Peak District Events Blog Posts

Christmas Markets in the Peak District are some of the prettiest and most renowned in all of the UK. This traditional experience is the ideal opportunity to pick up some special gifts while being immersed in the stunning countryside on a crisp winter day. Here are some of our favourites for you to stop on by when staying at our luxury holiday cottages.

Haddon Hall Winter Artisan Market (DE45 1LA)

November 13^th – November 17^th Always a fabulous day out, the Winter Artisan Markets at Haddon Hall provide you with over 110 market stalls to discover on the grounds of this beautiful Tudor manor. Explore the stunning Victorian gardens as you pick up some unique Christmas gifts for friends and family and take in the lovely, festive feeling of this 5-day event.

Chatsworth Christmas Markets (DE45 1PP)

November 15^th – December 3^rd Chatsworth House has over 100 Christmas stalls for you to enjoy this year. Have a browse as you wander through the pretty grounds of the estate and venture inside the house to see its stunning architecture and artwork. Not to be missed!

Castleton Light Switch-on and Christmas Markets (S33 8WN)

November 16^th Hosted by The Castle Hotel, there will be a lights switch-on and Christmas market event in Castleton on the 16^th of November. A number of stalls will be there for you to purchase some lovely trinkets and gifts, so do come along to join in on the fun.

Christmas at Dunham Massey (WA14 4SJ)

November 22^nd – December 30^th This beautiful display of lights, projections and reflections is sure to dazzle you as you walk through the formal gardens and deer park at Dunham Massey. A selection of hot drinks are available such as mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep you nice and warm, and you can even toast marshmallows over the open fire near to the gift shop. Plenty of entertainment is available for the kids, too, and you can look forward to an appearance from Santa!

Bakewell Christmas Market (DE45)

November 23^rd – November 24^th The Bakewell Christmas Market will be an action-packed weekend of Christmas stalls, music, games, festive displays and so much more. Perfect for every member of the family.

Grand Bazaar & Pavilion Gardens Christmas Lights Switch On (SK17 6BE)

November 23^rd With over 40 Christmas stalls, Santa’s Grotto, festive decorations and more, the Grand Bazaar and Pavilion Gardens Christmas lights switch-on is set to be a great day out for the family. Shops will also be open later than usual so that you can get some last-minute Christmas shopping done.

Cromford Christmas Market (DE43)

November 30^th Wrap up your festive gift-buying at Cromford’s Christmas market. There will be live music, Santa’s Grotto, as well as a number of stalls selling unique gifts to line everybody’s Christmas stockings with. Fun for all the family!

Deck the Halls at Haarlem Hall (DE4 4BG)

December 5^th Deck the Halls presents an evening of festive workshops, great food and shopping at Haarlem Mill in Matlock. The event is hosted by two local artisans, so you can expect the evening to be an intimate and cosy one. Enjoy!

Matlock Victorian Christmas Market (DE4 3AR)

December 6^th – December 8^th Celebrating its 25^th year, the Matlock Victorian Christmas Market is back again! You can look forward to over 200 stalls, a Christmas Parade and lights switch-on, Santa’s Grotto… the list goes on! Since this is a big anniversary, the event is sure to be unmissable.

Peak Shopping Village Christmas Makers Market (DE4 2JE)

December 8^th Have a browse of some quality goods, handmade by local artisans. There will be plenty of delicious food and drink available as well as live music. Stop on by and see what’s on offer.

Explore the Peak District Christmas Markets

This year’s Christmas markets are sure to be the perfect pre-Christmas treat. And if you’d like to experience any of these wonderful Christmas markets in the Peak District, then we have the perfect place to stay! Our luxury holiday cottages are based within easy reach of all of these markets. Whether your party is big or small, we can accommodate groups of up to 26 people, and the quality of our accommodation is sure to impress. Call us on 01629 815 683 or 07943 665 428 to book.

