Top 5 things to do this summer in the Peak District

It's finally summer and whether you're enjoying the school holidays or can't wait to escape the office and head out to the countryside for a welcome rest, we have a list of must-do activities if you're heading to The Peak District and Derbyshire this summer.  There's music, food and traditional events to look forward to. Here is our list of top five things to do whilst you're here.

You won't be sitting in darkness at the Peak Cavern, affectionately known by locals as the Devils Arse! It's the largest cave entrance in Britain, and it's a brilliantly quirky and unique venue that, by day, conducts cave tours and, by night, is host to either cinematic experiences or music events.

The Village Screen Pop-Up

This summer, the Village Screen pop-up cinema brings the ultimate cinematic evening to the Peak Cavern.

Theatregoers will be able to feast on delicious street food and pick up a beverage from a fully stocked bar in the car park. 

They'll then make their way through the lovely village location of Castleton before being seated in comfortable chairs for the film.

Cinema

Other Concerts & Events

Peak Cavern runs regular and one-off concerts and special events throughout the year.

Their events are in the main Cavern Entrance Chamber. It's outside but with a vast cave roof protecting you from the elements.

Concerts

Chatsworth is an iconic estate with a history that dates back to the 16th century. It's a family home, a working farm and a living landscape. If you're stuck with what to do on your trip to the peaks, Chatsworth House always has events on. There is also a variety of restaurants, shops, hotels, inns and cottages across the Estate and a great place to take a walk in the Peak District.

This year they're hosting an exhibition called 'Radical Horizons: The Art of Burning Man' consisting of eight exciting sculptures and four built on site. Of the four sculptures built on-site, three will be participatory with the help of local schools and community groups between 4 May–10 June, 8–28 June, and 4–22 July 2022.

The exhibition is free. However, if you're travelling by car, you must purchase an advance car park ticket.

Check out their Events and Experiences page for other day trip ideas.

A Peak District village that's so picturesque it's nicknamed 'Little Switzerland.'

In its home of Matlock Bath, an old spa town, Poet Lord Byron once visited and compared the area to the Swiss Alps, due in part to its scenery of rolling hills and the River Derwent.

This beautiful location is seen best via The Heights of Abraham. Your tickets to this attraction mean you can take their cable cars to Masson Hill's summit and go on two guided tours through illuminated caverns, exhibitions, magnificent views, adventure playgrounds, woodland trails, and more.

Tickets

A different tradition and custom you've probably not stumbled upon before. Well dressing is a rural tradition most closely associated with Derbyshire and the Peak District.

Local villages and towns decorate their wells and local water sources throughout the summer.

The most notable Well Dressing Festival is in Tissington at the end of May. 

19 - 21 August 2022

Peakender is a three-day family-friendly beer, food, and music festival.

The festival is Ran by Thornbridge Brewery, an independent brewery founded on the grounds of Thornbridge Hall in Ashford-in-the-Water near Bakewell.

It will return this summer at the Bakewell Showground. It's an excellent showcase for the very best UK Breweries, a range of outstanding Street Food, Live Music and Entertainment in the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings of the Peak District.