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.

Have a go at orienteering at Ilam Park - the permanent course is available all year round, whatever the weather. Ideal for beginners, families, dog walkers and school groups. No booking needed, just purchase the orienteering map for £1.50 from the shop at Ilam Park and off you go!

The 2018 Illuminations season will run from Saturday 8 September to Saturday 28 October. Fireworks displays will take place on Saturday evenings at 9pm.  Matlock Bath Illuminations feature a unique parade of illuminated and decorated boats on the River Derwent every weekend throughout September and October. Each boat carries a decorated model and as darkness falls the boats disappear into the blackness below, leaving the models apparently gliding along just above the water.

*Selected dates throughout October

Are you ready to join in this year’s terrifyingly fantastic Scarefest event with spooks, frights and thrills for everyone? This unmissable event takes place on selected dates in October/November when the Resort becomes home to Halloween. Open until late so you can enjoy your favourite rides in the dark and for the first time Wicker Man’s flames lighting up the night sky! For younger visitors, there are live shows, a new addition to our famous ‘freaky four’ to meet, whilst older families will find laughs and frights in our House of Monsters maze. And for those in search of spine-tingling terror, you’ll need your wits about you when you enter the terrifying scare mazes…

Get ready for Halloween by coming down to the Mill Yard to carve your own Pumpkin.

Only £3 per Pumpkin and enter in to our best design competition to win a prize !

Frighteningly good fun around every corner ... join us if you dare. Bring your little monsters along to Chatsworth for terrible treats, evil entertainment and devilish delights. 

Take a walk through the spooky woods on a spooky trail for families. Hunt for hidden clues and collect a spooky treat at the end.

No booking required. Collect a trail map from the shop for £1.

Sid the Sudbury Spider has hidden some of the Halloween decorations in webs around the grounds! Can you help find them? Count how many spiders you can spot in a self-led trail around the grounds. Wrap up warm and get ready to hunt high and low.

The display will start at 7.30pm and last for approximately 20 minutes. 

There will also be a fun fair on Cokayne Avenue car park.

Chatsworth House annual bonfire and dazzling fireworks display will take place on Saturday and Sunday night.

Join us for a spectacular Fireworks event, that will dazzle and delight! On November 3rd & 4th, this sensational display will be your last chance to experience our world beating rides and attractions before our 2018 season comes to an end.

Join the fun this bonfire night in the Stable Yard at Sudbury Hall for a magical evening of warming fire pits and fairy tale storytelling.

The nights are drawing in and the air is getting cooler, it’s time to dig out your big coat, your warmest boots and your most adventurous spirit. This event will not include fireworks, so it's the perfect alternative for those who don't like bangs. There will be food and drink stalls for you to treat yourself to candyfloss and firepits to toast marshmallows. We'll have a selection of delicious hot foods to choose from too.  **Ticketed event**

Join in the festive spirit, with Live seasonal musical entertainment from brass bands to string quartets. Enjoy mulled cider and German beers in our bavarian beer tent. Find the perfect presents for all the family from our wide range of stalls including toiletries, clothes and things for your home. Enjoy delicious food, with gourmet burgers, hotdogs, pancakes, churros, fudge and chocolate and treats galore. See our own stunning ranges of items in the Chatsworth gift, interiors and garden shops, up in the Stables.

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.

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.