Halloween is almost upon us! To help you enjoy this spooky time as much as possible, we’ve compiled all the fun, themed things that you can do near to our luxury holiday cottages. (more…)

Looking for the perfect way to treat dad this Father’s Day? We’ve got just the ticket: Our luxury holiday cottages in the heart of the Peak District! (more…)

Thinking of stopping by the Peak District this June? Here are 3 events you won’t want to miss! (more…)

The Easter bunny will soon be making an appearance! Why not take a break and enjoy your chocolate eggs in some truly stunning surroundings?             If you’re staying with us this Easter, there’s a variety of activities taking place to keep you and your family busy during your stay. Our luxury holiday cottages and caravan park are situated in the heart of the Peak District National Park and serve as the perfect base to explore beautiful walks, stunning scenery, amazing views and picturesque villages. You’re sure to find something to suit. We’ve put together a list of fun, family-friendly activities in the Peak District to take part in over the Easter weekend. Take a look!

Chatsworth House

Experience a day out in the Peak District with a visit to one of the most enchanting stately homes in England. It’s a great time of year to visit and explore the gardens while admiring the abundance of daffodils and stunning scenery. Plus, the variety of Easter events they’re hosting means that children of all ages will have something to do. Learn more: https://www.chatsworth.org/events/easter-at-chatsworth/

Longshaw Estate

Instead of hunting eggs, why not enjoy the relaxing sound of baby birds? Well, you can do just that at Longshaw Estate’s Spring Chick Trail! Have a pleasant stroll through the stunning grounds and be on the lookout for new spring chicks as they chirp away. You’ll learn how and where the birds nest, including some birds who are endangered or protected such as the pied flycatcher. What’s more, you’ll also receive a special gift for wildlife to take home with you, so it’s well worth a trip. Learn more: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/longshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors/features/visit-longshaw-this-easter

Lyme Park

This Easter, explore the extensive grounds of Lyme Park, which comprise of a glorious house, opulent gardens, vast moorland and a deer park. It’s simply ideal for nature lovers and better yet, their Easter egg hunt (sponsored by Cadbury’s) provides a bit of challenging fun for everyone. Learn more: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/69be05f9-a068-496f-a1b5-8a9c825e485b/pages/details

Carsington Water

A great day out for the whole family, visit the children’s playground, have a walk around the reservoir and enjoy the picturesque views or enjoy a family bike ride. Visit the Gallery Café for a bite to eat, enjoy an icecream and wander around the little shops. Learn more: https://www.stwater.co.uk/wonderful-on-tap/our-visitor-sites/come-visit-us/carsington-water/

Pavillion Gardens

Come and enjoy the Easter Extravaganza at the Buxton Pavillion. You can roam in 23 acres of garden with a miniature railway, lake and many pleasant walkways, and there’s plenty of family fun to be had over Easter weekend. Activities range from donkey rides to Easter egg hunts and walkabout entertainment - there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Learn more: https://explorebuxton.co.uk/pavilion-gardens-easter-buxton/

Hardwick Hall

Between the 19^th and 22^nd of April, you can look forward to an Easter egg hunt along Lady Spencer’s Walk. Hardwick Hall has partnered up with Cadbury’s to bring little ones this fun-filled day out and it promises to be a wonderful event. So, put on your detective’s cap and solve the string of clues that lead to some delicious chocolate eggs! Learn more: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick/features/easter-holidays-at-hardwick

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway has a fun twist on your average Easter weekend fun; there’s a circus in the mix! You can partake in exciting activities like plate spinning and juggling whilst enjoying a spectacular performance of professional pyrotechnics. And after the circus acts are done, you can get involved in their Easter egg hunt around the station. Learn more: https://www.e-v-r.com/easter/

HAPPY EASTER!

Mother’s Day is only 3 weeks away. It’s a day to honour mums for all that they do for us and come together as a family to celebrate. So, why not do something special this year and have a family gathering at one of our luxury holiday cottages? We’re situated in the heart of the Peak District and surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfect for a relaxing break.

