Families looking for memorable days out this May half term will find plenty to enjoy at National Trust places throughout Derbyshire and the Peak District.
Across the region, sites are gearing up for a lively week of family-friendly entertainment. Young adventurers can get stuck into hands‑on outdoor experiences, enjoy seasonal trails, try creative activities, and explore the countryside in new and exciting ways.
To explore upcoming half-term opportunities and plan visits, head to the National Trust website: Peak District & Derbyshire | East Midlands | National Trust
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire, DE73 7JF
Blooming Blossom Activity Trail, Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 May:
· Visitors can have a go at writing blossom-themed poetry, try some nature-inspired yoga poses and create natural art to celebrate the season.
· Pushchair accessible, with accessible toilets available at the Stableyards and a buggy running between the Ticket Office, House and Gardens.
· Find out more: May Half Term: Blooming Blossom Activity Trail | National Trust
Storytelling Sessions:
· Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May, as well as SEND-friendly and under-5s sessions happening on Friday 29.
· Fiona the Blossom Fairy will be running bookable storytelling sessions in the Riding School, followed by spring-themed crafts.
· Find out more and book online: Under-5s Storytelling Session with the Blossom Fairy | National Trust / SEND-friendly Storytelling Session with the Blossom Fairy | National Trust / Storytelling Session with the Blossom Fairy | National Trust
Cycle Hire at Calke Explore will be open, with the Tramway Trail offering up to 10km of level terrain for the whole family to explore on wheels or on foot.
Foremark, Derbyshire, DE65 6EG
Nature Battle Trail, Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 May:
· Visitors can take on the Nature Battle Challenge at Foremark this May half term. Hidden around the woods are nine pairs of cards to find, each with a different animal or plant that can be found at the reservoir.
· Find out more: May Half Term: Nature Battle Trail | National Trust
Staunton Harold, Derbyshire, DE73 8DL
Flower Fairy Trail, Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 May:
· It’s the season of blossom, and Staunton Harold is in bloom. Visitors can have fun spotting a group of flower fairies that are hiding in the woodland whilst enjoying the magic of the season and admiring the vibrant colours of spring.
· Find out more: May Half Term: Flower Fairy Trail | National Trust
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire, DE22 5JH
Kedleston Book-Nook, Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May:
· May Half-Term | National Trust
· To mark Derby Book Festival, join Kedleston’s literature celebration and discover a cosy Book-Nook* in a sheltered corner of the garden.
· Short, long, and wilderness walks, with an accessible pushchair friendly woodland walking path.
· Baby-changing and accessible toilet facilities.
· Picnic area nearby Visitor Reception building.
This May half term, families can ignite their imagination and dive into an adventure by escaping into the creative world of storytelling. In exciting, themed reading zones, discover tales of enchantment through to fascinating facts and exploration. For anyone wishing to create their own story, enjoy playful hand puppets, inventive dice and story cards to share with friends and family. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply.
*The Book Nook can be found in the outdoor Loggia which is fully accessible via the Stableyard and Garden. Warm clothes and outdoor footwear recommended.
Built as a temple to the arts, Kedleston Hall is renowned for majestic interiors, extensive sculpture and painting collections. Surrounding the house, there are over 800 acres of naturalistic parkland, including a lake, cascades and original Robert Adam features. Alongside a formal garden, Kedleston’s wildlife filled woodland and parkland walks offer a variety of scenic routes for all to enjoy this May.
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire, DE6 5HT
Sudbury Seaside at The Children’s Country House Friday 22 May – Sunday 31 May
· May Half-Term Sudbury Seaside at The Children’s Country House | National Trust
· Across May half term, paddle in waves of nostalgia at the Children’s Country House with a fun seaside themed day.
