What's On

We have some fantastic National Properties throughout Derbyshire with many open throughout the Year

Take a walk through the wonderful grounds of Ilam hall and enjoy a drink in the tea rooms.  £1 trail sheet available daily from the shop at Ilam Park, 11 to 5.

Take an incredible Underground Journey by Boat. Enter the inner world of the underground cave system in the heart of the Peak District National Park and absorb the atmosphere as a watery silence echoes all around you.

Take a  journey beneath the earth with expert guides, explore the vast limestone caverns see how crystal stalactites have lined the chambers over millions of years. Stroll though beautiful woodland trails to a panoramic Peak District hilltop viewpoint.

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is a 9-mile long picturesque heritage railway in Derbyshire. The services operate in both directions between Wirksworth and Duffield and are open most weekends and other dates throughout the year. Open at weekends throughout the year and selected dates. Please see the timetable.

Immerse yourself in a world of make-believe this Christmas at Chatsworth, with enchanting fairy tale scenes woven throughout the house.

Visit us for a fun family day out, indulgent Christmas dining and gift inspiration in the Flagship Store, Factory Outlet and Gift Shop.
Make memories with Christmas pottery painting, a Christmas trail or a winter wildlife walk.
Check website for specific timings and opening dates.

Santa will be returning to his favourite Grotto at Poole's cavern each weekend in December, and Christmas eve too.
Bring your Christmas wishes and all the family to visit the wonderfully illuminated grotto, meet the man himself and explore the spectacular cavern.

Let your little ones meet Santa aboard the Peak Rail Steam train.Santa with his many helpers are waiting to welcome you aboard his festive steam train. As you chuff merrily along Santa will visit you in your seat bearing quality gifts, sweets and drinks for every boy and girl, whilst other family members can sit back and relax with a glass of hot mulled wine and a mince pie. In garland filled coaches piped with festive music, clowns and magicians will entertain you whilst you travel. Operates on selected dates

Christmas weekends at Calke are a magical time to make memories with the family. Find inspiration at the Christmas gift and food markets in the Riding School, then explore the grounds to discover twelve festive displays, telling stories from Calke's past. As darkness falls, follow a twinkling trail of lights and illuminations through the Pleasure Grounds to the church, and catch a glimpse of the house lit up in festive lights. Squirt's Stable will be open for Christmas crafts.

We love getting into the Christmas spirit here at Sudbury Hall. Traditions are a huge part of a modern Christmas from food to songs and games. This year we're celebrating a Regency Christmas with a little bit of inspiration from Giorgiana Vernon's diary, an insight into what a family Christmas here at Sudbury may have been like.

If you visit during our Christmas period this year, music will fill your ears, with different carols in each room Haddon Hall explores the meaning behind some of our favourite Christmas Carols. Come and see the Hall decorated for the festive season, with roaring fires, golden decorations and music filling the air, an enjoyable time for all the family.

There'll be nine miles of smiles this Christmas as you step on board the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway's Santa Experience!

There will be music, magic and mince pies at the railway this Christmas as you are welcomed in the beautifully decorated Santa's Refreshment Area. Step on board the warm and cosy heritage train and see Santa in his on-board grotto where there are presents for every child. You'll be transported to the North Pole (Duffield) and back with other fun activities during the journey.

Enjoy the magical experience of carol singing in the ancient Treak Cavern, home to Blue John. All Carol events are at 2.00pm and last for approx 1 hour with free mulled wine and mince pie afterwards. A guided tour and a present for younger ones from Santa are also included in the ticket price. Tickets are available from 01433 621487. Adults £10 Children £5 under 5s free.

Join us in bringing the nativity to life with our farmyard animals and your children as the stars of the show in a heart-warming Christmas performance.

Hoping to find fame and fortune in London, our young hero Dick Whittington makes his way down Ye Olde M1 with nothing but a sandwich and a can-do attitude; but he’s out of luck until he meets a friendly cat with a knack for catching rats. As his cat gets to work ridding the city of its furry pests, it seems Dick’s dream will come true. Little does he know the scary King Rat - a nasty geezer with an army of rodents at his command - is getting ready to pounce.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast and enjoy a visit from Father Christmas, who will be stopping by with gifts for all good boys and girls. He's a busy man this season, so booking is essential for this festive breakfast.

The Raft Race from Matlock to Cromford will be bigger than ever. Derbyshire Association of Sub-Aqua Clubs organise the Matlock Raft Race in aid of the RNLI (lifeboats). In over 47 years they have raised more than £200,000. The race usually starts at 10am in Matlock with the finish line at Cromford Meadows around 1pm (ish).