What's On in Derbyshire

Swimming lessons with Everyone Active

Venue: Your local leisure centre

Address: Derbyshire & Staffordshire

Website: https://www.everyoneactive.com/courses-lessons/swimming-lessons/

Award-winning swimming lessons at your local Everyone Active leisure centre, for children aged from just 4 months old. Available at Moorways Sports Village and Water Park (Derby), Etwall Leisure Centre,...

Orienteering at Kedleston Hall

Venue: Kedleston Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Available daily, explore more of the parkland at Kedleston with a family friendly orienteering course. Using a map, choose your own route to find your way.Choose from a 1.6 mile route or a 3 mile route....

School Holidays at Statfold Country Park

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: www.statfold.com/schoolholidays

Enjoy a train ride on a scenic route around the fields at Statfold Country Park. Visit the world-renowned locomotive museum - great for all the enthusiasts plus the vintage carousel, arts and crafts zone,...

Displaced: From the Nile to the Derwent

Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.derbymuseums.org/museum-and-art-gallery

Derby Museums are showing its collections from ancient Egypt together in a special exhibition. Featuring over 80 objects and the remains of three mummified humans. Suitable for all, trail sheets for children...

Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/library-zone

This year’s Challenge is called Marvellous Makers and it’s all about creativity! From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, there’s something for everyone. Regional variations may apply, so...

Apple Tree Town

Venue: Unit 6, Loomer Road Industrial Estate

Website: www.appletreetown.co.uk

Your children will have lots of time to discover what this little town has to offer, the themed role play areas have been built to with little imaginations in mind, offering a full immersive experience...

Maize Maze Mania

Venue: Maize 52

Website: www.maze52.com

Jump into the newly-designed Mega Maze and hunt for some hidden 'Corny Clues' to crack the code. Play your way around the exciting new Musical Mini-Maze, enter the enchanting flower garden where you can...

Summer of Fun

Venue: Gulliver's Theme Parks

Website: www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Enjoy fabulous family entertainment each day this summer with new rides, attractions and shows! Running until 2 September.

The Big Butterfly Count

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org

Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. No green space is too small - a back garden, a small terrace...

Summer of Play at Shugborough Estate

Venue: Shugborough Estate

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Explore Shugborough's Play Hub, join the summer trail, or try your hand at active and creative activities around the estate.

Farmarama

Venue: National Forest Adventure Farm

Website: www.adventurefarm.co.uk

Enjoy the ultimate beach party with gigantic paddling pools and a huge sand area to make the farm the best beach going! Each day there will be fun seaside shows, super sand art, the huge maize maze and...

Summer of Play

Venue: Hardwick Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick

Enjoy some Elizabethan themed entertainment activities, including a chance to don a costume and showcase your favourite stories or moves on one of the stages, make a tune on the music station, write a...

Chatsworth Young Farmers

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org

Children and adults can spend a summer afternoon mucking in with the daily jobs in the Chatsworth Farmyard.This event is suitable for children aged between 7 and 16. Children must be accompanied by an...

James and the Giant Peach at Kinver

Venue: Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The award winning White Cobra are bringing this fast paced, family friendly adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale to Kinver this summer! Find yourself whisked away with James as he meets an array of...

Look Up at The National Memorial Arboretum

Venue: National Memorial Arboretum

Website: www.thenma.org.uk/lookup

Visitors of all ages are asked to ‘look up’, as the sky becomes the star of the show in their fun free summer holiday programme. With sensory play, arts and crafts and Cloudscapes, an immersive outdoor...

Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out

Venue: Winding Wheel Theatre

Website: www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk

Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees...

The Wagon of Dreams: The Dragon Wagon

Venue: Tamworth Castle Grounds

Website: www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk

A playful, inventive family show about friendship, food and dragons, set on a retro caravan, packed with puppetry, music and laughter. All performances are relaxed with integrated Sign Supported English....

Play in a Week: The Real Secret Garden

Venue: New Vic Theatre

Website: www.newvictheatre.org.uk

During the week learn about the world of the play, read-through the script, be cast in a short play, rehearse with your fellow cast members, and then perform the play on Friday 2nd August to your family...

Summer Holiday Art in the Park

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org

Children of all ages can join in free nature-themed art workshops in the park throughout the school summer holidays.All materials will be provided. Please be aware that Art in the Park is predominantly...

Dragon Tails - A Summer of Dragons!

Venue: Tamworth Castle

Website: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk

As you explore the Castle, you will meet experienced dragon charmers, undertake dragon challenges and encounter baby dragons. Throughout the summer holidays, you will be able to discover the Elemental...

Déda Summer School

Venue: Déda

Address: 19 Chapel Street

Website: www.deda.uk.com/whats-on/time-to-try-déda-summer-school

Déda has an exciting programme lined up for you, packed with movement and dance for children aged 7-11. They also have Summer: Dinky Disco, a festival-themed extravaganza guaranteed to provide fantastic...

