What’s on in Derbyshire this festive season?
After a challenging year for everyone, we would like to help spread some Christmas cheer this festive season. Read on to start planning a few brilliant days out in Derbyshire during the build up to Christmas.
Christmas at Chatsworth
Chatsworth has confirmed that Christmas is going ahead this year! Step inside one of the grandest houses in the country and marvel their fabulous festive transformation; a sure way to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Chatsworth will be opening their doors to you for a warm and heartfelt celebration of all things festive from 3rd December. Christmas scenes will flow throughout the house with music from all the ages, including festive favourites from the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.
From a warm and inviting Christmas Eve scene in the State Bedchamber, complete with stockings hung by the fire, to a decadent festive table fit for kings and queens in the Great Dining Room, you are invited to step into the spirit of Christmas at Chatsworth.
Perhaps most exciting of all, the State Rooms and Sketch Galleries, usually closed for conservation during the Christmas period, will be part of the route for the first (and likely only) time ever, and be beautifully dressed for the festive season. Truly a scene not to be missed! Find out more here.
The Bakewell pudding shop
Christmas shopping in the countryside is very different to Christmas shopping in a city – but in a good way. The Peak District has a large number of independent shops across it’s towns and villages, you may actually be surprised at what you find! If you’re staying at one of our Derbyshire properties this festive period, we highly recommend you visit the famous Bakewell Pudding shop. Their large shop spans the entire ground floor of the property it’s located in! Inside is an array of handmade sweet treats and goodies to be explored. There are endless opportunities for Christmas gifts, such as chutneys, jams and local beers. They even have their very own pudding shop merchandise so you can stock up on mugs, plates and tea towels. What’s more, the shop is open every day of the week, when you go be sure to try their award-winning Bakewell Puddings! Click here to find out more.
Treak Cliff Cavern ‘The Cavern at Christmas’ tour
The team at Treak Cliff Cavern have created self-guided tours ‘The Cavern at Christmas’, where you use an app! The cavern will be decorated for Christmas, and there is a Christmas Rocks Trail quiz, ‘Make Your Own Blue John Christmas Decoration’ activity and the full ‘Blue John Stone Experience’. The cavern will be decorated with fairy lights, Christmas trees, and candles to get you into the festive spirit. You will also have the chance to learn a little history of their Christmas Customs and origins. You will see the Underground Wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites, rocks, minerals and fossils, and their very own beautiful unique Blue John Stone!
Dates from 2nd December 2020 to 5th January 2021 (closed Christmas Day), and there are two tours to choose from:
Click here to book the ‘Cavern at Christmas’ (price from £7)
Click here to book the ‘Make a Blue John Christmas Decoration Activity with ‘The Cavern at Christmas’ (price from £30)
Christmas at Buxton Pavilion Gardens
The beautiful spa town of Buxton in Derbyshire makes for a lovely day out any time of year, but the town is truly spectacular at Christmas. The Christmas fair is a great opportunity to buy unique and unusual Christmas gifts and enjoy a fun day out for the whole family.
There will be over 40 festive stalls selling a wonderful selection of seasonal food and drink, festive gifts, decorations, hand crafted jewellery and crafts. The indoor markets incorporate an impressive mix of stalls in the stunning Octagon Hall and Lounge. Hot festive food and drink will be available on the Promenade, as well as children’s entertainment including Santa’s Grotto and rides opposite the swimming pool. The lights switch on is planned for 6:30pm and Fairfield Brass Band will be performing afterwards.
The Christmas Fair at the Pavilion Gardens is in the calendar for the 5th and 6th December, Saturday and Sunday, 10am till 4pm and is free to enter. Click here to find out more.
Take a beautiful winter walk
Grab your boots, wrap up warm and enjoy the breath-taking Peak District on foot. Having eaten as much Christmas food as physically possible, nothing’s better than a walk in the countryside to burn off all that turkey and Christmas pudding. We’re extremely fortunate that all of our Derbyshire inns and hotel are surrounded by beautiful rural landscapes, so make sure that you take full advantage of the views when you’re here!
A particular favourite route of ours is a three hour walk around the Chatsworth Estate, with far-reaching views. The views are especially captivating when covered in a dusting of snow! For more details, please click here.
After a wonderful day out, there’s no place better to retire for the evening than in one of our Devonshire Hotels or Inns. Indulge in our finest food from our award winning restaurants before relaxing in one of our comfortable bedrooms.