The early May bank holiday is just around the corner and if you’re looking for family-friendly events taking place in and around the Peak District for the long weekend, then we’ve got you covered.
Feature photo is from the Ramsden Reservoir walk
This year, the early May bank holiday is 5th May 2025. This guide covers any Peak District family events taking place over the long weekend (3rd to 5th May).
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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.
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1. Family Day Rock Climbing with Peak Lines
Running sessions over the long weekend
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. Thornbridge Estate Bank Holi-YAY!
Open 10am – 4pm everyday
£8 for adults, £4 for children and under 3’s FREE – pre-book to save 20%
Click here for further information and to book
Click here for the Peak District Kids review
There’s lots of fun at Thornbridge over the early May Bank Holiday weekend!
🦆 Wander through 10 acres of blooming RHS Partner gardens and follow the nature Trail
🦆 Net a duck at the iconic Rubber Duck Fountain
🦆 Enter a world of enchantment in the HobbleGobble Woods
🦆 Refuel with tasty treats from Quackers Café
🦆 Add your Lock to the Love Locker
All this plus much more to discover!
Bring the family, invite your friends, and don’t forget your sense of adventure! With free parking and a warm welcome for dogs, it’s the perfect outing for everyone.
3. Peaks and Paddles Kayak Hire / Family Canoe trips / Abseiling
Running sessions over the long weekend
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.
4. A Minecraft Movie (PG) at Buxton Cinema
Monday 5 May, 1.30pm
Click here for further information and to book
Four misfits are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home they’ll have to master this world while embarking on a quest with an unexpected expert crafter.
Ticket price: £9 (Students/Children (15 and under): £7)
5. Austentatious at Buxton Opera House
Saturday 3rd May, 3pm & 7.30pm
Age guidance: 14+
Ticket Price: £23-£35
Click here for further information and to book
The award-winning smash-hit comedy, as seen in the West End every week since 2022, and heard on BBC Radio 4, comes to you on a strictly limited tour.
For one delightful day only, the all-star Austentatious cast will improvise a hilarious new Jane Austen novel, inspired entirely by a title from the audience. Performed in period costume with live musical accompaniment, it’s a riotous, razor-sharp show where swooning is guaranteed.
Please note that the age guidance for this is 14+.
6. Princesses & Pirates to takeover Gulliver’s Kingdom!
3rd, 4th, and 5th May
Click here to book tickets
Click here for our guide to Gulliver’s Kingdom
High adventure awaits families at Gulliver’s Kingdom for the early May bank holiday as the theme park plays host to a colourful array of princesses and pirates.
The resort in Matlock Bath will host its annual Princess & Pirate Bank Holiday Weekend Takeover, with tickets for the event from May 3 to May 5 starting at £21 per person per day (if booked online at least two days in advance).
The weekend will see treasure treats, fancy dress events, themed activities and much more, with Buddy Barnacle taking to the stage with some swashbuckling songs and Princess Gilly making special appearances each day. There will also be the popular Princess & Pirate Parade, for which everyone is invited to wear their best pirate or princess costume – and yes, grown-ups, can join in too!
And guests can also enjoy the brand new ‘Tree Top Drop’ ride which boasts the best views of the surrounding hillside before plunging riders down a startling 15m drop.
7. Magical May at Crich Tramway Village
Sunday 4th and Monday 5th May (10am to 4:30pm)
Standard admission prices apply and return tickets may be used for this event.
Click here for further information and to book
Click here for the Peak District Kids review of Crich Tramway Village
Visitors to Crich Tramway Village this early May bank holiday can enjoy a host of magical activities and entertainment:
- Enchanted characters can be spotted around the site, including the Meadow Sprites and the wandering Wizard.
- Maypole dancing takes place on Monday 5th May at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm.
- Vintage trams transport visitors to Wakebridge, where the Fairy Trail runs from 10:30am to 4:30pm. Guests can meet the fairies and make a wish.
- Storytelling with Maria offers enchanting tales for all ages from 12:00pm to 3:30pm.
- Fairy den building takes place along the Woodland Walk from 12:00pm to 3:30pm, using natural materials found on site.
- Wand-making in the marquee is available from 11:00am to 3:30pm.
- The Wizard School Magic Show runs at 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm.
- Face painting is offered from 11:00am onwards to add to the festive fun.
- Woodies Wings owls can be found near the bandstand throughout the day for a magical wildlife encounter.
- Live folk music at the Learning Centre doorway runs from 12:30pm to 2:00pm:
- Sunday: The Boothill Toetappers
- Monday: Malin Hill
8. Bank Holiday Transformers Fun Day at Matlock Farm Park
Monday 5 May (10:30-4:30)
Click here for further information and to book
Click here for the Peak District Kids review of Matlock Farm Park
Transformers Are Taking Over The Farm!
Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure at Matlock Farm Park. Meet towering giants Optimus Prime and Bumblebee at time slots throughout the day, as they bring the magic of the Transformers to life!
Watch your little ones’ excitement as they stand beside these larger-than-life heroes, snap amazing photos and make memories that will last a lifetime. They might even enjoy a little dance with you!
With plenty of animal and playtime fun too, including sheep racing, ‘Meet the lambs’, wallaby encounter, small animal petting and meerkat talk, it’s a super fun Bank Holiday Monday for all!
You may also like to read:
Search for your perfect Peak District family walk
Short and easy family walks in the Peak District
Things to do in Matlock and Matlock Bath