Springtime in Derbyshire - Lovely Local Indie

A Guide to What’s Great in Derbyshire this Spring

It might technically still be winter, but I absolutely adore the changing seasons. There is nothing like seeing the first signs of spring popping up in the garden, giving hope that warmer months are coming. Here are some of the loveliest things to do in Derbyshire right now.

The best things to do in Derbyshire this February

Snowdrop walks

The snowdrops are beautiful right now. Click here for 9 lovely places to see snowdrops in Derbyshire and the Peak District, including cosy pubs and glorious tearooms to warm up in after that bracing walk.

Visit Thornbridge Hall Gardens

February is a wonderful time to visit Thornbridge Hall Gardens. Not only is it totally free to visit for the rest of the month – including free parking, but the beloved ducks are back in the fountain! Read more about what to expect here.

Thornbridge Hall Gardens rubber duck fountain

Half term ideas

For many schools, next week is half term. In addition to the ideas listed above, check out my posts on Things to do with Kids in Chesterfield and Things to do in Derby, my guide to the best National Trust places in Derbyshire.

For more specific ideas of exactly what’s on this February half term, Peak District Kids has compiled a helpful guide.

The best things to do in Derbyshire this March

Shrovetide in Ashbourne

Tuesday 1st March and Wednesday 2nd March

It’s wonderful to see the ancient game of Shrovetide happening this year after being cancelled in the last few years. Read about its fascinating history here. Everyone has been asked to take lateral flow tests before attending to keep the event as safe as possible.

A number of local restaurants are running special Shrovetide Breakfasts including F’Coffee and Beaumonts of Ashbourne who have tables inside and outside with great views of The Croft car park where the ball is thrown up – so this is a brilliant option for a Shrovetide breakfast. Booking essential.

Pancake Day

Tuesday 1st March

Click here for the best pancakes in Derby, Derbyshire and the Peak District – coming soon!

World Book Day

Thursday 3^rd March

A great excuse to visit some of Derbyshire’s best independent book shops. Stay tuned for the blog post coming soon!

Lea Gardens

One of my favourite places re-opens on 21st March. This pretty rhododendron garden is such a peaceful, non-commercialised place to explore. It’s also great with kids – and there’s a lovely tearoom. Read more about what to expect here.

Mother’s Day

Sunday 27^th March

I’ve got a range of Mother’s Day content coming soon! Whilst that’s still a work in progress, check out last year’s gift guide with more than thirty ideas of lovely gifts all from Derbyshire small businesses.

Click here for the best Mother’s Day menus in Derbyshire.

Also look out for my article in the March edition of Derbyshire Life on lovely days out for Mother’s Day. In shops soon!

April in Derbyshire

Bluebell Walks

From mid-April to May, start to look for signs of bluebells. One of the most loved British flowers, Derbyshire enjoys several wonderful places to see magnificent carpets of sapphire blue. I’ve rounded up 12 Best Places to see Bluebells in Derbyshire, most of which are accompanied by suggestions of great independent places to warm up in afterwards (or more hopefully, enjoy some spring sunshine?!).

Easter activities and events

From egg hunts to Easter themed crafts, I’ve rounded up some of the loveliest things to do in Derbyshire this Easter time. Perfect for keeping the kids entertained during the Easter school holiday! I’ve also rounded up the best places where kids eat free – and it’s not just at the big chains!