking part in trail clues and seasonal games.
23 Oct
A guided circular walk of about five miles from Bowden Bridge, following part of the Kinder Scout area and circling Kinder Reservoir. Walkers can learn about the landscape, the Kinder Mass Trespass and the reservoir’s history along the route.
14 Oct, 21 Oct…
A non-competitive, leader-led running group at Wentworth Castle Gardens, welcoming runners of all abilities, including beginners. Participants can run regularly or join when available while building fitness and confidence.
29–31 Oct
Children and families can take part in a Halloween craft session at Shugborough Estate, making their own flying bat.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
An exhibition of recently conserved watercolours explores Thomas Anson’s vision for Shugborough Estate, including paintings of its monuments by Nicholas Dall, Moses Griffith and Edward Jones.
14–20 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Kedleston Hall offer free access to all elements of the property where visitors can explore the house and parkland. No booking is needed to attend this family-friendly event, which runs from 14th to 20th September 2026 from 9am to 5pm daily. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
12–13 Dec
Children aged 3–11 can make nature-inspired festive decorations and crafts during indoor sessions at the Moorland Discovery Centre at Longshaw.
2 Sep, 9 Sep…
Free Wednesday Social Walks are weekly social walks around Longshaw led by experienced guides. The walks cover around 5 miles and start at the Welcome Building in Woodcroft car park, ending at Longshaw Café. They provide an opportunity to meet people, discover the countryside, and build walking confidence. Booking is advisable but drop-ins are welcome if space permits. Dogs on leads are allowed, and children over 8 years old can participate.
9 Oct
A volunteer-led walk through Wentworth Castle Gardens’ parkland explores monuments and features associated with Thomas and William Wentworth, including a look inside the Rotunda. Attendees can ask questions and enjoy views of the landscape and wildlife.
2 Aug, 19 Sep…
Participants create poems and short stories through writing exercises themed around seasonal celebrations, literacy and women in history. The workshops are part of a series held on selected dates throughout the year.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Dr Fiona Pogson gives a lecture about the women in Thomas Wentworth’s life, including how they supported his work and shaped his public image.
Dearne Valley - Wombwell Ings is a small outdoor conservation reserve featuring grazing horses, wildfowl, and wading birds, with a footpath for walking and a hide overlooking the water. It offers natural wildlife viewing and peaceful walks with no entrance fee and limited facilities on-site.