Peak District May half term: WHAT’S ON this Spring Bank Holiday

If you’re planning your family days out in and around the Peak District for May half term, then you’ve come to the right place. With spring in full bloom across the National Park and lots of sunny days (fingers crossed) it really is a wonderful time of year to explore the UK’s oldest National Park.

For general days out, rather than specific events, please check out our guide to Family Days Out in the Peak District, which provides lots of inspiration. Although not much beats a long family walk in the Peak District or family bike ride, and perhaps a stop at a Peak District ice cream parlour afterwards to reward everyone’s efforts.  

As always, we’ll be keeping this page updated as much as possible with news from these Peak District May half term events. But also keep an eye on the Peak District Kids Facebook Group and also our Instagram. Feel free to email us if you know of an event not listed here.

1. Family Day Rock Climbing with Peak Lines

Running sessions throughout May half term
Click here for further information and to book
Click here for the Peak District Kids review

Spend quality time with your family, discover stunning locations in the Peak District, and create memories to last a lifetime with the family rock climbing sessions over the early May bank holiday weekend.

Peak Lines offer private half-day and full-day climbing experiences in the Peak District. 

• The sessions are friendly, encouraging, and aimed to get you working together as a family
• You will have a go at climbing and abseiling, learn how to hold each other’s ropes and even learn some of the techniques essential to climbing independently
• The session will be tailored to you and your family based on experience, age, and fitness level
• Top-of-the-range safety equipment is provided

Half Day (3 Hours) £200 for a family of up to 6 people, any additional person is £55.

Full Day (6 hours) £299 for a family of up to 6 people, any additional person is £80.

2. TrYumphant May Half Term Holiday Camp

Tuesday 27th to Friday 30th May, 8:30am-4pm with optional extra time until 6pm
Baslow Sports Field
From £29.75/day
Click here for more information and to book

The TrYumphant May Half Term Holiday Camp runs from 27th-30th May and is open to all kids, whether you live locally or are visiting on holiday. Rated 5 stars on Google, this camp offers a great mix of creativity, sportiness, and silliness to suit all tastes and talents. They pride themselves on low staff-child ratios (average 1:6) so that they can give each and every child a memorable, confidence-building and fun experience!

You can book in for as many or as few days as you like. A handful of families who visit the Peak District on holiday also use this as an opportunity to experience a kid-free date day (you’re on holiday after all), so perhaps try out a Peak District spa after a long walk?

Use code PDK10 to get 10% off or get 50% off  with code FSM if you qualify for free school meals based on benefits. 

3. Family activities and kids activity days at White Hall Outdoor Centre

Check this Eventbrite page for dates and to book online
Click here for our review of White Hall Outdoor Centre

Looking for something different for the kids during the holidays? Why not book one of White Hall Centre’s activity days running throughout the school holidays? Their courses range from one-day to five-day adventures filled with fun and challenge. Children aged 6–18 years old are welcome.

Recently, many families have reached out to White Hall about financial difficulties presenting barriers to attending activities during school holidays. In response, White Hall aims to give all children the opportunity to have a memorable outdoor adventure and has decided to drop prices to make activities more affordable for everyone. They believe that the outdoors are essential to the development of young people, and that the memories made at White Hall help shape their future.

White Hall also hosts family activity days where parents can join in with their children, as well as SEND family activity days specifically designed for families and children with special educational needs and disabilities. Prices start at £39.40 per person. Packed lunch available upon request. Each day begins at 9:30 a.m. at White Hall Centre with pick-up at 4:30 p.m.

Activities on offer include:

• High and low ropes
• Zip wires
• Climbing walls
• Mountain biking
• Orienteering
• Artificial cave
• Problem solving
• Shelter building
• Canoeing
• SUP
• Caving
• Abseiling
• Stream Scrambling

4. Peaks and Paddles Kayak Hire / Family Canoe trips / Abseiling

Running sessions throughout May half term
Click here for further information and to book
Minimum age of 5yrs for all activities

Kayak hire

Paddle a tandem kayak , meandering at a leisurely slow pace along the Cromford Canal and return. Enjoying the wildlife along the way in a lovely location. 1hr approx.

Teens can paddle together provided a parent is supervising.

This is a no swimming / falling in allowed.

Family canoe trip

Just your group plus the instructor, take control of your canoe and cruise along the canal, with help from the instructor you will be in control in no time! Enjoy a few games and challenges along the way.

2hrs approx.

Millers Dale Bridge Abseil

With a head for heights descend 90ft into the valley below! Safety rope attached at all times with full instruction to get the most out of your experience. Min 4 goes each more if your quick!

