Chrimbo Limbo (or Twixmas if you insist) is that funny old time in between Christmas and New Year when the days all merge into one. Personally, I now love it and am more than happy to lurch from one festive meal of leftovers to the next, combinations becoming increasingly odd as the best before dates start dictating what gets eaten rather than good taste. But, I gather many people end up going a bit stir-crazy so I thought I’d do a quick round up of some ideas of fun Chrimbo Limbo things to do in Derbyshire in between Christmas and the New Year.
Please note this is an old post – click below for the 2022/23 version.
Read an updated version of this post here
Beat Chrimbo Limbo Boredom 2022/23
10 Things to do in Derbyshire between Christmas and New Year Chrimbo Limbo (or Twixmas if you insist) is that funny old time in between Christmas and New Year when the days all merge into one. Starting to feel like a pig in a blanket? Going a bit stir-crazy with cabin fever? Here’s some suggestions…
It’s a funny one this year too. And I don’t mean funny ha ha. If your Christmas has been ruined by isolation rules or thwarted travel plans, or maybe you’re just not a fan of this time of year… firstly big (virtual) hugs from me. I spent many years single over my twenties and thirties and I honestly do know how difficult this time of year can be when it seems that everyone else is playing happy families seemingly having the perfect Christmas holiday. I’ve tried to include plenty of things one could do alone, or as a couple or with friends, as well as family friendly suggestions.
Here’s some things to do pass the Chrimbo Limbo time and sort out that cabin fever:
Explore a National Trust place
I very recently published a round up of my favourite National Trust places in Derbyshire and just beyond. There’s lots of little tips and cool things to look out for. All of the places are brilliant days out with kids but it’s also the sort of thing I used to do by myself. Grab your camera and get a few hours in the fresh air. I’ve just double checked and Calke Abbey, Kedleston Hall and Hardwick Hall’s gardens and grounds are all open from today onwards (lots of the houses are shut).
Go for a walk
I think you’ve probably realised by now that this is not the place to come for walking routes. However, if you want a nice little potter and a great takeaway coffee I’m your girl! My previous post on 15 fabulous places for coffee and a walk would be a great place to look for inspiration. As would my guide to pushchair friendly walks (heavily biased towards where you can get a good coffee and cake!). I haven’t had time to double check the opening hours though so please do look that up online before travelling. If pub walks are more you thing, check out this great post from Jenny at Peak District Kids. Even if you don’t have children, these are easy going circular walks all featuring a pub!
While away the hours in a cosy pub
There’s nothing I like more on a miserable weather day than a cosy pub and a glass of something lovely. If you’re looking for somewhere new, check out my guide to 16 cosy pubs in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Or if you’re looking for somewhere to take your four legged companion too, there’s lots of dog friendly options here.
While away the hours in a gorgeous book shop
The iconic Scarthins in Cromford is closed on Boxing Day but then looks to be open. I haven’t been myself yet but I keep hearing very good things about their vegetarian café. If you go, you’re not then far from the Barley Mow at Bonsall a right good ‘proper pub’ – so that’s an afternoon sorted – or a whole day if you added a walk in the surrounding countryside.
High Peak Bookstore is also open after Boxing Day (check their Facebook for the rest of their opening hours). This is a brilliant discount book shop which also has a lovely children’s room (and very good baby changing facilities). Their café is also wonderful.
Check out this Instagram post I wrote for more about Derbyshire’s best independent book shops (featuring the beautiful photography of The Book Family Rogerson who have written a wonderful guide to bookshops in the Peak District).
And if you’re looking for suggestions of amazing things to read, there’s a list of brilliant books in this post if you scroll down a bit.
Potter around somewhere lovely
Personally, one of my favourite type of days out is to wander round a pretty little village or town. Start with a great coffee somewhere, bit of a mooch, glass of wine somewhere, some shopping, lunch somewhere else etc. If you fancy doing that somewhere new, check out my previous post on 8 Great Places in and around the Peak District.
Similarly, if you’ve never been to Derby there’s lots of things to do there (and great eating and drinking), or check out this guide of Things to Do with Kids in and around Chesterfield or 5 Free Days Out.
If you’re looking for a list of specific events on over Twixmas and more days out check out this other great post from Peak District Kids.
