What's On

An exhibition celebrating man and woman's best friend

WEEKENDS ONLY - SELECTED DATES

Witness expert horsemen in flamboyant 17th century costume training for art and battle to baroque music in the spectacular surroundings of the Riding School at Bolsover Castle. Behold breath-taking displays of horses in training, as they refine the methods created by one of the great equestrian masters and former Bolsover inhabitant, William Cavendish. 

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.

Another chance to see the acclaimed exhibition 'We are Bess' which reveals a new side to Bess of Hardwick's story through the voices and experiences of modern day women.

From household names to local Derbyshire women, the portraits of 16 modern women, taken by award-winning photographer Rachel Adams, sit alongside the Tudor portraits in the Long Gallery.

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.

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.

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.

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 entirety of Peak Rails collection will be available for you to view and enjoy, including locos in various states of repair. A very special feature of this Gala will be the re-introduction into service of our unique 06 Diesel shunter. This loco is the only survivor of an iconic class of some forty locos that spent their entire working lives in Scotland. It will be finished in its authentic green livery.