2hrs approx.

5. Top Secret: The Magic of Science, Buxton Pavilion Arts Centre

Saturday 24 May, 2pm
Ticket Price: £10 (Children’s discount: £15)
Click here for tickets

Is it magic… or is it science?

Fusing the mystery of magic with wondrous and miraculous feats of science. Hang on to your seats and experience a non-stop action packed interactive magical science show with experiments and magic that will capture the imagination.

Top Secret is a fast moving colourful magical science show filled with mystery, suspense, and lots and lots of mess!

6. Hansel and Gretel at Buxton Opera House

Tuesday 27th May (11am, 1pm, 3pm – relaxed performance)
Ticket price: £13 (Children’s discount: £10)
Click here for tickets

Come on an enchanting adventure in Northern Ballet’s brand-new children’s ballet Hansel & Gretel.

In this reimagined classic, Hansel and Gretel take a walk through the woods, unaware of the damage they leave behind. But when they get lost, they meet a host of spirited friends who teach them how we can all better look after the planet – and have some fun along the way!

Northern Ballet’s magical ballets for children bring much-loved fairy tales to life with bold sets, bright costumes and brilliant live music and dance – the perfect way for you and your child to experience the wonder of ballet together.

7. 20% off at Bonkers Golf, Matlock

Open every day throughout May half term
Click here for further information and to book
Click here for the Peak District Kids review

Get 20% off your May half term fun at Bonkers Illumination Golf with code May20. Enjoy the exciting 9-hole illuminated crazy golf course, a great activity for the whole family. Discount only for online bookings (valid 26th May – 1st June). 

8. Celestial Sound Cloud at LEVEL Centre

27th to 30th May (10am to 5pm). Closed weekends and the odd weekday, so do check their website for dates.
FREE entry, but booking essential
Click here for session times and to book

Come and experience the amazing, interactive Celestial Sound Cloud at LEVEL Centre and discover a galaxy of illumination and harmony. This stunning digital sound and light installation is inspired by cosmic clouds and nebulas, creating an immersive experience like no other.

Suspended above you, the Celestial Sound Cloud is illuminated to create a breathtaking display that echoes the dazzling cosmos. You can sing, move, dance, or simply relax underneath it to create your own unique visual experience and soundscape.

Afterwards, get creative by designing your own cosmic cloud and adding it to the giant cosmic wall art. This installation is family-friendly and suitable for everyone, offering a truly captivating and sensory experience for all ages.

9. Seaside fun at Crich Tramway Village

Saturday 24th May to Friday 30th May, 10.00am to 5.30pm (last admissions 4pm) each day
Click here for further information and to book
Click here for the Peak District Kids review of Crich Tramway Village

Crich Tramway Village is bringing the seaside to landlocked Derbyshire this May half term; because who needs a coast when you’ve got candyfloss and Punch and Judy?

Enjoy all the fun of a traditional seaside holiday with Howard’s Amusements, £1 funfair rides, face painting, balloon modelling, and the ever-popular Punch and Judy shows. Professor Jon’s Flea Circus runs from Saturday to Wednesday, and there’s seaside crafts in the marquee all week – make a jellyfish (Saturday, Monday, Tuesday) or a fish on a stick (Wednesday to Friday). Don’t miss bingo in the marquee on Sunday!

Vintage trams run daily, dogs are welcome, no need to pre-book, and return tickets are valid. Derbyshire’s very own coastal escape awaits!

10. May-Bee-Half-Term at Thornbridge

Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June, 10.00am to 4pm
Tickets are £8 for adults and £4 for children under 3’s FREE
Click here to pre-book and get a 20% discount
Read our guide to Thornbridge Gardens

Thornbridge Gardens is buzzing with activity this May half term, offering a range of bee-themed fun for all ages.

On 23rd May, adults can get creative at the Embroidery Bee Workshop (booking and additional charges apply). From 24th May to 1st June, families can enjoy the Bee-Inspired Trail through the gardens, where children can become ‘bee-tectives’ as they explore. Visitors can also take home a taste of the hive with Thornbridge’s own honey available for sale, and pick up bee-friendly plants from The Emporium to help their own gardens thrive.

Whether you’re interested in crafts, nature trails, sweet treats, or supporting pollinators, Thornbridge Gardens has something for everyone this half term.

11. Move with Nature Trail at Carsington Water and Tittesworth Reservoir

Saturday 24th May to Monday 2nd June
Click here for Carsington Water information
Click here for Tittesworth Reservoir information

Head to Carsington Water or Tittesworth Reservoir this May half term for the Move with Nature trail; an active outdoor adventure for all ages. Follow the markers around the grassy area near the Visitor Centre, test your knowledge with a nature quiz, and try out fun nature-inspired movements along the way.

