Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-events">EVENTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Arborialis-Photo-Jane-Barlow.jpg" alt="architect of air's interactive light display Arborialis" class="wp-image-13022" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Arborialis-Photo-Jane-Barlow.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Arborialis-Photo-Jane-Barlow-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Arborialis-Photo-Jane-Barlow-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Arborialis-Photo-Jane-Barlow-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/04/Arborialis-Photo-Jane-Barlow-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo by Jane Barlow</figcaption></figure>



Now this sounds other-worldly. Be among the first to experience a wonderful world of colour at the awesome Architects of Air’s brand new luminarium,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/festival/luminarium-timisien/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timisien</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;Highfields Park, Nottingham.&nbsp;Spanning 900 square metres, this is an intricate labyrinth of soaring domes and winding labyrinths (tickets cost £6.50 and there a few special ‘calm’ sessions for babies and toddlers and SEND). From&nbsp;Sat 23 May – Sun 31 May.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/circus-skills-chatsworth-1024x683.jpg" alt="kids learning circus skills at chatsworth family fair" class="wp-image-13213" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/circus-skills-chatsworth-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/circus-skills-chatsworth-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/circus-skills-chatsworth-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/circus-skills-chatsworth.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Roll up, roll up! Chatsworth always delivers in the school holidays and this May half term is no exception. The <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/chatsworth-family-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chatsworth Family Festival</a> is the highlight this year, from 23-25 May and is included with garden tickets. Master gravity-defying circus skills, make a kite or run for gold in sports day style races.



Can’t make it all the way to the coast this half term? Give the kids their seaside fix at Crich Tramway Village’s<a href="https://www.tramway.co.uk/whatson/seaside-fun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Seaside Fun</a> event that lasts all week (from Sat 23 May until Fri 29 May). Expect traditional seaside fun, including a funfair, Punch and Judy, a mini beach, and a flea circus.



Festival season is officially upon us and Pixies, CMAT, and Skunk Anansie headline at family-friendly festival&nbsp;<a href="https://beardedtheory.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bearded Theory</a> at&nbsp;Catton Park, Derbyshire from&nbsp;20-24 May.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arts-amp-crafts">ARTS &amp; CRAFTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Pexels-kids-art-by-Alexander-Grey-1024x683.jpg" alt="small boy with paint on hands" class="wp-image-10568" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Pexels-kids-art-by-Alexander-Grey-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Pexels-kids-art-by-Alexander-Grey-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Pexels-kids-art-by-Alexander-Grey-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/Pexels-kids-art-by-Alexander-Grey.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Older kids &#8211; especially the exam-stressed &#8211; might like this one. A <a href="https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/events/2026-05-23-mindful-nature-sketching-workshop-attenborough-nature-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindful Nature Sketching workshop</a> at Attenborough Nature Reserve, Notts on Sat 23 May. For littles (under 5s), book in for the <a href="https://www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org/events/2026-05-29-attenborough-adventurers-stay-and-play" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Attenborough Adventurers&#8217; Stay and Play session</a> on Fri 29 May.



There are all sorts of crafty shenanigans on offer at Lakeside Arts in Nottingham this half term. From <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/nature-in-monochrome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature in Monochrome</a> (ages 8-12) on Tues 26 May, <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/co-design-playful-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Co-design Playful Robots</a> (ages 8-11) and <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/fun-with-drawing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fun With Drawing</a> (ages 8-12) workshops on Thurs 28 and Fri 29 May, to <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/seed-sculptures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seed Sculptures</a> (Fri 29 May) and a <a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/event/cardboard-adventures-workshop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardboard Adventures workshop</a> (Sat 30 May), you can drop off your kid and relax in one the cafés or explore the galleries.



Got a creative older teen? Teach them the basics of pottery throwing in a special 1:1 session with a professional thrower at The <a href="https://www.theclayrooms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clayooms</a> in Ashbourne or Peak Shopping Village.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoors">OUTDOORS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/chatsworth-mini-olympics-1024x683.jpg" alt="kids run on grass at chatsworth gardens" class="wp-image-13216" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/chatsworth-mini-olympics-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/chatsworth-mini-olympics-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/chatsworth-mini-olympics-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/chatsworth-mini-olympics.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Meet adorable new arrivals at Chatsworth Farmyard and get hands on with daily feeding and handling of guinea pigs and chicks throughout half term week. Then head for the adventure playground – one of the best in Derbyshire &#8211; to burn off energy, with climbing walls, swings, racing slides, and zip wire. Time your visit for&nbsp;from&nbsp;29-31 May and you can pop into <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/farm-shop-spring-food-fair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chatsworth Farm Shop Spring Food Fai</a>r for tastings too.



