What’s On Guide Around Chesterfield and Ashover in Derbyshire in 2020
To get a flavour of happening in the Peak District in 2020 see our list of special events around Ashover, Chesterfield and Derbyshire. If you’re visiting the area to attend a wedding or one of the festivals or special events in our What’s On Guide, why not stay for a few days in one of our two holiday cottages, Columbine or Foxglove. Take some time to explore this lovely area, visit a few of the Peak District’s many attractions or just spend time with family and friends. See our calendar for holiday cottage availability or check out late deals and special offers. For more details contact us by email, phone or text.
February 2020
Creswell Crags
Creswell Crags
Open daily from February to October. November to January weekends only. Ice Age Cave tours weekends February to October and daily in school holidays.
Join an expert guide on a fascinating tour and discover what Creswell Crags was like during the last Ice Age. Free to visit site (charge for parking). Charges apply for tours. Booking recommended. Ice Age Cave tours February to October and Rock Art tours from March to September.
Tel: 01909 720378
Hardwick Hall
Roof Top Tours of Hardwick Hall
10th, 11th 17th, 18th, 24th & 25th February 2020
Step on-to Hardwick Hall's roof to enjoy breathtaking views across Derbyshire. Can you spot Columbine & Foxglove Cottages on the other side of the valley? Price £12.50 per person. Booking essential
Chatsworth Adventure Playground
Chatsworth Farmyard
15th to 23rd February 2020
The farmyard and adventure playground are open for half-term although the house is closed until 21st March 2020. Enjoy creative crafts & animal handling in a working farmyard. The woodland playground has a rope park, trampolines, slides & sand pit. Free parking every day until 19th March.
10.30am to 4.30pm. Last entry 3.30pm
March 2020
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House Opens 2020
Sat 21st March until 3rd January 2021 (closed during Country Fair 4th to 6th Sep, 24th to 26th Dec and 1st Jan)
Magnificent historic house and gardens open daily. Special events all year round.
Stay in Columbine Cottage from Friday 20th March for 3 nights for £308. More information
April 2020
Bolsover Castle
Dragon Egg Quest at Bolsover Castle
Saturday 4th April to Sunday 19th April 2020
Track down dragon eggs as you follow a garden trail at Bolsover Castle. Solve the clues and you will be rewarded with a certificate and Hotel Chocolat treats.
Hardwick Hall
Easter Egg Hunt at Hardwick Hall
Friday 10th April to Monday 13th April 2020
Follow clues and solve puzzles to hunt for chocolate eggs around the house and garden and along Lady Spencer's wood. Celebrate spring with nature-themed crafts.
We have availability in Columbine & Foxglove Cottages during April from £350 for a 3-night short break. More information
May 2020
Ashover May Day
Ashover VE Day 75th Anniversary Celebrations:
May Day Carnival
Friday 8th May 2020
The May Day carnival is an annual event held in the centre of the village along Church Street. There are numerous stalls and food vendors and entertainment includes the Ashover Brass Band, the Honey Belles choir, a bouncy castle, May Pole dancing and a Tug of War contest.
10am to 4pm
VE Day 40's Evening
Friday 8th May 2020
This free ticket event takes place at the Ashover Parish Hall. Live music, licensed bar. Period dress is optional. Tickets available from the Hall or Stamp Coffee shop.
7pm to Midnight
Firework Display
Friday 8th May 2020
Ashover parish council presents a firework display on the Milken Lane playing field in Ashover.
Approximately 9.30pm
Commemorative Service
Sunday 10th May 2020
A commemorative and celebration service of “VE Day” with the Ashover Brass Band will take place at All saints Church in Ashover.
10.45am
Chesterfield Walking Festival
Chesterfield Area Walking Festival
Saturday 9th May to Sunday 17th May 2020
An exciting programme of over 50 guided walks around North Derbyshire. Many walks are free but numbers are limited on each walk so please book early. Full programme of walks will be published soon. Try the Chesterfield Round Walk for a 34 mile trek or enjoy one of the many shorter walks around this beautiful area.
Tel: 01246 345777
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth International Horse Trials
Friday 15th May to Sunday 17th May 2020
A 3-day event of equestrian sport held in the grounds of Chatsworth House. Includes family entertainment, dressage, show-jumping, cross-country, falconry, gun dog display plus shopping village.
Bakewell
Bakewell Baking Festival
Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th May 2020
This two-day festival of food is being held at the Bakewell Showground. There will be celebrity baking demonstrations, live music, an array of food and vintage stalls and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
June 2020
Matlock
Matlock Food & Drink Festival
Saturday 13th to Sunday 14th June 2020
Returning to Hall Leys Park, this free event will feature more than 80 stalls, a craft marquee and live music. Sample award-winning food from around the world, experience free taste sessions and cookery demonstrations.
Derbyshire Show
Derbyshire County Show
Sunday 28th June 2020
A traditional country agricultural show with entertainment for all ages. Food fayre, craft and retail marquee, livestock and vintage.
8am to 5.30pm at Locko Park near Derby
July 2020
Chesterfield Medieval Market
Chesterfield Medieval Fun Day
Tuesday 28th July 2020
Chesterfield's famous market hosts a day of medieval entertainment including knights, ladies and minstrels taking part in battles and skirmishes. Stalls and fun-fair with refreshments and hog roast. Trips up the Crooked Spire will also be available.
Tel: Chesterfield Tourist Information 01246 345777
August 2020
Ashover Show
Ashover Show
Wednesday 12th August 2020
An entertaining and fun day out for all of the family to enjoy. A really traditional country show in a beautiful setting. Includes cattle, sheep and shire horse classes. Visit the horticulture and craft tents, sample wonderful food in the Appetising Ashover marquee or listen to the Ashover Brass Band.
September 2020
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth Country Fair
Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September 2020
This popular annual outdoor event has something for everyone. Attractions include massed pipe and military bands, hot air balloons, vintage cars, falconry, ferret racing and over 300 varied trade stands and rural crafts.
Gates open at 9am. Closing ceremony at about 6.30pm.
www.chatsworthcountryfair.co.uk
October 2020
Matlock Bath Illuminations
Matlock Bath Illuminations and Fireworks
Saturdays and Sundays for 8 weeks in September and October in 2020. Firework displays each Saturday night . Visit the Derwent Gardens in Matlock Bath on Saturday and Sunday evenings for family entertainment and for the parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent at 7.45pm.
November and December 2020
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth at Christmas
6th November 2020 to 3rd January 2021 (closed 24-26 Dec and 1st Jan)
The lower floors of the House will be decorated for Christmas, inspired by a different theme each year. A Christmas market will be taking place – dates to be announced – with musical entertainment, a bavarian beer tent and festive food. A range of unique gifts can be found in the Stables shops.
Tel: 01246 565300
Events last updated on 9th February 2020