Farditch Farm Holiday Cottages

If you’re planning a nice meal or spa day in Buxton, then Farditch Farm Holiday Cottages in Chelmorton are the perfect home base for your Mother’s Day activities. Caxterway Cottage sleeps up to 10 people in 5 spacious bedrooms, and both Redhurst Cottage and Pippenwell Cottage each sleep up to 6 people. However, all of these cottages have an interconnecting door which you can open to create one large cottage, sleeping up to an impressive 22 guests. If you don’t need quite so many rooms, then you also have to option of either of our two smaller cottages, Sterndale or Cheedale. These cottages sleep 2 people each and are located directly behind the larger cottages, making this an ideal location to join your family.

Endmoor Farm Holiday Cottages

Rather be near to the market town of Bakewell? Endmoor Farm Cottages in Monyash are just a short drive away. Our Rakes, Tagg and Milkens cottages each have 2 double bedrooms and sleep up to 4 people. Derby, Moor and Ferndale cottages sleep 2 people each in one double bedroom. These cottages therefore give you the option of a little more privacy, whilst still enabling you to spend time with the whole family.

History of Mothering Sunday

Mother’s Day has its roots in religion. It is celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent, 3 weeks prior to Easter Sunday, and is supposed to be a celebration for the Virgin Mary, Mother of God. This is because, according to the Christian Bible, Mary was the one who discovered that Jesus Christ had been resurrected on Easter Sunday. Mother’s Day celebrations generally began with families visiting their local church or parish, as it was considered imperative to be with family during the occasion. This was great for the children of the time since they would usually be out working all day from as young as aged 10, and so Mother’s Day gave them the chance to see their mothers and take a break. With the spread of Christian ideas, the celebrations became more popular and eventually evolved from only celebrating Mother Mary to celebrating mothers in general. At this point, it was then a commonplace occasion and one that we still celebrate today. To book one of our luxury holiday cottages for a special Mother’s Day celebration, call us today on 01629 815 683 or 07943 665 428. But be quick, we have limited availability – see individual cottage page for details.

If you’re planning a pre-Christmas visit to the Peak District, then you might like to visit one of the Christmas markets in the area. There are several in the area, all in stunning locations with something unique to offer. To help you organise your gift-buying plans, we’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas markets in the Peak District in 2018 that are just near to our luxury holiday cottages.

Haddon Hall Winter Artisan Market

Dates: 15th - 18th November, 2018 Location: Haddon Hall, Bakewell, DE45 1LA If you’re looking for a magical Christmas experience, look no further than Haddon Hall. The venue is truly stunning and provides an incredibly grand backdrop for the market stalls, where you can purchase handmade goods from skilled, local artisans. For more information about the event, read our blog post on the Haddon Hall Christmas Markets 2018.  

Chatsworth Christmas Market

Dates: 16th November - 4th December, 2018 Location: Chatsworth House, Bakewell, DE45 1PP The Christmas Market at Chatsworth House is a fantastic event that showcases the estate’s beautiful art, gardens and grounds. There are numerous market stalls selling all kinds of gift items and you can browse the collection whilst enjoying stunning views. For the kids, there is a farm animal nativity, a playground, plus a maze area to explore. For more information about the event, read our blog post on the Chatsworth House Christmas Markets 2018.  

Bakewell Christmas Market

Dates: 24th - 25th November, 2018 Location: Market Street, Bakewell, DE45 1DS Over 80 market stalls will be available to browse through during this festive event. Not only that, but there will be a plethora of fun things to do for kids and adults alike. There will be face painting, donkey rides, whiskey tasting, Santa’s Grotto, a rustic smokehouse cabin… the list is endless! Come along to the Bakewell Christmas markets this year for an unforgettable weekend.  

Cromford Mills Christmas Market

Dates: 8th - 9th December, 2018 Location: Cromford Mill, Matlock, DE4 3RQ Come along to the Cromford Mills and browse the Christmas market stalls. Here, you can find unique gift items made by local artisans, as well as many fun activities such as wreath making, face painting, games, and the chance to meet Santa! The kids will love it and we’re sure you will, too.  

