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Things to do this Easter in Derbyshire

This is an old post – head here for the 2024 Easter events.

Here’s my round up of the best Easter activities in and around Derby and Derbyshire updated for Easter 2023. Keep the kids entertained in the Easter holidays. From egg hunts to craft sessions, there’s hopefully something for everyone here – I’ve tried to organise it by location, starting in and around Derby city centre.

Note that all of the trails will potentially be muddy so suitable clothing and footwear is advised. Most activities need pre-booking. Please read all the small print for each individual activity direct with the organiser before spending any money or making a special journey.

Read my guide to Easter activities in Derbyshire

Easter in Derby

Easter Eggventure at Bluebells Dairy

1st to the 10th April 2023

A world full of madness, Easter fun and adventure! Includes egg hunt, spring bunny trail, interactive show with singing and dancing newborn lambs and much, much more. More information and book tickets here or read my review of Easter Eggventure at Bluebells Dairy.

Pickford’s Plot: Nature Creative

Pickford’s House, Derby city centre

13th April 2023, 1-3pm

A nature focused session in Pickford’s garden where you can unleash your creative side, from observational drawing, poetry and create art using the natural elements of the garden. Drop in session. Suitable for families. FREE (donations welcomed). Pickford’s House, 41 Friar Gate, DE1 1DA.

2023 Easter Events at Derbion

Various dates. Read more here – sadly the Dinosaur activity is now sold out.

Click here for more family friendly things to do in Derby.

easter bunny painting and watercolor palette on white surface
Photo by Olya Kobruseva on Pexels.com

National Trust Easter Egg Hunts 2023

National Trust properties all over the country are hosting Easter egg hunts. In and around Derbyshire, the hunts are being held at Calke Abbey, Hardwick, Sudbury and Longshaw in the Peak District near Sheffield.

Each involves a family-friendly trail with fun activities to do along the way. Complete the trail and earn a chocolate reward at the end. Normal admission prices apply (and as ever, National Trust members get free entry) plus £3 for each trail pack which includes an Easter activity sheet, pencil and tasty Rainforest Alliance chocolate treat (or allergen-free alternative).

There’s more info here – including an offer for unlimited free entry to Easter trials when you sign up for membership – which I honestly think is great value if you like a nice family day out. Read my guide to the best National Trust places in Derbyshire.

The Orangery at Calke Abbey

Amber Valley

2023 Easter Crafts at Denby Pottery Village

Saturday 1st April – Sunday 16th April 2023, hourly Easter themed craft sessions between 10am – 4pm

Choose from one of three craft activities on the day including painting your own Denby egg cup. Craft sessions at £6 per child. Then take part in the Easter trail and hunt down the hidden Easter decorations around Denby Pottery Village. All children receive a chocolate surprise. Tickets for the trail are £3 and can only be bought in conjunction with the craft session. Book tickets online at least 24 hours in advance or call 01773 740799 for on the day availability. Denby Pottery Village, DE5 8NX. Free visitor parking.  

Hopping Mad! Trail, Shipley Country Park

Sunday 2nd April 2023 to Monday 10th April 2023, 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Turn up any time. Self-led trail.

Family friendly Easter fun at Shipley Country Park. Follow the Easter Trail to find the hidden clues and discover the secret word. Return to the start to collect your sweet treat. Approximately 1 mile. £2 per child. Start at Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre. Sat Nav DE75 7GX. Parking charges apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs welcome on leads

Easter Egg Hunt at Croots Farm Shop, Duffield

Friday 7th and Saturday 8th April 2023

Free entry egg hunt around the farm, park and shop with all completed sheets receiving a Cadbury’s Creme Egg!

Easter in Derbyshire Dales

Easter Trail at Carsington

1st April to 16th April 2023

The Easter Bunny has left a trail of eggs around Stone’s Island. Follow the route to find the eggs and answer the questions. Once completed return to the café/ restaurant/ RSPB shop to receive your prize! (Non-chocolate and non-dairy alternatives will be available.) No need to pre-book. Activity sheets are £3 each from the Visitor Centre. One prize per activity sheet.

