What's On

Keep your eyes peeled as you walk around our beautiful mile-long lake, and through the woodland and garden, where the Fairies at Trentham live.

Have a go at orienteering at Ilam Park - our permanent course is available all year round, whatever the weather. Ideal for beginners, families, dog walkers and school groups.

Butterflies is an inspiring, transformative art installation utilising iconic materials of Stoke-on-Trent - ceramics and metal.

The 2019 Illuminations season will run from Saturday 7 September to Sunday 27 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.

* Sundays Only (excluding 15th September)

Haddon Hall is becoming renowned for its varied programme of music held throughout the season.  Carefully selected by Music for Derbyshire's former Director of Music.                                  Performances are held at 12.00 and 2.00 pm, providing time to enjoy lunch or tea in the Restaurant.  These recitals can be enjoyed at leisure and are included with admission tickets.

From October 1st 2019 to January 31st 2020, visitors can polish and take home their very own Blue John Christmas tree decoration or window hanger.

Our skilled craftspeople will guide you through the processes of creating your own unique Blue John ornament in our new visitor workshop area.

Prices for this activity start at £10 per hanger / decoration.

*Selected dates throughout October & beginning of November

Are you ready to join in the fun at 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!

Frighteningly good fun around every corner ... join in the fun if you dare. Take your little monsters along to Chatsworth for nine days of terrible treats, evil entertainment and devilish delights. 

October half term sees the return of the fire pits, twinkling lights, marshmallow toasting plus a few October half term surprises along the way. Then from Thursday October 31st until Sunday 3rd November 2019 Halloween arrives at the Heights.

Travel to Wirksworth Wizarding Day the proper way on our very own Wizarding Specials from Duffield! Although it’s diesel-hauled, our Wizarding Special will have use the authentic red corridor coaches that you know and love! Come dressed as your favourite character and enjoy the journey!

From Saturday 26th October to Sunday 3rd November. Everyday from 10:30am until 3:30pm you can join in the spooky fun this October half term. Fancy dress isn’t mandatory but is highly encouraged.

The trail packs are available to purchase from the Visitor Centre reception for £3.00 each. Once you’ve completed the trail you can collect your prizes; a Halloween crafts activity pack and a trick or treat goodie from the Main Sail Café in the courtyard.

The Discovery Days Festival, the region's largest heritage festival, runs from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November, and features a great variety of over 130 events, many of them based around this year's transport theme, and all highlighting the international significance of the Derwent Valley Mills, the only World Heritage Site in the East Midlands and the birthplace of the factory system.

Drop into the Carsington Visitor centre, there'll be small, medium and large pumpkins available to buy for a small charge for you to decorate and take away. They will have the tools and, all you need to bring is a little imagination! All of the fun none of the mess. No booking required, first come first served

Wrap up and enjoy a range of live entertainment, as well as the traditional bonfire and two dazzling firework displays.

Ashbourne Town Council are once again putting on a Fire Works display for everyone to enjoy, at 7.30pm on the Friday before Guy Fawkes Night, at Ashbourne Recreation Ground.
There will be a funfair with rides and stalls for all ages, with hot food and drinks to buy.

In a land far, far away...

Discover lands afar at Chatsworth this Christmas, following in the footsteps of explorers Phileas Fogg and Amelia Earhart. The guides at Chatsworth will lead you on a festive adventure around the globe as you travel from a Nordic winter wonderland, through blossom trees in Japan, to a baroque Portuguese church on the journey of a lifetime.

Where better to start your Christmas shopping than at the Chatsworth Christmas market? With over 100 market stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations, it's a great way to start the festive season. Enjoy a visit later in the day and experience the market at dusk with a magical feel.

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.