I have always loved autumn. It is simply the best season! Crisp mornings, bright sunny skies, leaves turning every hue of copper and gold, wrapping up warm, sweaters, scarves and thick woolly tights. Dark nights, cosying up at home with candles and pumpkin spice everything… It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold. There’s the shiny new starts of back to school (with box fresh stationery)… And the build up to Christmas is still to be savoured. Autumn is just wonderful, and it is particularly wonderful in Derbyshire. From pumpkin picking to pumpkin spiced lattes, here are the BEST events and things to do in autumn in Derbyshire this year, fully updated for autumn 2022.
The best autumn events in Derbyshire
Matlock Bath Illuminations
Anyone local will be familiar with this iconic family friendly event that forms an integral part of autumn in Derbyshire. Wrap up warm and enjoy a spectacular parade of illuminated, decorated boats along the River Derwent and then (on selected nights) breath-taking firework displays, for which the best viewing positions are in the Bandstand area of Derwent Gardens.
It’s worth pre-booking tickets. On the night it costs slightly more and is not guaranteed if the event sells out in advance. See full details and buy tickets here and/or read our review of Matlock illuminations.
Chatsworth bonfire and fireworks
The iconic annual Chatsworth House bonfire and fireworks is one of the best autumnal events in the Peak District. Wrap up warm to marvel at a blazing bonfire and two spectacular firework displays, including an early display for younger children. There’s a range of family friendly entertainment and a selection of delicious food including hog roasts and my all-time favourite, churros, plus mulled wine or cider. Buy tickets here.
Things to do in autumn in Derbyshire
Pumpkin display at Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey is lovely at any time of year, but I think is particularly special in the autumn. It’s great for an autumnal walk, finding conkers and so on. The autumnal highlight is the stunning pumpkin display (usually from mid October onwards). The auricular theatre (a traditional way of show casing potted auriculars) is filled with pumpkins of every conceivable colour and size. It makes for a stunning scene (and the perfect background for an impromptu photo shoot).
Entrance is free for National Trust members. Non-members pay £7 per adult, £3.50 for children for entry to the gardens and parkland. Tickets no longer require pre-booking and include parking. Read my guide to the best National Trust properties in Derbyshire.
Pumpkin picking
I absolutely love our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. This is one of our favourite Halloween traditions! We go pumpkin picking at Village Pumpkins, Johnnygate Lane, Barlow, Dronfield S18 7SE (easily accessible from Sheffield as well as north Derbyshire).
This is just a well set up field where you can pick your own pumpkins. It’s free to park and free entry, you just pay for your pumpkins (depending on size and variety). No booking necessary.
The field is really picturesque and there are stunning views in every direction. There’s a tractor for kids to sit on and some photo prop boards to aid with that all important Instagram picture! In previous years there have been piglets and chickens to see, and the opportunity to buy a small range of local produce such as eggs and honey.
It gets bigger and better each year. There’s hot drinks, cakes, pumpkin pie etc.
Just be aware that dogs are not allowed on the patch. You could also combine your visit with a trip to one of these lovely, local independents. All located in Barlow, just a couple of miles away.
- Hackney House tearooms – delicious home-made cake, light lunches, breakfasts etc.
- Ticked Trout – highly recommended gastro pub. Also suitable for a decent coffee. Read my review here.
- The Peacock at Barlow – pub with rooms. Dining room has beautiful scenic views of surrounding countryside. Really popular locally so booking is essential.
- Cuckoo Stone Craft Distillery
If this is a bit far for you, read my guide to the best pumpkin patches across the whole of Derbyshire.
Other autumn events in Derbyshire
There are numerous seasonal events taking place in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Head to my What’s On Derbyshire post for full details.
Pumpkin spiced errr-thang
If autumn equals pumpkin spiced latte or decadent hot chocolates in your book, swerve the big faceless chains and support local. The choice and quality of drinks on offer at many of the fabulous independents we have in Derbyshire rival any of the big chains. And your money will be supporting the local economy. Read why it’s important to shop local here and/or read my guide to the best places for pumpkin spiced lattes and seasonal cocktails from local independent coffee shops.
Cosy pubs
Is there anything better than a cosy pub on a crisp autumnal day? Derbyshire is blessed with many but my favourite is probably the Devonshire Arms at Beeley. This 18th century inn is part of the Chatsworth estate and hosts both a traditional bar area and a bright, spacious brasserie. The Devonshire is the perfect place for a post-Chatsworth pint, G&T or bite to eat. You can even stay over in one of their beautiful rooms. There’s a similar vibe at The Devonshire Arms in Pilsley.
For a cosy pub that can be combined with seeing the beautiful Ladybower Reservoir in all its autumnal glory, try the Yorkshire Bridge Inn. Family owned and multi award winning, this traditional country inn is a short stroll from the banks of Ladybower Reservoir.
Click here for 16 cosy Derbyshire pubs and click here for my favourite places for a Sunday roast dinner.
Autumnal Walks
There are lots of places to see glorious displays of autumn leaves and Ladybower is one particular example to witness the beauty of autumn in Derbyshire. There’s a nature trail or just choose to walk as far as you like. Walking round the whole reservoir is approximately 5.5 miles and is dog and cycle friendly. Park at the Upper Derwent visitor centre which is pay and display parking and has toilet facilities. Or combine your walk with a pub meal at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn (and really, if you’re not heading to the pub or a nice tea room after a bracing walk, might I suggest you’re doing it wrong?!).
Other walks that are particularly lovely to see autumn colours include:
- Padley Gorge and Longshaw Estate (captured beautifully in the feature image by Wesley Krisopher of People of the Peak ) – and then I would recommend warming up at The Maynard in Grindleford.
- Birchen Edge
- Hathersage stepping stones
- Chatsworth
All of the which are brilliantly explained on the wonderful Peak District Kids website.
For more seasonal content, head to The Autumn edit landing page.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my autumnal recommendations for enjoying this stunning county. If you follow any of these tips, please tag me on social media and let me know how you get on. You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
