AD – The historic market town of Chesterfield is famed for its outdoor market (one of the largest in the country, and currently enjoying a well deserved glow-up), cobbled medieval alleyways and infamous crooked spire. As the second largest town in Derbyshire, and recently named one of The Guardian’s “happiest places to live” there’s plenty going on here this summer, particularly for families. I’ve lived in Chesterfield for the best part of a decade, so consider this your insider guide!
This post is a collaboration with Destination Chesterfield who have produced a brilliant guide to Summer in Chesterfield which contains the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about absolutely everything happening in and around town this season, including outdoor cinema, paddlesports and tours of the crooked spire.
Here are some of our favourite things to do and personal recommendations for a family-friendly weekend in Chesterfield.
Things to do in Chesterfield, on a budget
Queen’s Park
This large Victorian park is my go-to place for a cheap family-friendly trip out locally. There are two play areas – one for younger children with a sandpit (handily situated right outside the café and toilets) and a separate play area for bigger kids. The park is well-maintained and there’s plenty of space to spread out for picnics.
Visit during the school holidays to ride Puffin’ Billy, an uber-cute miniature train which takes two picturesque laps around the duck pond. Tickets cost £2.50 per person with under-threes riding for free. There’s no advance booking and you rarely need to queue.
You probably will have to queue for an ice-cream, but I assure you it’s worth the wait. Frederick’s have been making their award-winning ice-cream in Chesterfield for a century and their salted caramel is probably the best I have ever tasted.
Smooth paths throughout the park make this a good option for prams, pushchairs, scooters etc or anyone with mobility issues.
Free to access and some limited street parking – but otherwise the car parks are pay and display or via the RingGo app (S40 2ND). Toilet facilities including disabled and baby changing. Dogs welcome on leads.
On the last weekend in July, there’s a free Children’s Festival happening here too organised by the brilliant Junction Arts.
Eastwood Park, Hasland
Smaller than Queen’s Park but always free to park and has a larger playground which is brilliant for younger children, a free outdoor gym, and various sports facilities. There’s no café here although it’s a short walk to local shops and there’s often an ice cream van on sunny weekends. S41 0AY.
Holmebrook Valley Park
This country park is set around a large lake and has ample free parking. There are various different play areas, with the one by the main car park having a zip line. There is a café (and toilets) but we prefer to picnic here. Main carpark S41 8XP.
Linacre Reservoirs
Explore ancient woodlands and soak in the stunning views at these three reservoirs which supplied water to Chesterfield up until 1995. Whether you’re walking or cycling, it’s a great place for a wildlife safari – look out for kingfishers and woodpeckers!
There are toilets but no café or shop here so take a picnic or head to The Peacock at Cutthorpe which boasts an attractive beer garden and large play area.
Parking is pay and display (£2 for up to two hours or all day for £3.50). Dogs welcome on leads. S42 7JN.
Canalside Walk
The Chesterfield Canal runs over 46 miles. Enjoy a traffic-free walk or cycle along the towpath with plenty to look at along the way. It’s also possible to take a boat trip or even try some paddlesports! Street parking is available at Tapton Lock, S41 7JB.
Adam’s Happy Hens
It’s free to visit the animals at Adam’s Happy Hens. Expect to see emus, goats, pigs and horses among the throngs of free-roaming hens! Animal feed is available to buy at the family-owned farm shop, a treasure trove of local produce and a great place to grab a coffee or artisan ice cream. Also check out the Little Farmers play and stay session. S42 7BH.
Chesterfield Observatory
Under 16s can stargaze for free at Chesterfield Observatory which is open most Fridays, dependent on whether they have a guest speaker on, from 8pm onwards until around 10pm. Adults are just £2 each. No booking required. Weather dependent. S41 8RH – see the note about parking here.
Family-friendly things to do on a budget in Chesterfield Town Centre
Art trails
Chesterfield’s town centre is largely pedestrianised, which makes exploring with kids easier. There’s lots of sculptures dotted about the town including a piece from world-renowned artist Dame Barbara Hepworth (number 30 on the art trail map) and a giant resin puppy, check out the free-to-explore art trails.
Board & Bean
It’s completely free to play any of the board games at Board & Bean up until 6pm on weekdays (in the evenings there’s a small cover charge for adults although under 12s are free). They have an impressively huge selection of over five hundred different games including plenty of games for kids. The coffee’s great and there’s a lovely chilled atmosphere.
Library
It’s obviously free to visit and join the library and they have a really cute area for little ones. Reading is just the start of what they offer. Rhyme Time is on every Monday from 9.30am – 10am for babies and 11am – 11.30am for toddlers (on throughout the holidays except bank holidays), plus a range of other activities – check out the noticeboard at the library.
Keep an eye out for any events on at Vicar Lane as these are usually free.
PYO Strawberries and Sunflower Fields
For a wholesome few hours out in the fresh air, head to Village Pick Your Own for strawberries now and then sunflowers later in the season. Oak Tree Farm (also a popular place for pumpkins) is well set up for refreshments and usually has some good photo opportunities and small kids play area. Slightly closer to Chesterfield is Barlow Sunflowers. Check opening details on their social media pages.
Family-friendly places to eat and drink in Chesterfield
As a family-friendly place to eat, Sorbo Lounge takes some beating. Located just off the revitalised Market Place, there’s a free craft station, kids are welcome to take a free pre-loved soft toy (and encouraged to bring good quality toys for other children) and there’s even free sunscreen available! There’s also a plentiful book swap for adults. Accessible and dog friendly.
For an independent and family-owned option, try Qoozies for their creative, healthy spins on fast food and decadent milkshakes. Both Qoozies and Sorbo Lounge are located in the town centre.
Further afield, Dunston Hall Bistro is a great option for family dining, particularly on warmer days when kids can use the well maintained play area surrounded by plenty of seating.
Budget travel
The Peak Sightseer can be a budget way to travel as you can hop off and on all day for just £12 for adults (concessions £7 or a group of five for £30), visiting some of the Peak District’s most popular destinations with stops including Castleton and the Caverns, Chatsworth, Bakewell, Bamford, Padley Gorge, Hathersage, the Monsal Trail and more.
Alternatively, the Derbyshire Wayfarer bus ticket allows almost unlimited bus travel throughout Derbyshire for a whole day. One day group of up to 2 adults and up to 3 children is £18.
Further afield
If budget is less of a concern, here are some of our favourite days out in the wider Chesterfield area.
Chatsworth House, Gardens and Farmyard
One of our all time favourite places for a day out is the ‘jewel of the Peak District’, Chatsworth House. With kids, we tend to skip the opulent interiors and head straight to explore the extensive gardens and the Farmyard with its adventure playground complete with a secret tunnel.
Hardwick Hall
Hardwick Hall is a spectacular Elizabethan house surrounded by Grade I listed parkland. Built by ‘Bess of Hardwick’ in the late 1500s, today the Hall is managed by the National Trust. It’s a great place for countryside walks with picturesque views and woodland family play trails. Harry Potter fans might recognise Hardwick as Malfoy Manor since the exterior scenes were filmed here.
Bolsover Castle
Built in the 17th century, Bolsover Castle is a fascinating place to visit with the family. There are lots of things for kids to do including dressing up boxes and interactive displays. Also look out for special jousting events.
Thornbridge Hall Gardens
Known as “The quirkiest stately home in the UK”, Thornbridge is fantastic with kids, particularly for their famous rubber duck fountain. Meet the farm animals, explore the Hobble Gobble Woods complete with Lego Creation Woodland Cabin and walk the Nature Trail.
