Things to do this Spring half term in Derbyshire and the Peak District
Our round up of what's on this May half term to keep the kids entertained.
The sun is shining and it's the Spring Bank Holiday! What better place to spend the break than in the beautiful Peak District and Derbyshire? Keep reading for our round-up of some of the best places to visit this half term.
Half Term Fun at Matlock Farm Park
There’s lots to do this half term at Matlock Farm Park for all ages. Meet the beautiful newborn goat kids and wander through the goat enclosure to get up close to the mums with their adorable babies! Every day there’ll also be sheep racing, meerkat talks, small animal handling, wallaby encounters, sheep/alpaca walking and more.
Enjoy local Well Dressings
The tradition of Well Dressing is a unique Derbyshire custom that dates back hundreds of years. Works of art created by hand using natural materials such as petals and seeds by groups of dedicated volunteers. Well Dressings taking place this week include Ashford-in-the-Water and Middleton-by-Youlgrave. See our Well Dressings page for details of displays or pick up a leaflet from a Tourist Information Centre.
Spring Spectacular in Buxton Pavilion Gardens
The Pavilion Gardens in Buxton are hosting a Spring Spectacular this bank holiday weekend and all week there’s a Hero Hide & Seek trail for the kids to enjoy, with a prize for each trail successfully completed. See the website for more details.
Kids go half price at Peak Wildlife Park
Peak Wildlife Park are offering half price kids tickets this half term for entry from 27th May to the 4th June. Peak Wildlife Park offers a truly unique and immersive animal experience. Whether you love lemurs, have a passion for penguins or want to wander with the wallabies (and feed them with your hand!), the park has something for everyone.
Kids Rule at Bolsover Castle
Get ready for a right royal knees-up at Bolsover Castle's Kids Rule event this May half-term. Join us in the grounds of Bolsover Castle to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation with merry monarchs, hands-on activities and fresh-air family fun.
When you arrive, pick up a celebration crown, pop it on your head and be a merry monarch for the day! Step back in time to a medieval coronation and see if you have what it takes to survive the banquet.
Ride the Churnet Valley Railway, kids just £1
Kids can enjoy the magic of steam travel for just £1 at Churnet Valley Railway this half term. Explore the wonders of the Churnet Valley countryside, stopping off at stations along the way. In Froghall tearoom you will be able to enjoy freshly brewed coffee, tea, cakes, or homemade lunches – treats not to be missed!
Funtopia BIG day out in Belper
The Funtopia BIG day out is coming to Belper on the 1st June 2023. The fun-filled festival, designed especially for under 10s, is filled with fun and games for all the family, making this exciting day out one to be remembered! Funtopia has high energy inflatables, role play areas, shows and competitions, character meet and greets, giant games, huge water fights, a tasty food court and more! £2.50 for adults and kids go free.
Garden Party Celebrations at the Heights of Abraham
Join in the Garden Party Celebrations at the Heights of Abraham. Expect the favourite traditional aspects of a Garden Party, such as garden games, brass bands, bunting and picnics… and then add storytelling fairies, crafts, stilt walkers and live music too! It’ll be a fun-packed week at the hilltop park. Running from 27th May to 4th June 2023.
Seaside fun at Crich Tramway Museum
Enjoy seaside fun at Crich Tramway Village from Saturday 27th May to Friday 2nd June. This event is full of traditional seaside fun including the Howard Brothers Fun fair, a mini beach, bingo, crafts and a Punch and Judy show. There is also a face painter and balloon modeller for the children. Crich is part of the Derbyshire Day Out scheme, so hang onto your entry ticket for discounts across Derbyshire.
Beano Mischief at Gulliver's Kingdom
This half term join in the Beano Mischief at Gulliver's Kingdom. Dennis & Gnasher will be appearing each day at intervals on the park until 4th June 2023. Be sure to ride the Beano Friends Super 6 rides and look out for other mischievous activities. Book your tickets online in advance and save, or make your visit extra special with a stay and play short break in themed accommodation at The Explorers Retreat, right on the theme park's doorstep.
Dino Week at National Forest Adventure Farm
This May half term have a roar-some time at the National Forest Adventure Farm. Visit the new Raptor Ranch where a T-Rex, Velociraptor, Triceratops and Spinosaurus are waiting to meet you. Learn to tame the ferocious beasts in the Dino Training Camp, get up close for a one-on-one Dino Encounter and be brave enough to take on the Raptor Run and evade the velociraptor to collect the dino eggs.
Take a hike and enjoy the view
Alternatively, you can just take the kids for some fresh air with a walk or bike ride in the stunning countryside across Derbyshire and the Peak District. Check out our trail pages for ideas of walks and traffic-free cycle trails: Walking & Cycling Trails
Whatever you do this half term, make sure your visit is a responsible one by following the Countryside Code and stay #PeakDistrictProud by keeping dogs on a short lead, parking only in designated areas, sticking to public rights of way where you can, saying no to BBQs and open fires, and taking your litter home with you.
Respect, Protect, Enjoy: Keep it #PeakDistrictProud
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