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 of places to go and things to do in Derbyshire in between Christmas and the New Year.
Please do double check details directly with the venue before setting off.
Still feeling Christmassy?
Winter Trail at Elvaston Castle, near Derby
Until Monday 2nd January 2023 (except Christmas Day)
Pop into the Elvaston Castle Information Centre & Shop to pick up a winter trail sheet and enjoy a festive walk around the grounds. Trail is less than a mile, so perfect for little legs. £2 per trail sheet. Free entry to Elvaston Castle grounds – read more about what to expect here.
Elf Trail at Shipley Country Park, Heanor
Until Sunday 8th January 2022 (except Christmas Day), 10.30am-2pm
Family friendly Christmas themed trail. Find the clue cards to help you complete the Elf’s activity sheet and receive a certificate! 1-2 miles. Cost: £1.50 per child. No booking required. Turn up any time. Self-led activity.
Christmas at Haddon Hall
28th-30th December, 3rd-6th January
With beautifully decorated rooms to explore and seasonal music to enjoy, you can escape and step into our magical world for a while.
During 2022 Haddon Hall are offering a 30% discount on admission prices for Derbyshire residents – more information here.
Christmas at Chatsworth House and Garden
Open until 8th January
Read more about visiting Chatsworth at Christmas. Pre-booking is essential for all visits until 8th January, book here.
Things to do pass the Chrimbo Limbo time and sort out that cabin fever:
Explore a National Trust place
Read my guide to 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. Do double check opening details directly – typically gardens/parkland are open whilst Houses are shut.
Thornbridge Hall Gardens
Shut Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve but otherwise normal opening hours
Note that the famous ducks have gone into hibernation for the winter in order to protect the fountain from frosts and ice – but the gardens at Thornbridge are still wonderful for a wander. There’s a great dog friendly café too.
Go for a walk
Regular readers will know that this is not the place to come for detailed walking routes. However, if you want a nice little potter combined with a lovely coffee spot then check out my previous posts on 15 fabulous places for coffee and a walk or this one on pushchair friendly walks (also 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
Check out this guide to Derbyshire’s best independent bookshops – do check opening details.
The iconic Scarthins in Cromford is closed on Boxing Day but is then open. There’s a popular vegetarian café but it’s also not 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.
Potter around somewhere lovely
One of my favourite type of days out is to wander round a pretty little village or town. Start with a great coffee (maybe breakfast?!) 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 or 6 Pretty Places for Jane Austen Fans. 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.
Plan an adventure
I always think the post-Christmas slump is actually a great time to get organised and start planning some future adventures. It goes without saying that there’s heaps of inspiration on the blog – whether that’s fabulous places to stay – like our recent stay at High Flatts Barn in Tissington or a luxurious January staycation with lots of added extras at the gorgeous Peak Edge Hotel – or just making a big list of places to visit over the year, hopefully there’s lots of ideas and inspiration on this website.
Other posts you might like to read:
5 Free Days Out in Derbyshire
If the summer holidays are dragging and you need some days out inspiration that’s easy on the purse, here are five FREE days out in Derbyshire. Walk, paddling and a picnic at Dovedale FREE entry, National Trust members park for free or £3.50 for up to four hours or £5 for all day (correct change…
40 Things to Do in Derbyshire
Located in the East Midlands, Derbyshire is famous for its beautiful countryside and rich industrial heritage and there are hundreds of things to do with kids. All of these ideas are suitable for families, although all could be enjoyed by couples and people on their own. I’ve organised this list largely by type of activity,…
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