Capes at the ready for&nbsp;<a href="https://matlockfarmpark.co.uk/coming-up/superhero-ban-holiday-fun-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Superhero Bank Holiday weekend</a>&nbsp;at&nbsp;Matlock Farm Park&nbsp;on&nbsp;Mon 25 May. Action-packed appearances throughout the day, plus special meet-and-greet opportunities to snap photos, share high-fives, and train like true superheroes.



Get your gang outside for a some <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/longshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors/events/dfd2ef45-9ddb-44ea-b149-909306bfa3d4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature journalling</a> at Moorland Discovery Centre at Longshaw throughout half term, from Sat 23 May. Pick up a nature journal for £3pp and get creative.



Dino fan in the fam? Get thee to Muddy Award-winning White Post Farm, Farnsfield where there’ll be a pre-historic takeover with <a href="https://whitepostfarm.co.uk/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dino Weekend</a> from 23-25 May. Expect raptor and reptile shows and a storm of dino and fossil facts.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/The-Wombles-at-the-heights-1024x683.jpg" alt="the wombles at the heights of abraham" class="wp-image-13240" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/The-Wombles-at-the-heights-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/The-Wombles-at-the-heights-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/The-Wombles-at-the-heights-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/The-Wombles-at-the-heights.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Loveable Wombles Orinoco and Great Uncle Bulgaria are back at <a href="https://www.heightsofabraham.com/whats-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Heights of Abraham</a> this bank holiday ((Sat 23-Mon25 May). Ride the cable car up to the top where you can meet and greet them and check out the Womblemania exhibition. There&#8217;s plenty to keep families happy on a sunny day up here &#8211; from woodland nature trails and stunning views, to adventure playgrounds, ice creams and chilled drinks in the gorgeous Vista restaurant. Top tip? Get up early to bag a parking space and ride the cable car before the crowds &#8211; you&#8217;ll thank me later.



Sheep racing, wallaby encounters and small animal petting during <a href="https://matlockfarmpark.co.uk/coming-up/half-term-fun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Half Term Fun week</a> at Matlock Farm Park. You can even join in the interactive Tortoise Bathing sessions.



It&#8217;s a thrilling weekend of jousting and hand-to-hand combat at <a href="https://visitsherwood.co.uk/event/gathering-of-the-north-saturday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gathering of the North</a> at Sherwood Forest from Sat 23 May &#8211; Mon 25 May. You&#8217;ll also be able to try your hand at archery and axe-throwing and join workshops to learn Medieval&nbsp;crafts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watersports">WATERSPORTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/springlakes.jpg" alt="watersports tubing at spring lakes aqua park nottingham derby" class="wp-image-8798" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/springlakes.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/springlakes-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/04/springlakes-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo courtesy of Spring Lakes</figcaption></figure>



Waterbabies gather round. Spring Lakes, Long Eaton has a splashtastic <a href="https://ecom.roller.app/springlakeswatersportsandleisure/sessions/en/product/1120869" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kids’ clubs</a> on offer for ages 6-16 (£50). Expect paddleboarding, pedalo races, the thrill of riding on inflatables, and fun on the aqua park. From Wed 27-Fri 29 May.



Sign up thrill-seekers to the a spot of adventure at the National Watersports Centre, Holme Pierrepont. There&#8217;s all sorts of family fun, from the Sky Trail to archery. If water’s more their thing, the Lagoon is back open from for sessions on the <a href="https://www.nwscnotts.com/country-park-activities/lagoon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lagoon Wipeout</a> inflatable obstacle course, with slides, climbing walls, balancing beams, demolition balls, humps and basher walls. Prefer something more sedate? Kayaks and paddleboards are available to hire throughout half term.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre">THEATRE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/Legally-Blonde-x-1024x683.jpg" alt="elle woods in legally blonde the musical" class="wp-image-17864" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/Legally-Blonde-x-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/Legally-Blonde-x-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/Legally-Blonde-x-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/05/Legally-Blonde-x.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



A half term musical treat indeed: smash hit musical comedy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/legally-blonde-zwy4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Legally Blonde</a> lands at Nottingham Theatre Royal from Tues 19-Sat 23 May. This ultimate feel-good rom-com follows Elle Woods on her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love.&nbsp;



Step into the dazzling world of P.T. Barnum, where imagination knows no bounds. <a href="https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/barnum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barnum</a> the circus musical ticks all the boxes for half term fun, with spectacular choreography and dazzling acrobatics. From Tues 26 – Sat 30 May at Nottingham Playhouse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/11-epic-adventure-playgrounds-in-notts-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Epic adventure playgrounds near you</a>



<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/whats-on-may-notts-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marvellous May: Your local what&#8217;s on guide</a>



<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/travel-guides/insider-guide-to-the-peak-district-muddy-stilettos-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insider guide to the Peak District</a>

Brilliant things to do with the kids this May half term

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