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.

An exhibition celebrating man and woman's best friend

What better way to enjoy a visit to the Peak District and Derbyshire than by marvelling at the hundreds of well dressings that are lovingly – and painstakingly - created by hand each year from May to September? Be inspired by this incredible art form being kept alive by groups of dedicated volunteers.

The summer school holidays sees the welcome return of Mr Punch and his extended family. Three showtimes a day: 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Not to be missed, a classic piece of Puppet Theatre in our little Switzerland setting presented by Punch's long time professor Richard Coombs.

Get inspired by our space themed summer and explore the grounds of Sudbury.

Free Tuesday Tours for Children throughout the Summer Holidays

What was it like to be a child at Haddon in Tudor times? What was medieval graffiti like? And how ever did we survive before the internet? 

Celebrate summer at Chatsworth with family fun in the house, garden, farmyard and playground. Just remember to find time for an ice-cream...

Put your skills to the test this summer with our range of outdoor sporting activities. Join in the fun with family and friends as you play badminton and soft archery. Childhood classics such as hula hoop and space hoppers will guarantee lots of laughs, or test your nerve with our giant Jenga.

Join in the self led trail and get to know some of the amazing trees in Ilam Park. Look closely with a magnifying glass and peer up into the branches using a mirror. Collect your 50 things wallchart and start your exploration.

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

Join us for a variety of fun free games on the lawn in front of Ilam Hall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 30 July - 29 August.

This Summer on Wednesdays 31st July, 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th of August, Peak Wildlife will  be welcoming a bubbleologist for all kinds of bubble related fun.

We're talking GIANT bubbles, clouds of bubbles and loads of bubble tricks...

And the best bit... It's all included in the standard day entry price! 

There'll certainly be a lot to do with children's entertainment, balloon modelling, magic tricks and circus skills, face painting*, ferret racing, miniature train rides* and Children's fairground rides* taking place over the weekend

* Charges apply for some activities

Tissington craft fair will be held in the Village Hall in the picturesque village of Tissington, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, right in the heart of the Peak District.

All of the stall holders work hard to bring you beautifully hand crafted items all year round. Only hand made items can be displayed for sale so you can ensure you are buying direct from the makers.

With free admission and free parking for visitors as well as several other small businesses in the village, there is something for everyone to enjoy on their visit.

The Lord Chamberlain's Men, the UK's premier all male theatre company, invite you to join them at Kedleston Hall, for their performance of Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Set against the backdrop of the Kedleston parkland, enjoy an evening of outdoor summer entertainment. Refreshments available to purchase, or bring your own.

A traditional Country show includes a wide range of displays, classes and competitions including the Sheepdog trials, Show Jumping, Heavy & Light Horses Showing, Poultry, Cattle and Sheep, including Rare Breeds, Gundogs, Vintage Cars and Motorbikes, Vintage Tractors and Engines, Horticulture, Crafts and lots more.

Racing at Buxton Raceway
Car and caravan jump, Unlimited National Bangers Series Finale, Hot Fords, Micro F2 Stock Cars, 1300 Saloon Stock Cars European Championship, Junior Micra Rods Gold Roof QR 1, GT Rods.

Head down to Shady Oaks to have some 50 Things adventures. Find our pop up Mud Creation Station and make some messy masterpieces this summer.

The Longshaw Sheep Dog Trials claim to be the oldest continuous trials in the country. They have been run from 1898 to the present day, interrupted only by the two world wars. They continue to be held every year  providing enjoyment for many and still raising money for charities.

Use your creativity and imagination to make your own magical woodlands wings and wands at Kedleston Hall this summer. Great fun for children of all ages.

For a true taste of the very best the countryside has to offer, there's nowhere quite like the annual Country Fair at Chatsworth. Sample some superb local produce, find some exquisite crafts and spend a weekend enjoying a whole host of family activities, displays and performances. Massed pipe and military bands, demonstrations and parades, hot air balloons, parachuting and over 300 varied trade stands and rural crafts make this a memorable event with something for everyone. Many of England's heritage of Country Sports and pastimes are on show including Armed service displays, horse shoeing, Ferret racing, archery and sheep dog trials.

Join the Lost Boys as they journey to a time of Gods and heroes, where monsters, myth and reality collide, born out of complete chaos.

Follow the performance through the hall and gardens, with food served along the way. Advance booking required for this special evening event.

Head for the Heights this week to capture the flavour of a great day out. You'll find extra special tasty treats in our cafe's and restaurant, fine ales and wines in the bars and plenty of information about local food producers from around Derbyshire.

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.

Don't miss out on the the inaugural 2019 Ashbourne Soap Box Race which is the brainchild of a group of 16 local adrenaline junkies who have met on a monthly basis since last year to ensure that the town sees the first event of its kind.

A dynamic weekend of culture, thought and performance from artists, makers and designers.

*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!

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.