Your Mega Guide to Easter 2025 in Derbyshire – Ey-Up Style!
Ey-Up Derbyshire is bringing you the latest news by popular demand in your local area for the whole family during the Easter holidays and bank holiday weekend with some fabulous events, including some with free entry.
Derbyshire is packed with Easter fun, from egg hunts to walking off the Easter Sunday chocolate around country estates and stately homes to chocolate trails and baby lambs. Whether you’re local or just visiting, there’s something for every family, every budget, and every age this year with these Easter family activities.
I’m a Derbyshire mum with two little whirlwinds—a 4-year-old and an 11-year-old—so I know what it’s like to fill the holidays with fun stuff that doesn’t cost a fortune. That’s why I pulled together this ultimate round-up of events, days out, and free activities across Derbyshire this Easter. It’s broken down by region, so you can plan a full day out or nip somewhere local.
Let’s hop to it with a host of family friendly activities on offer below in our directory of events!
Always check the details with the venue before setting off. We do our best to bring you up-to-date information, but dates and times can change, and tickets can sell out.
Table of Contents
🌿 Chesterfield & North Derbyshire
Bolsover Castle: Easter Adventure Quest
Dates: Sat 5 to Sun 27 Apr
Where: Castle St, Bolsover, Chesterfield S44 6PR
Cost: £2 per child (plus standard admission)
Website: English-heritage.org.uk/bolsover-castle
Take your explorers and head to Bolsover Castle for an Easter adventure with a historic twist. History talks about what went on behind those castle walls. Crack the clues on the trail hidden throughout the stunning castle grounds and claim your chocolatey reward at the end. It’s a perfect opportunity to walk off those Easter eggs at Easter time. Why not take a guided tour while you’re there? We had a blast on ours.
No need to book the quest itself – rock up and pay your £2 on arrival. It’s running every day of the holidays, and if you book your entry tickets early, you’ll bag 15% off.
MMB Mum tip: Bring snacks. There’s lots of exploring and clue-solving to do, and little legs get hungry!
Bluebell Dairy: Choccy Woccy Easter Event
Dates: Sat 5 to Mon 21 Apr 2025, from 10am
Where: Bluebell Dairy, Brunswood Farm, Locko Rd, Derby DE21 7AR
Cost: Tickets from £14.50 per person
Website: bluebelldairy.co.uk
Inventor Choccy Woccy is revealing his new “Doo Dah Machine” in an interactive show – will it work, or will it wobble? Expect chaos, giggles, and a sprinkle of magic. There are also bottle-feeding lambs, Easter Bunny visits, and the Belgie Bunny Show. Each child gets a free tub of Creme Egg ice cream, too – winner!
MMB Mum tip: Book early – this one gets popular fast, especially on sunny days.
Matlock Farm Park: Easter Egg-Stravaganza
Dates: Sat 5 to Mon 21 Apr
Where: Jaggers Ln, Matlock DE4 5LH
Cost: Standard admission applies
Website: matlockfarmpark.co.uk
A lovely low-key farm day with all the baby animals, plus a daily treasure trail throughout the hols. Over Easter weekend, you can meet the Easter Bunny and join the hunt for the Golden Egg.
Heights of Abraham: Easter Trail & Live Music
Dates: Mon 7 to Sun 20 Apr
Where: Dale Rd, Matlock Bath, Matlock DE4 3NT
Cost: Included with admission
Website: heightsofabraham.com
There’s something egg-stra mysterious going on at the Heights this Easter. Help Lady Lettuce understand why golden eggs are popping up all over the hillside on this fun family trail. Complete the clues and earn your reward!
Bonus fun over Easter weekend: live music from violinist Arjay and organ grinder Matthew – guaranteed to get little feet tapping.
Ey-Up Mum tip: The cable car ride is half the fun—but bring layers, as it’s breezy up top!
Peak Wildlife Park: Easter Egg Hunt Fun
Dates: Sat 5 to Sun 27 Apr
Where: Winkhill, Leek ST13 7QR
Cost: Included in admission
Website: peakwildlifepark.co.uk
This is a fab mix of animals and Easter fun. Hunt for eggs, join in crafts, get your face painted, and chill by the polar bears with your packed lunch. Perfect for toddlers and older ones who want more freedom.
Chatsworth House Trust: Easter at Chatsworth
Dates: Fri 18 to Sun 21 Apr
Where: Chatsworth, Bakewell DE45 1PP
Cost: £3 for the egg hunt (plus usual admission for house/gardens)
Website: chatsworth.org
This is a classic for a reason. Join the egg hunt around the gardens; you might even discover a golden egg. Access to the beautiful farmyard and adventure playground makes it a proper full-day trip. We will use our annual pass to help keep the cost down.
MMB Mum tip: Wear boots if it’s been raining; the playground field gets muddy.