Children can dig and build in oversized sandpits with buckets and spades, while adults relax nearby in deckchairs. Explore sensory rock pools and discover natural treasures from the sea, get creative in a kite-making craft workshop, and enjoy beach games together as a family. Finish the day with a delicious Bluebell’s Dairy ice cream from the Parlour. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. A small fee will be charged for the kite-making craft workshop, pre-booking will be required via the website.
Once the home of the Vernon family, The Children’s Country House at Sudbury is considered one of the most richly decorated, and complete houses of its period. With a Museum of Childhood, terraced garden and woodland play areas, The Children’s Country House makes a memorable day out for families this spring.
· Transfer service for access from the car park to Visitor Services.
· Changing Places and baby-changing facilities in the stableyard.
· Accessible toilet in the stableyard and museum. High-chairs available in the café.
Hardwick, Derbyshire, S44 5QJ
· Enjoy Elizabethan May Day activities | every day 23- 31 May
· Derbyshire Makes Makory Van | 23 May
· Drop in have-a-go crafts | 26 & 28 May
· Specialist craft day with the Stonemasons | 27 May
· Women Who Make Market | 30 May
· All events are free, standard admission applies
Children are invited to race between the May activity stations and explore traditional Elizabethan May celebrations alongside nature‑inspired fun at Hardwick, Derbyshire. They can decorate the May Queen’s crown, piece together a jumbled May masterpiece, and take centre stage in a royal spectacle show. It’s a lively and creative way for families to celebrate spring together.
Visitors can also take part in additional activities throughout the week, with exciting markets, crafty afternoons, and the specialist craft days to make the day extra memorable.
Ilam Park and Dovedale, Staffordshire/Derbyshire, DE6 2AZ
Ilam Park and the White Peak is a great place for families and dog walkers. There are plenty of gentle riverside walks, as well as opportunities for picnics, adventures and exploring further into interesting landscapes.
· Nature Journalling at Ilam Park and Dovedale – 23 – 31 May 10.30am – 2.30pm
Escape into nature at Ilam Park and Dovedale this May half term and capture it all in a nature journal. Sketch the stunning views, colour in wildflowers, and collect found treasures. The National Trust team provide everything needed, visitors just bring their imagination! For just £3 per person, collect one of the beautifully designed Nature Journals and embark on an adventure. There’s no need to book for this activity.
· Family Guided Walk: Geology, Archaeology and Landscape, 28 May 10am – 2.30pm
Curious minds of all ages are invited to meet at Ilam Park for a guided walk designed to discover fun and exciting facts about this ancient landscape. Find out more and book Ilam Park: Family Guided Walk: Geology, Archaeology and Landscape | National Trust
· Meet the Moths – 29 May 10.30am – 2.30pm
Visitors can see and learn all about the magical moths that live at Ilam Park. Enjoy their incredible patterns, colours and fluffy textures and then get stuck in at the mothy drawing station! There’s no need to book for this event. More information can be found on the Ilam Park website: Ilam Park: Meet the Moths Drop in | National Trust
Longshaw, Derbyshire, Near Sheffield.
Longshaw Estate provides a stunning backdrop for an adventure in the great outdoors. There are plenty of options for walks where visitors can enjoy a big view from Duke’s Seat or a woodland walk through Padley Gorge.
· Nature Journalling – 23 – 31 May 9:30am – 3:30pm
Visitors can explore, be creative and get closer to nature this May half term while making their own beautiful nature journal to keep. All that’s needed is imagination and love of nature – the National Trust team provide the rest. There are four Stations to find around the estate including in the Kitchen Garden and down as far as the pond. These are self-led activities, so visitors can enjoy the activities at their own pace. There’s no need to book for this activity, visitors can just go to the Welcome Building to collect one of the National Trust’s beautifully designed Nature Journals for £3 per person and embark on an adventure.
· Morning Wildlife Walk – 29 May 9.30am – 12pm
Discover Longshaw’s spring wildlife and spectacular views on a friendly guided walk. Find out more and book Morning Wildlife Walk | National Trust