Ashbourne Christmas Artisan Market

Date: 9th December, 2018 Location: Market Place, Ashbourne, DE6 1EU As opposed to the usual Artisan Market that Ashbourne Market exhibits, this Christmas mix-up will feature a wide range of unique, festive gifts. Talented craftsmen and women will be at their stalls for you to pick up something truly special for friends and family. The stalls will have something for everyone, offering items such as food, drink, artwork, sweets, candles, furniture, and many, many more. Nothing is ever the same and you’re sure to have a great time.  

Matlock Victorian Christmas Market

Dates: 30th November – 2nd December, 2018 Location: Hall Leys Park, Matlock, DE4 3AR A Christmas market with a twist! The Matlock Victorian Christmas Market is decorated in a Victorian-esque style, but still offers a modern market experience for everyone to enjoy. You can look forward to over 170 stalls with all kinds of unique gift options. As well as this, there is Santa's Christmas Parade, a fantastic fireworks display, and the ever-famous Christmas lights switch-on.  

Buxton Christmas Fair

Dates: 8th - 9th December, 2018 Location: Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, SK17 6BE The Pavilion Gardens Christmas Fair in Buxton is a lovely event in an equally lovely venue. Get well and truly into the festive spirit as you wander round the gardens and sample some of the amazing goods on offer at the market stalls. You’ll be enchanted by the scenery, and kids will love it, too. There will be a Santa’s Grotto, children’s rides, and entertainment on the Promenade for them. Bring along the whole family for a Christmas-y day out.  

Enjoy the Christmas Markets for longer

We hope you enjoyed reading our top picks for some of the best Christmas Markets in the Peak District in 2018. If you want to visit a few, why not book a stay into one of our luxury holiday cottages? We are ideally located in the heart of the Peak District, which means that a festive day out is just a short drive away!  

The Winter Artisan Markets at Haddon Hall are always a magical experience with the remarkable grounds adding an extra touch of charm to the festive event. This year, the Haddon Hall Christmas markets are set to be as fantastic as ever, so why not pay them a visit between the 15th to the 18th of November and enjoy the festivities? Haddon Hall has been the set of many films and TV series thanks to its gorgeous grounds. The country manor home is a marvel of Tudor design and is said to be one of the best stately homes to have survived the period. During Christmas, the entire estate is decked out in festive décor to create the ideal backdrop for the market stalls. Here, you can buy a variety of different crafts, art, food and more from skilled, local artisans. Over 80 stalls will be open to browse through during the 3-day event. The wide selection of gifts will ensure that you find something for everyone on your shopping list. On November 14th, there is also a special VIP Winter Artisan Market Evening between 6pm and 8pm.  Entry is by ticket only and these cost £10.

Candlelight Tours

In addition to the Christmas markets, Haddon Hall are once again offering their wonderful Candlelight Tours. Visitors are invited to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie before walking the Hall with the knowledgeable guides when it is at its most atmospheric. Haddon comes alive with Christmas spirit by candlelight, allowing you to take in the beauty of the rooms dressed for the festive season, during twilight hours. This year you can join tours at half hourly intervals between 6pm and 8pm on the evenings of December 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th. On selected evenings, you can make your evening extra special by combining your tour with a delicious seasonal meal in Haddon Restaurant. Select from either the 6pm or 8pm tour to combine with a meal at 7pm on the evenings of the 7th, 8th, 13th or 19th of December. (Please note that booking is essential for these events and must be made online) As you can see, Haddon Hall is an unbeatable venue to visit during the pre-Christmas period. Come along to experience one of their incredible festive events for yourself.

Stay a while longer

Why not stay the weekend to see all that Haddon Hall has to offer? Our luxury holiday cottages are perfectly located in the heart of the Peak District close to Haddon Hall. All our cottages allow dogs and your furry family member can stay for free! Our Endmoor Farm complex in Bakewell is near to Haddon Hall and provides easy access to the market. What’s more, our cottages at Farditch Farm can host up to 26 people at a time. This makes them perfect for large, pre-Christmas gathering. Book now to avoid disappointment.

To get you in the festive mood, check out the Chatsworth House Christmas markets this year. They commence on November 16th and run until December 4th. During the event, there will be over 100 market stalls selling various gifts and delicious food and drink. A live brass band and carol singers will be playing outside, and you can also explore the house itself after its Christmas makeover!

