New guide to the countryside out now

A free booklet packed with fun activities and events taking place at our countryside sites is out now to help you enjoy the great outdoors this Easter and over the year ahead.

The Countryside Destinations and Events 2018 booklet, available online and from countryside centres, tourist information centres and libraries is packed full of events across the county with many for free or for a small cost. 

There's something for everyone from popular seasonal events, family fun and festivals to skilled workshops, wildlife and heritage events. 

Our Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Simon Spencer, said:

"We've got lots of events and activities for all the family taking place throughout the county again this year. 

"We're really lucky to live in such a beautiful county. Whether you enjoy walking, cycling, horse-riding, or you're just looking for a place to spend time out with family and friends, Derbyshire is a great place to explore. Our events are full of opportunities for people to make the most of what our countryside sites have to offer."

There are lots of egg-citing events on offer this Easter including: 

  • Elvaston Golden Egg Trail, Friday 30 March, 10.30pm − 3.30pm. Turn up any time and join the Easter Bunny at Elvaston for some Easter eggcitement! Hop on down and follow the famous Elvaston Golden Egg Trail! Crack the code and claim a chocolate treat! The cost is £4 per trail sheet. 

  • Hopping Mad, Shipley Country Park, Sunday 1 April, 10.30am − 1.30pm. Turn up any time for this self-led activity and follow the Easter Trail to find the hidden clues and discover the secret word. Return to the start to meet the Easter Bunny and collect your treat. The cost is £2.00 per child. 

  • Horse Drawn Canal Trips, Easter Sunday and Monday 2 April, 11am − 2pm. A Traditional Shire cross horse, Chelsea, and staff in traditional costume will cruise you to see Leawood Pump in Steam. Visit www.birdswood.org for more details. 

  • Middleton Top Engine House open day, Easter Sunday and Monday 2 April, 1pm − 4:30pm. This is a chance to see the world's oldest working Engine House of its type. Learn how this early railway was commissioned in the days before Stephenson's Rocket. The magnificent beam engine was built in 1829 and hauled waggons up the steep incline. The cost is £2.80 per adult, £1.35 concessions. 

  • Leawood Pump will be operating throughout Easter and residents will be able to try their hand at Blacksmithing on the forge at High Peak junction on the 31 March. 

Other events throughout the year include: 

  • Wildlife Week Nature Trail, Saturday 26 May to Sunday 3 June. Follow the FREE onsite photo trail and discover the fantastic facts about the wildlife of Cromford Canal.

  • Middleton Top Cycle Hire Centre, Saturday 9 − Sunday 17 June. Visit the centre during National Bike Week and you can hire one and get one free. A fantastic offer to get you exploring the beautiful High Peak Trail. In June pedal through the countryside while it blooms with wild flowers and herbs. For more information and to book call Middleton Top on 01629 533294. 

  • Woodland Festival at Elvaston Castle Country Park, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 September, 10am − 5pm. Celebrating traditional and contemporary woodland crafts, watch experts at work or have a go yourself. Quality arts and crafts, bespoke gifts and delicious food. Special event parking charges apply all weekend: £10 per car/£5 per motorcycle all day. Weekend tickets are £15. www.derbyshire.gov.uk/woodlandfestival 

  • Wild Food Forage, Shipley Country Park, Sunday 14 October, 10am − 12:30pm. A walk around Shipley Country Park in search of useful trees, plants and fungi. This walk will concentrate on exploring seasonal wild food, medicine and craft materials in the area. It will also look at bushcraft basics such as fire lighting. The cost is £5 per person and parking charges apply. Call 01629 533991 to book. 

The booklet also contains location maps and information about countryside visitor centres, cycle hire, family attractions and disabled access to events and venues. 

You can pick up a copy of the booklet at any of our countryside visitor centres, libraries or tourist information centres. 

It is also available to download from www.derbyshire.gov.uk/countrysideevents

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