Local Highlights in the Peak District

**  Please note:  local attractions may be closed, have restricted opening times or require pre-booking and local events may be cancelled due to Coronavirus. **

Whatever your interest, from sheep dog trials, country shows and  farmers' markets to art exhibitions, music festivals and cookery demonstrations, you will find a splendid range of events to choose from in the Peak District and Derbyshire.  Below we highlight just a few local events you may find of interest.

Chatsworth House 

With a whole host of events  planned throughout the year,  Chatsworth House has something for everyone!   All areas including the House are currently  open,  although all visits must be pre booked online before arrival.   As well as the House there is  the  thousand acre park,  a farmyard and playground, the Farm Shop and Restaurant, the Carriage House Restaurant and Stables Gift Shop which are all open.   A series of special events which are usually held throughout the year, including behind the scenes talks, tours and workshops which can usually be booked online, are currently suspended due to Covid19.   In addition there is the Spring fair in April and the Country fair at the end of August, not to mention the magnificent and magical  Christmas transformation from November till the New Year.

Well Dressings

For a truly unique experience, from May to September why not visit some of the villages and towns close to Longnor to experience the tradition of ​Well Dressing, including nearby Tissington which is usually celebrated in May.  Sadly this year 2021 has been cancelled but they hope to celebrate from May 26 - June 1 2022.

Buxton Festival

During the second week of July, enjoy a Summertime celebration of opera, music and literature in the splendour of the Opera House and gardens.

Buxton Military Tattoo

For a memorable experience with military bands and the RAF Air Cadets Drill Display team inside the magnificent Dome, join in the regimental and massed bands at the ​Buxton Military Tattoo  early in July.

Longnor Races

Join locals and visitors from far afield at Waterhouse Farm from around midday on Thursday 9th September 2021  for an afternoon of racing - starting with a gymkhana, followed by Harness Racing, a family fun run, a motorbike race and finally an evening fell run.   Become part of  a local tradition started originally in 1904!

Matlock Bath Illuminations

Celebrated since  Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, a flotilla of decorated and illuminated boats flow down the River Derwent every weekend as darkness falls in September and October.

Photograph © copyright Jack's Cottage and cannot be reproduced without permission.