⛰️ Matlock & Peak District
Crich Tramway Village: Easter Super Eggs & Make ‘n’ Do
Dates:
- Make ‘n’ Do Week: Mon 7 to Fri 11 Apr
- Easter Super Eggs: Fri 18 to Mon 21 Apr
- Where: Crich, Matlock DE4 5DP
- Cost: £2 for trail + standard admission
- Website: tramway.co.uk
Tram rides, woodland trails and an Easter Eggventure Trail! Egg rolling, bonnet making, face painting and superhero surprises – it’s the time of year when Easter exploded (in a good way).
Cromford Mills: Creative Easter Fun
Dates: Sat 5 to Fri 11 Apr
Where: Mill Rd, Cromford, Matlock DE4 3RQ
Cost: Free drop-in
Website: cromfordmills.org.uk
Get crafty with resident artists with these children’s events as you help create a giant banner for their spring festival. Felt-making, mosaics, embroidery and more. No need to book, turn up and get stuck in with these fun activities, then take a walk along the river Derwent.
Ilam Park: Clay Owls, Nature Frames & Easter Trail
Dates:
- Play with Clay: Mon 7 Apr, 12.30–3.30pm
- Nature Frames: Mon 14 Apr, 12.30–3.30pm
- Sense of Spring Trail: Sat 5 to Sun 27 Apr
- Where: Ilam, Ashbourne DE6 2AZ
- Cost: Activities £3 suggested donation; Trail £3.50
- Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/ilam-park
The perfect place for scenic walks, hands-on crafting, and a sensory-themed trail that gets little ones exploring the outdoors in a whole new way.
Lea Gardens: Spring Colour Walks
Dates: From Mon 24 Mar, 10am–5pm
Where: Long Lane, Lea, Matlock DE4 5GH
Cost: Standard garden admission
Website: leagardens.co.uk
Wander through 4.5 acres of flowering woodland paths with over 650 colourful plant varieties. Perfect for a chilled morning and a cuppa with homemade cake at the cafe.
🌱 Amber Valley & Belper
Denby Pottery Village: Kids’ Easter Craft Activities
Dates: Sat 5 to Mon 21 Apr
Where: Denby, Ripley DE5 8NX
Cost: Various prices + £3 for Easter trail
Website: denbypottery.com
Paint an Easter plate, make a clay bunny, or create an Easter wreath—there’s something creative for every little artist with this unique experience at Denby Pottery. Drop in, but go early for the best choice!
The Party Palace, Belper: Easter Princess Playtime
Dates: Thu 10, Wed 16 & Thu 17 Apr
Where: 5 Strutt St, Belper DE56 1UN
Cost: £6.50 per child
Website: thepartypalacebelper.co.uk
Expect singing, dancing, and lots of magical Easter sparkle with real-life princesses. Think tiaras, glitter, and plenty of photo ops.
Croots Farm Shop: Easter Crafts & Animal Time
Date: Sat 12 Apr
Where: Farnah House Farm, Wirksworth Rd, Duffield DE56 4AQ
Cost: £9.50 per child
Website: croots.co.uk
Meet some cuddly creatures and dive into springtime crafts. Bonus: the cafe here is fab for a post-activity cuppa and a sausage roll.
Co-Create Space: Small & Springy
Date: Thu 10 Apr, 11am–1pm
Where: Strutt St Coop, Belper DE56 1UN
Cost: Free
Make your own mini garden in a quirky creative session led by artist Chris Lewis-Jones. All ages are welcome.
📍 Erewash & Heanor
Erewash Museum: Easter Activities
Dates: Wed 9 to Fri 11 Apr & other dates until 19 Apr
Where: High St, Ilkeston DE7 5JA
Cost: From £4.50 per person
Website: erewashmuseum.co.uk
From chick handling to painting pots, a full fortnight of crafty Easter joy is going on. Check their site for specific daily themes.
Infinite Wellbeing: Spring Massage & Messy Play
Date: Fri 4 Apr
Where: Ray St, Heanor DE75 7GF
Cost: £12.50 per family
Website: infinite-wellbeing.co.uk
Baby massage, yoga and some proper messy fun are perfect for little ones who love sensory play (and parents who need a sit-down and a brew).
Ilkon Gallery, Ilkeston: Bloomin’ Marvellous
Date: Fri 11 Apr
Where: Bath St, Ilkeston DE7 8AA
Cost: Free
Website: erewashmuseum.co.uk
Eco-art fun with Claire Simpson, plus time to explore the spring exhibition. Suitable for crafty kids with a green streak.
🌾 South Derbyshire
National Forest Adventure Farm: Easter Eggstravaganza
Dates: Fri 11 to Fri 25 Apr
Where: Postern Rd, Tatenhill, Burton-on-Trent DE13 9SJ
Cost: Standard admission
Website: adventurefarm.co.uk
Hop on the Easter Eggspress to Bunny Woods for an Easter woodland experiences and meet new woodland characters. Add animal petting, lamb feeding, and live Easter shows, and you’ll have a full day of joy for every age group.