Christmas at Chatsworth

Chatsworth House is a truly spectacular place to visit during the Christmas period. The historic building turns into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, garlands, tinsel, and of course, a fantastic tree. Hundreds of baubles and streams of lights and tinsel cover the tree’s surface and it takes centre stage in the main hall. During this period, storytellers will roam the halls, enchanting visitors with a selection of favourite tales.    Have a walk around the stunning countryside stately home and admire the works of art and decorations before heading outside to the market stalls. There, you can expect an impressive display of trees, fairy lights and festive décor. The market stalls themselves, the traditional wooden huts that we all know and love, help to set the mood. Why not get an early start on your Christmas shopping and purchase some of the lovely products on offer? With so many vendors, you are sure to find a gift for even the fussiest of family members, and maybe pick up a few goodies for yourself. After all that shopping, you can have a warm glass of mulled wine or a nice, German beer from the outdoor bar and sample some of the tasty food available. You will find all of the traditional Christmas market food, so why not treat yourself? You can also experience the art of wreath making at the floral workshops, along with demonstrations. There really is something for everyone at the Chatsworth Christmas markets. Come along for a great day out.

Stay a while longer

If you just aren’t content with having only one day to discover all that the Chatsworth Christmas markets have to offer, then book a stay into one of our luxury holiday cottages. You’ll be able to enjoy the bustling market stalls and then head on back to luxurious, countryside accommodation to recharge your batteries. If you’d rather continue with the festivities, then our cottages can act as a perfect venue for a cozy  gathering for family and friends, getting you nicely into the Christmas spirit. Endmoor Farm is a complex of 6 holiday cottages, 3 with 2 bedrooms and 3 with 1 bedroom. Ideal for couples and families looking for a pre-Christmas break, Endmoor Farm is situated in the quiet town of Monyash. All the cottages are dog friendly and there is an enclosed outside area that is perfect for letting the dog stretch its legs. Our Farditch Farm cottages are the perfect venue for a cosy, family gathering to really get into the festive spirit. They sleep up to 26 people and we also allow dogs (and they stay for free!). Check out our latest offers for your pre-Christmas break and take full advantage of our amazing discounts.

It’s July, and the summer break is just around the corner. You know what that means... The kids will be bored. However, we know how difficult it can be to plan a holiday that the whole family can enjoy, so we've put together a few ideas for fun, family activities around the Peak District. From stately home tours to music festivals, it really does have something for everyone. Here are our top picks for school holiday events and attractions that are well worth your while.  

Mount Cook Adventure Holiday Camps 

This is a 5 day event is full of awesome outdoor activities for children ages 8 to 12 years. You can also join for individual days to take part in some fun, challenging activities that are designed to get kids moving. Since this camp is residential, why not book yourselves into one of our holiday cottages? You can enjoy peace and and tranquility in the countryside whilst the kids camp out and have fun.  

Jolly July Open Day & Fun Dog Show

This family event, hosted by Ashbourne Animal Welfare, is perfect for animal lovers. Enjoy watching show entries such as best puppy and best biscuit catcher whilst supporting a great cause.  

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House provides a wonderful family-friendly day out. Meet the farmyard animals and enjoy a guided walk with some live music any day of the summer holidays.  

Peveril Castle

These historic ruins set high above the charming village of Castleton date back to 1176 when it was a keep used by Henry II. Visit on 28^th and 29^th July and journey back in time with their Medieval Life event.  

Pooles Cavern & Country Park

Go beneath the earth with expert guides and explore the impressive limestone caverns lined with crystal stalactites. There’s also beautiful woodland trails and panoramic views at Solomon’s Temple.   We hope that you found some inspiration from our school holiday events. If you’re still planning your summer getaway, we have some availability at our dog-friendly holiday cottages and caravan site. With cottages that sleep between 2 and 12 people (or even 26 with prior booking) and extensive grounds to enjoy, we have accommodation to suit all. Contact us today to make an enquiry.