Animate at the Museum and Art Gallery

Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.derbymuseums.org

Animate workshops invite participants to contribute to creating new art works inspired by humankind and our complicated relationship with other creatures that share Planet Earth. Work created will be...

Science Museum -The Live Stage Show

Venue: Lyceum Theatre Crewe

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/lyceum-theatre-crewe

Join London’s world-renowned Science Museum as they bring you this brand-new stage production aimed at igniting your curiosity, fuelling your imagination, and inspiring you in new and exciting ways....

Summer of Play: little wheels cycle skills session at Calke Abbey

Venue: Calke Abbey

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/calke-abbey

Perfect for children under eight who can ride a small pedal bike or balance bike. Take your own bike or borrow one (no extra charge). The cycle hire team will be on hand to help little ones get to grips...

Make Your Own Clay Dragon

Venue: Normanton Library

Website: www.inderby.org.uk

Create a fast air-drying clay model based on a dragon that loves books! This event is free but booking is essential. Call 01332 647920 to book. Suitable for ages 4-11. Parents should remain with their...

Wonka (PG)

Venue: Markeaton Park - Craft Village

Website: www.inderby.org.uk

Armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, young chocolatier Willy Wonka manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time. With dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate,...

The Big Tree Climb

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org

This is a great family activity, suitable for adults and children. Tree climbing tests balance and co-ordination. Climbs, which do not damage the trees and are led by a fully qualified instructor, are...

Brewhouse Summer Schools 2024

Venue: Brewhouse Arts Centre

Website: www.brewhouse.co.uk

The summer school allows young people to learn new skills and get creative making amazing things. Each workshop is themed to a specific seaside related topic; participants will get to come up with their...

Children's Learn To Grow Workshops

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org

Discover the gardens and glasshouses, learning about soil and seeds, compost and cuttings, and what plants need in order to thrive. These workshops are perfect for children aged 7-12 who are keen to learn...

Make your own Zine with Spiral Arts

Venue: Riverside Library

Website: www.inderby.org.uk/libraries/events

Get creative with Spiral Arts and publish your own book. Let your children get creative and express their ideas, emotions, and passions in their own hand made, self published, book! In the workshop, the...

Archery at Kedleston Hall

Venue: Kedleston Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Have a go at archery this summer at Kedleston Hall. Ideal for complete beginners. Delivered by Derbyshire Archery Club. Free activity, no booking needed. Available every Wednesday in August. All ages welcome...

Adventure Cinema - Grease Sing-A-Long (PG)

Venue: Hardwick Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick

Immerse yourself in the singing and dancing world of 'Grease', as Adventure Cinema bring you a Sing-A-Long showing of the most successful movie musical of all time. Plus music to enjoy before the movie...

Adventure Cinema at Calke Abbey

Venue: Calke Abbey

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/calke-abbey

Experience four nights of open-air film screenings in the grounds of Calke Abbey this summer including Grease Sing-A-Long Friday, Top Gun Saturday, Mamma Mia and Back To The Future. Films start when the...

Derbyshire Open-Air Cinema

Venue: Hardwick Hall

Website: www.adventurecinema.co.uk

The UK's No.1 outdoor cinema shows come to Derbyshire. Pack a picnic and get ready for an experience like no other. Screenings will take place on the lawn overlooking the house. Free event parking is available....

Adventure Cinema - Finding Nemo (U)

Venue: Hardwick Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick

A family film that is truly for the whole family - from grandparents to grandkids. Finding Nemo is a precious gem in the Pixar and Disney vaults and so much fun to watch. Plus music to enjoy before the...

Adventure Cinema: Frozen Sing-A-Long (PG)

Venue: Hardwick Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Frozen like never before as you watch and singalong with the movie on a huge open-air screen. This perfect family day out is going to be something special!

Adventure Cinema: Mamma Mia! Extrabbaganza

Venue: Hardwick Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick

An all singing, all dancing ABBA day where you'll watch Mamma Mia! and Mamma Mia Here We Go Again on a HUGE open-air screen and singalong with ABBA's greatest hits! Plus ABBA disco before the movies, Street...

Cathedral Quarter Street Circus

Venue: Cathedral Quarter Derby

Website: www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk

Yellow Bus Events will bring Derby’s Market Place to life, presenting a dynamic line-up of circus-style performances and whimsical antics. Attendees can look forward to witnessing acrobatic feats and...

Adventure Cinema - Jurassic Park (PG)

Venue: Hardwick Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick

An amazing theme park with living dinosaurs but things are about to turn deadly. Expect incredible special effects and action-packed drama. There's no getting around it - quite simply one of the greatest...

Adventure Cinema - Sing (U)

Venue: Hardwick Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick

Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton and Matthew McConaughey all star in this animated musical movie about a singing competition, put together for animals in an attempt to save a theater. Five contestants...

Adventure Cinema - The Gruffalo/ Stick Man (U)

Venue: Hardwick Hall

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick

An amazing family outdoor cinema experience with a double bill of brilliant Julia Donalsdon and Axel Scheffler animations. Watch the incredible tales of The Gruffalo and Stick Man on a giant open-air screen.Both...