Easter in the Farmyard at Chatsworth 2023

Daily Easter themed activities from 1st to 16th April 2023 unless otherwise noted, and subject to change if the weather and ground conditions are unsuitable. Includes Easter themed crafts, animal handling, egg hunt and on selected days, trailer and tractor rides! Activities are included with your admission to the farmyard and playground. Book online for free parking. More info and booking – and read my previous guide to a family day out at Chatsworth.

spring daffodils at Chatsworth House - Easter in Derbyshire
Daffodils at Chatsworth (note that you would need to pay for ‘garden’ admission to see this)

Easter Fun at Thornbridge Hall, near Bakewell

Until 16th April 2023

Easter egg trail with prizes, Easter crafts and competitions, kids plant potting station, meet the animals and tasty Easter treats!
Plus all the usual fun with the giant sandpit, basketball, swing ball, and the famous net-a-duck. Dogs welcome on leads.

Alice in Wonderland Trail at Peak Village

Sunday 9th and Monday 10th April, 11am to 3pm

Alice Trail and free Wonderland crafts. Free parking and dogs welcome.

Easter Hunt in the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton

Saturday 1st to Sunday 16th April 2023

£3 per child – pick up a trial from the ice cream parlour. Note that from Friday 7th to Monday 10th there’s also an Easter Extravaganza featuring over 65 stalls in the Octagon Hall. Read more about all the Easter activities in Buxton.

South Derbyshire and surrounding area

Easter Egg Hunt at Staunton Harold

Saturday 1st April to Monday 10th April 2023, 9.30am – 2.30pm everyday (closed 3rd April)

Hunt for eggs in the beautiful grounds of the Staunton Harold Estate. Collect a map from The Stables Coffee Shop and search for the hidden Easter eggs and then return to the coffee shop to claim your prize! £5 per child. No pre-booking required. Dogs welcome on leads for the trail.

North Derbyshire

Easter Adventure Quest at Bolsover Castle

1st to 6th and 11th to 16 April 2023 

Explore the site to hunt for clues and challenges, and discover traditional Easter games like egg rolling and the egg and spoon race. Track down the Easter eggs to be rewarded with a chocolate treat and an adventurer’s certificate. The quest costs £2 in addition to the normal ticket price.

Tulips at Ashover Family Farm

Tulip fields to explore, pick your own and plenty of photo opportunities. Hoping to open on 12th April 2023. See their Facebook page page for updates.

Click here for 15 things to do with kids in the Chesterfield area.

egg and ceramic rabbit - Easter in Derbyshire
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Just outside Derbyshire

Fletchers On The Farm Easter Wonderland

1st April to 16th April 2023

A spring Easter trail on the Fletcher Farm (Macclesfield, SK11), with proceeds going to the Peak District Foundation. Follow the map to find animals, including lambs, cheeky pygmy goats and pigs. Learn about nature as you navigate through the land and of course, collect the hidden eggs. Alice and the Easter Bunny await you in their magical wonderland with spectacular interactive entertainment to wow the children before they exchange their eggs for real chocolate. Then enjoy a hot drink or a delicious treat as you take in the stunning views of the Peak District. Booking essential.

For more Easter activities in the Peak District, my friend Jenny already has a great list over at Peak District Kids so head there for all the details.

I hope you’re enjoyed this round up of activities for Easter in Derbyshire. I’ll try to keep this blog post updated so please keep checking back – and feel free to let me know in the comments below of any other great Easter activities happening in and around Derbyshire. Have a happy Easter!

There’s also more activities listed in my What’s On Derbyshire events guide

What’s On Derbyshire 2023 Events Guide

Head here for the 2024 Events Guide The Lovely Local Indie What’s On guide has moved! Click here for the 2024 events guide. What’s On Derbyshire 2024 Join the Lovely Local Indie newsletter for exclusive offers and discounts. If you’ve enjoyed this post, you might like to read: Got an event you want to promote?…

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KIDS EAT FREE – read about the best value places to eat out this Easter holiday

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By Molly Scott

Derbyshire blogger - bringing you the best places to eat, drink, spa and stay in the wider Derbyshire area. Champion of the most fabulous independents.

8 replies on “Things to do this Easter in Derbyshire”

Wow! What a great collection of things to do around Easter!! Thank you for sharing! Everything sounds delightful!

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