There’s no need to book or pick up a trail sheet, just turn up and get moving! Please note, parking charges apply.

Whilst your visiting, why not check out our pram-friendly walks for either Carsington Water or Tittesworth Reservoir.

Please note that there is no event at Ladybower Reservoir.

13. Free family activity walk at Longshaw Estate

Thursday 29th May (10:30am to 12pm)
Click here for more information and to book (booking advisable)

A free family social walk (pram-friendly) where you can enjoy nature themed activities and learn about the world of minibeasts.  Designed for children between 5 and 10 years old, accompanied by an adult. Booking is advisable.

14. Free LEVEL Centre May Open Day

Wednesday 28th May (11am to 3pm)
Click here for more information (no need to book)

Join in the fun at the LEVEL Centre May Open Day! There’s lots of fun, creative activities to take part in including:

• Get stuck in with clay-tastic creations based around springtime with artist Verity!
• Play with light and shapes and make your own mini LED sculptures with Domme!
• Explore myths and monsters and make up your own story with artist and poet Sophie!
• How does your garden grow? Design your ideal garden in our new outdoor spaces!
• See yourself as a cartoon character with visual notetaker Kelly!

In addition to this, the amazing interactive installation Celestial Sound Cloud (see above) will be open all day as a drop in session! Last chance to visit!

Our May Open Day is FREE to attend and no need to book. Come along, get creative and have some fun!

15. Bank Holiday Bubble Fun at Matlock Farm Park

Monday 26th May (10:30am to 4:30pm)
Click here for more information
Click here for our review of Matlock Farm Park

Matlock Farm Park is bringing extra bubble fun to Bank Holiday Monday with its Bubble Spectacular. The Big Bubbleman will be creating enormous car-sized bubbles and swirling clouds of smaller ones using his bubble mill, wands, and special potions. Children can also get hands-on, making their own bubbles with hoops and trays of bubble liquid.

Alongside the bubble action, families can enjoy all the usual animal and playtime activities, including sheep racing, meeting the goat kids, wallaby encounters, small animal petting, and a meerkat talk.

Matlock Farm Park is open every day of the year, but this is a chance to enjoy something a little bit extra this Bank Holiday.

16. Spring Bank fun at Gulliver’s Kingdom

Open throughout May half term (10:30am-5pm)
Click here for more information and to book tickets
Click here to read our top tips for visiting Gulliver’s Kingdom

Gulliver’s Kingdom is gearing up for a fantastic Spring Bank holiday for all the family to enjoy.

The theme park, in Matlock Bath, has some fantastic school holiday fun lined up, including a brand new ride which is wowing thrill seekers! The ‘Tree Top Drop’ ride is now open giving riders incredible views of the surrounding hillside before plunging them down a 15m drop.

17. May half term at Chatsworth

Various events throughout May half term
Click here for more information

Chatsworth House is one of the grandest estates in the UK and the jewel of the Peak District. Set in expansive parkland where wild deer roam and backed by wooded hills, it’s a wonderful place for families to explore, whether it’s enjoying a walk through Stand Wood, or the pram-friendly walk through the estate (walking through the parklands is free), or to meet the animals in the farmyard or play in the recently upgraded adventure playground (entry fee). Do check out our guide to visiting Chatsworth with kids.

Over the May half term Chatsworth always lay on some lovely events for families. This year includes:

18. Go for a family walk

A family walk in the Peak District is really number one reason to visit the National Park, and you should at least fit in one of our family walks into your May half term.

With hundreds of public footpaths criss-crossing the National Park and gentle rolling hills that aren’t too taxing on little legs, it’s the perfect free activity.

On this website we have over 80 family walks, including pram friendly walks and toddler walks, to more challenging walks such as Stanage Edge or Win Hill. Or you may even want to take on an epic walk up Kinder Scout with the kids.

19. Get out on the bikes

May half term is a good time to dust off the bikes stored away over the winter months, and head out on one of our Peak District cycle routes.

There are lots of old railway tracks that have been transformed into traffic free routes for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales.  As these are traffic free and relatively flat, they’re a great place to go for a family bike ride.

Plus, there are also some lovely routes around the reservoirs (including Ladybower cycle route and Carsington cycle route), although kids will need bikes with gears for these ones.

Below are our top tried and tested Peak District family bike routes. Though remember, you don’t have to do the whole route, you can always cut it short for tired legs.