Swadlincote Snowsports Centre: Easter Kids Camp
Dates: Select dates between Tue 8 and Wed 16 Apr
Where: Sir Herbert Wragg Way, Swadlincote DE11 8LP
Phone: 01283 890089
Learn to ski, go tubing, ride the Viper slide and zoom on a toboggan. For ages 8–15. Proper energy-burner and great for kids who love trying something new.
The Hurt Arms, Ambergate: Easter Eggstravaganza
Date: Sat 19 Apr, 12–5pm
Where: Derby Rd, Ambergate DE56 2EJ
Cost: £15 per child, adults £5
Website: hurtarmsambergate.co.uk
There will be an Easter Bunny meet-and-greet, an egg hunt, a teddy bear picnic, and character games with Peter Rabbit, Bluey, and Stitch. There will also be inflatables, music, food, and full-on festive fun.
The National Forest Adventure Farm: Easter Eggstravaganza
Dates: Fri 11 to Fri 25 Apr
Where: Postern Rd, Tatenhill, Burton-on-Trent DE13 9SJ
Cost: Standard admission
Website: adventurefarm.co.uk
Hop aboard the Easter Eggspress tractor and trailer ride to Bunny Woods, where brand-new woodland characters are ready to greet you! Expect Easter shows on the main stage, baby animal cuddles, lamb feeding, and Lambing Live sessions.
There are also all the usual farmyard favourites and indoor play zones—it’s an all-day adventure for kids who like to bounce between animals and action.
Ey-Up Mum tip: Pack wellies—it’s a proper working farm ground, and excitement often beats careful walking!
🎨 Free Events & Ideas
Ilkon Gallery, Ilkeston: Bloomin’ Marvellous
Date: Fri 11 Apr
Where: Bath St, Ilkeston DE7 8AA
Cost: Free
Website: erewashmuseum.co.uk
Eco-art fun with local talent Claire Simpson, plus time to explore the spring exhibition. Suitable for crafty kids with a green streak.
Queen’s Park
Date: Any Day
Where:
Cost: Free
Website: erewashmuseum.co.uk
Why not grab the kids and head off to Queen’s Park? There are two great playgrounds for different ages and lots of space to kick the ball about. It’s free and great on a day when the sun is out. Save the pennies for an ice cream treat or a cup of coffee while you sit down and relax as the kids run off that Easter egg energy.
Sorbo Restaurant
Date: Any
Where: Chesterfield Town centre
Cost: You will need to buy a drink, but they have a great craft table for the kids to get stuck in. Toddlers area a great way to lose an hour while the kids have fun.
Heart of the Park Café, Arboretum Park: Kids’ Garden Session
Date: Mon 7 Apr, 11.30am–12.30pm
Where: Derby DE23 8EL
Cost: Free
Seed-sowing fun in the sunshine. Learn about flowers and food in this hands-on garden workshop for little ones.
Pickford’s House & Derby Museum
Dates: Various dates between Tue 8 and Thu 17 Apr
Where: Derby city centre
Cost: Free or suggested £3 donation
Website: derbymuseums.org
From mono-printing portraits to surrealist object collages, these sessions are all about imagination and family fun. Best bit? They’re totally drop-in and budget-friendly.
Genesis Centre, Alfreton: Easter Parties (including SEN)
Dates: Wed 10 & Sun 20 Apr
Where: 32 King St, Alfreton DE55 7DQ
Cost: £10.95 per child
Website: genesiscentrealfreton.co.uk
These are two great parties for both general and SEN families. They will feature crafts, egg hunts, visits from the Easter Bunny, and lots of inclusive fun.
Splat Messy Play Easter Specials
Dates: Sat 19 Apr in Borrowash, Sun 20 Apr in Ashbourne
Cost: £6–£8 approx
Website: splatmessyplay.co.uk
An Easter-themed messy play for babies and toddlers. Expect photo opportunities and gooey joy everywhere!
Phew! That’s your mega round-up for Easter in Derbyshire, with a bumper crop of extraordinary events. From farmyard adventures to free crafty mornings, there’s no excuse for “I’m bored!” this half term.
👩👧👦 Written by a Derbyshire mum of two (one fearless 4-year-old and one fiercely independent 11-year-old), this list was made with real-life parents in mind – because fun shouldn’t cost the earth. Memories are made in muddy boots, glitter glue, and melted chocolate.
Do you think an event should be included in the next round-up in our directory of family-friendly events? If so, drop me a message. I’m always looking for the best bits of Derbyshire for local families.
Ey-Up, let’s make this the best Easter yet!
Why not sign up for our Ey-UP email newsletters for free so you don’t miss any of these amazing annual events an us bringing you a whole host of family-friendly activities to your inbox.