Children's Botanical Smells and Stinks Workshop

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org

Explore the Chatsworth Kitchen and Cutting Garden, using your nose to discover plants and their smells... Learn which plants are only fragrant at night and why, how plants use scent to send signals, and...

Make your own Zine with Spiral Arts

Venue: Mickleover Library

Website: www.inderby.org.uk/libraries

The artists will show you how to create your own zine. These are self published books that you make yourself, folded, handmade, to express your ideas, passions, experiences, your own unique voice. It can...

In The Night Garden

Venue: Buxton Opera House

Website: www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. This show lasts just under an hour and your little ones will be amazed...

Chicken Licken with Derby Theatre

Venue: Alvaston and Normanton Library

Website: www.inderby.org.uk

Get creative with Derby Theatre as they find out why Chicken Licken thinks the sky is falling down. Hosted by Laura Goulden and friends from Derby Theatre. Age range 4–11. Events are free but booking...

Summer Activities - Silly Still Life's

Venue: Derby Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.derbymuseums.org/event/summer-activities-sallys-still-lifes

Taking inspiration from portraits around the museum, join the facilitators who will help you create your own still life using props, dressing up and your supporting adults. You can then draw and sketch...

Bugsy Malone

Venue: Lyceum Theatre Crewe

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/lyceum-theatre-crewe

Bugsy Malone, a one-time boxer, is thrust not-so-willingly into the gangster limelight when he becomes the last chance that Fat Sam's gang has of surviving. All Bugsy really wants to do is spend time with...

Summer Nights Film Festival at The Children's Country House at Sudbury

Venue: The Children's Country House at Sudbury

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/the-childrens-country-house-at-sudbury

Enjoy screenings of Barbie (16 August) and Wonka (17 August) at The Children's Country House at Sudbury. Doors open at 6pm. Films start approximately 30 minutes after sunset.

The Midlands Firework Festival

Venue: Statfold Country Park

Website: www.statfold.com

Join Statfold Country Park and Titanium Fireworks as they light up the night sky with an incredible evening of fireworks displays, live music and more! It's a great night out for the whole family at an...

Jeeves and Wooster

Venue: Tamworth Castle Grounds

Website: www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk

Facing misadventures, from ill-fated romances to comical escapades, all set against the backdrop of a world filled with eccentric aunts, quirky friends, and a host of unforgettable characters. Featuring...

The Railway Children - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Tamworth Castle Grounds

Website: www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk

All aboard! Tethered Wits invites you to embark on a magical journey filled with fun, music, and heartwarming storytelling. Take your friends and family together, on a journey that celebrates the timeless...

As You Like It - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: Biddulph Grange Gardens

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/biddulph-grange-garden

Folksy Theatre return with their latest production of "As You Like It". Enjoy Shakespeare's classic comedy in the beautiful surroundings of the Garden's Tennis Lawn. Bring a picnic and a chair ready for...

Pride and Prejudice - the play

Venue: Tamworth Assembly Rooms

Website: www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk

From the producers of the sell-out hit Wuthering Heights, comes the perennial classic, Pride and Prejudice! Step back in time over two hundred years and meet Elizabeth Bennet and her sisters as they navigate...

Get creative with Steve Smallman

Venue: Riverside and Mickleover Library

Website: www.inderby.org.uk/libraries

Join Steve Smallman, author of Poo in the Zoo The Island of Dinosaur Poo, to learn about reading, drawing and how to join your local library. Age range 4–11.This event is free but booking is essential....

Junior Ecology Workshops

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org

Explore habitats and learn to identify plants, trees, invertebrates and mammals. This junior ecology day is perfect for children aged 9-14 who are keen to learn about plants and wildlife. All children...

Chatsworth County Fair

Venue: Chatsworth

Website: www.chatsworth.org

Enjoy three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, inspirational cooking masterclasses, food, shopping and plenty of have-a-go activities, including a vintage fun fair, children's climbing...

Mr Toad

Venue: Buxton Opera House

Website: www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

The story is based on Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows and includes appearances from the story’s exquisitely drawn characters including Badger, Ratty and Mole. A show filled with love, laughter...

Summer Sparks Spectacular

Venue: Gulliver's Theme Parks

Website: www.gulliversfun.co.uk

Celebrate another magical summer season at Gulliver's with a Fireworks Spectacular! Enjoy extra ride time, extended opening hours and a fantastic fireworks display.

The Darley Park Concert

Venue: Darley Park

Website: www.inderby.org.uk

Enjoy one of the highlights of the summer as The Darley Park Concert returns for another spectacular evening of classical music and fireworks.Sinfonia Viva will provide the stunning music making it the...

Michael Starring Ben

Venue: Lyceum Theatre Crewe

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/lyceum-theatre-crewe

The show features a live band, dazzling costumes and the performer's iconic dance routines. It also showcases the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and also of The Jackson 5 including Beat It, Billie Jean,...