The days are long, the sun (we hope) is shining and it’s time to get out and explore all our county has to offer. Here, the region’s official tourist board suggest fabulous ways to spend your summer – with something for everyone
6 THINGS TO DO
Go biking or hiking
With over 260 miles of traffic-free trails to explore, Derbyshire is a cyclists’ paradise. Enjoy easy-going riding on the trails of Monsal, Tissington, High Peak and Manifold, where you'll find bike hire facilities, refreshment stops (including the Monsal Trail’s brilliant Hassop Station Cafe) and picturesque views along the way.
Alternatively, pull on your walking boots to discover the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site on Cromford Canal (and pop into historic Cromford Mills); take a stroll from vibrant Bakewell to beautiful Chatsworth; or tick off the start of the Pennine Way (stretching from the Peak District to the Scottish Borders) in Edale.
Ride on a heritage railway
Take a nostalgic trip on the preserved heritage railways at Peak Rail, between Rowsley and Matlock; Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, between Wirksworth and Duffield; or at the Midland Railway Butterley, which includes a railway museum.
Train-lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to Barrow Hill Roundhouse near Chesterfield, the last surviving railway roundhouse with an operational turntable in the UK!
Visit famous filming locations
Find locations from your favourite films and visit gems including Winnats Pass and Cave Dale, as seen in HBO’s House of the Dragon (2022); the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall, the inspiration for Malfoy Manor in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows (2010); and Haddon Hall, the backdrop for the 2019 Mary Queen of Scots film featuring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, and a soon-to-be-released film starring Jude Law…
Drink in Derbyshire produce
Forget the vineyards of France and the beer halls of Germany, Derbyshire has a host of delicious drinks to discover. Take a vineyard tour at Amber Valley Wines (their Sunset Tours culminate in twilight tastings) and save the dates for quality producers’ markets on June 22, July 15, August 26 and September 16.
Head behind the scenes at White Peak Distillery, Ambergate, to experience a working distillery before sampling award-winning spirits, and learn the story of the world-famous Thornbridge Brewery at their Bakewell Tap Room.
Enjoy summer in the city
Spend a day in the city and discover everything from free museums to shopping and special events. Learn about Derby’s 300-year history of making at Derby Museum of Making, see the world’s largest collection of Joseph Wright paintings at Derby Museum and Art Gallery, take a cruise on the Derby Riverboat, from the city centre to historic Darley Abbey, then tantalise your tastebuds with homemade ice cream from Bluebell Dairy in Spondon.
Take an underground adventure
Escape the heat and cool off in one of Derbyshire’s famous show caverns. Head below ground to discover the home of Blue John Stone at Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton, marvel at stalactites and stalagmites before enjoying a scenic walk and Go Ape zip wire adventure at Poole’s Cavern and Country Park in Buxton, and experience unique pop-up cinema nights at Peak Cavern in Castleton.
6 UNMISSABLE EVENTS
Buxton International Festival: July 6-23
Buxton’s summer celebration of opera, music and books boasts a striking line-up for 2023. There’s a new musical based on Buxton’s pioneering feminist Vera Brittain, three new opera productions, a jazz line-up including Grammy award winner Wynton Marsalis, a concerts’ programme featuring renowned violinist Nicola Benedetti, and literary speakers including Sir David Hare, Isabella Tree and Gary Younge.
The Festival Fringe, one of the UK’s largest open access arts festivals, runs from July 5 to 23.
Summer Nights Film Festival
Pack your camping chairs, blankets and picnics and get ready for a spectacular cinematic experience under the stars. Confirmed screenings:
The Greatest Showman (PG) at Derby Rugby Club - August 18
Grease (PG) at Kedleston Hall - August 18
Elvis (12A) at Derby Rugby Club - August 19
Top Gun: Maverick (12A) at Kedleston Hall - August 19
Timber Festival: July 7-9
Experience a weekend of celebration, debate and reflection in the heart of the National Forest and gather with activists and makers in a joyous celebration of nature. The talks programme includes Raynor Winn and Simon Armitage, whilst the wellness offer includes woodland saunas, workshops, theatre, and woodland crafts.
Chatsworth Country Fair: September 1-3
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, interactive activities and a vintage fun fair.
Peak District Highland Games: August 27
See the country’s leading strongmen and women compete in this popular event at Matlock Farm Park as they take on The Eight Tonne Tractor Pull, The Peak District Dinnie Stone Challenge, The Tossing of the Caber and The GIANT Stone Throw.
Darley Park Weekender: August 25-27
Scenic Darley Park will again host a weekend of music over the bank holiday. The new ‘Ultimate 90s’ event features Peter Andre, East 17, Liberty X and Five, whilst the 80s Mix Tape stars DJ Martin Kemp, Hue and Cry and ABC. The Darley Park Concert will round off the weekend with Derby's annual summer highlight of classical music and fireworks.
6 TOP ATTRACTIONS
Experience Chatsworth
Alongside this year’s exhibition – Mirror Mirror: Reflections on Design at Chatsworth, which runs until October 1 – there’s plenty more to enjoy, from walks in the 105-acre garden to a talks, tours, and workshops on everything from gardening to rural skills and textiles.
The farmyard – with its rare breeds and woodland playground – offers hours of adventures, whilst the nearby Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop is the perfect pitstop for treats to take home.
Discover ‘Fantastic Happenings’ at The Heights
This is the year of ‘Fantastic Happenings’ at The Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath. Take a cable car ride to the clifftop country park and discover live music, theatre and engaging living history actors.
Underground, there are two show caverns to explore, whilst above ground there are numerous viewpoints, scenic playgrounds, a restaurant, cafe and exhibitions.
Enjoy great events at Bolsover Castle
Once the pleasure palace of a Cavalier playboy, this Stuart mansion never fails to impress. Be transported to a lost age of aristocratic extravagance, hear tales from costumed storytellers, roam the Terrace Range and take in the views from the restored wall walk.
Don’t miss events including ‘Siege!’ on July 29 and 30 and the ‘Legendary Joust’ from August 26 to 28.
Travel back in time in Ambergate and Crich
Journey through time on a visit to two of Derbyshire’s finest transport attractions. Discover over 100 years of British motoring history and over 130 classic cars at Great British Car Journey in Ambergate, then climb aboard a vintage tram at Crich Tramway Village and travel along beautifully recreated historic streets.
Animal encounters near Matlock and Leek
Discover everything from small animal handling to meerkat talks, wallaby encounters, sheep racing, ferret racing, and indoor and outdoor play areas at Matlock Farm Park.
Come face-to-face with exotic and endangered animals from across three continents – including lemurs, penguins and wallabies – at Peak Wildlife Park near Leek.
Visit the Children’s Country House
Have fun with history at The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, recently crowned Permanent Exhibition of the Year at the Museum and Heritage Awards. Explore the historic country home of the Vernon family in the hall, take a journey through childhood in the museum, and picnic and play in the garden.
Don’t miss a visit to other National Trust gems at Calke Abbey, Hardwick Hall and Kedleston Hall, all of which have acres of parkland to explore.
Travel by bus and save this summer
Sit back, relax and leave the car at home. The new Derbyshire Wayfarer bus ticket is valid all day, across all buses in Derbyshire, and provides a great way for families (up to two adults and three children) to get around with an introductory price of £15.50 per day or £8 for adults. Details at visitpeakdistrict.com/visitor-information/getting-here/travelling-by-bus
Find more inspiration on events and things to do at visitpeakdistrict.com. Businesses interested in becoming a member of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire can find out more at visitpeakdistrict.com/industry.
