Derbyshire

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.

143 Results

Near Sudbury Hall

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.

Near 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.

Winter: Festive wreath making 2026

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.

Near Longshaw Estate

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.

Near Wentworth Garden Centre and Historic Gardens

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.

Near Bolsover Castle

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.

Located in Bolsover

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.

Near Shugborough Estate

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.

Near Kedleston Hall

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.

Grazing at Calke Guided Walk

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.

Near Calke Abbey

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.

Natural History Crafts

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.

2 miles from Foremark

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.

Step Into History Walks - People Who Shaped the Parkland and Gardens

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.

Near Wentworth Castle

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.

Ilam Park: Family Guided Walk: Geology, Archaeology and Landscape

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.

Near Ilam Park

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.

Spoon Carving Workshop

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.

3 miles from Duffield Castle

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.

Winter: Christmas Tree sales at Longshaw 2026

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.

3 miles from Eyam Hall

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.

Near Cascades Gardens

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.

Ilam Park: 2026 Guided Walks: Discover the History of Ilam Park

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.

3 miles from Tissington Hall

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.

2 miles from Staunton Harold

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.

Summer of Play at Wentworth Castle Gardens

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.

3 miles from Dearne Valley Old Moor

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.

Near Hardwick

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.

Photography Open Day

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.

2 miles from Staunton Harold

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.

Architecture Tour

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.

Near Stainsby Mill

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.

Local Treasure, Global Connections: Museum Room Display

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.

2 miles from Staunton Harold Church

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.

Brilliant Birds

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.

3 miles from Radbourne Hall

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.

Calke Crafternoons

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.

3 miles from Melbourne Hall & Gardens

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.

How did we get here?

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.

3 miles from Eastern Moors

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.

Bright Winter Nights at Bolsover Castle

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.

2 miles from Sutton Scarsdale Hall

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.

3 miles from Melbourne Hall Gardens

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.

Christmas at Shugborough | SEN Relaxed Sessions (pre-bookable)

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.

Near Shugborough Hall

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.

Winter Trees Art Workshop

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.

art

Guided by Nature: Veteran Tree Walk

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.

3 miles from Bluebell Arboretum and Nursery

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.

Free Friday Social Walk from Edale - Autumn

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.

Free Friday Social Walk from Edale

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.

Near Kinder, Edale and the High Peak

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.

Summer of Play: Family Minibeasts Safari in the Garden

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.

Mystery Rooms: The Queen's Cure

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.

Exhibition | Quilts for the Longest Day: A Sewing Group’s Accidental Journey

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.

Near Wentworth Woodhouse

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.

Bristol 4 Tibet at Kedleston Hall

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.

Bess's Dream

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.

Discover With Us: Craft Activities & Demonstrations

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.

'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man' Behind-the-scenes Experience

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.

2 miles from Dearne Valley Bolton Ings

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.

YHA Festival of Walking: Free Social Walk from Castleton

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.

2 miles from High Peak Estate

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.

Ilam Park: Highlighted Event: Earthly Delights Art Installation

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.

Bess: Unframing the family

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.

House Tours at Wentworth Castle

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.

Specialist Craft Open Days

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.

Natural Craft Event: Autumnal Wall Hanging

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.

Behind the Lens | Lichfield Apartment Tour

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.

Watercolour Workshop: Landscape Painting

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.

Heritage Open Days

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.

Heritage Open Day: Collage at the Cottage

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.

Near Ulverscroft Nature Reserve

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.

September Morning Yoga nature connection dance

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.

Children's Book Festival by Imaginarium Creations

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.

Autumn morning Wildlife Walk

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.

Heritage Open Day

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.

'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man' Behind-the-scenes Filming Tour at Calke Abbey

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.

The Chinese House opening for East and South East Asian Heritage Month

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.

Ilam Park: Autumn: Needle Felted Hare Workshop with Hannah Dodd

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.

Ranger Rambles at Wentworth Castle Gardens

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.

On Screen at Calke Abbey

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.

Walk With Us: Wider Estate Walks

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.

Ilam Park: Free Regular Relaxed Ramble

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.

Behind Closed Doors: Cellars, Stores, and State Rooms

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.

Ilam Park: Needle Felted Fungi with Hannah Dodd

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.

Walk The Ethels: Mount Famine, South Head & Brown Knoll

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.

2 miles from Peveril Castle

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.

History Talks at Staunton Harold Church

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.

3 miles from Ashby de la Zouch Castle

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.

Rooftop tours

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.

Christmas at Shugborough | SEN Relaxed Sessions (drop-in)

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.

Marble Run by Wild Rumpus

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.

Summer of Play at Longshaw

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.

Writers' Retreat

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.

Summer of Play at Stoneywell

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.

Near Ulverscroft Nature Reserve

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.

Sam Plants a Sunflower: Story Trail

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.

Autumn Amble Kinder Reservoir from Bowden Bridge

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.

The Painted Paradise: 18th century landscapes of Shugborough

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.

Heritage Open Days

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.

Free Wednesday Social Walks

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.

Create With Us: Creative Writing Workshop

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.

3 miles from Dearne Valley Wombwell Ings

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.