Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solstice-cycle">Solstice cycle</h2>



<p>You&#8217;d never know it with this rubbish June weather we&#8217;re having, but Midsummer is around the corner (Thurs 20 June). Give summer a nudge with some of these lovely local events to celebrate the longest day.</p>



<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/23/2023/06/Gee-Milner-bike-silhouette-Peaks.jpg" alt="MOUNTAIN BIKER SILHOUETTED AGAINST SUNSET PEAK DISTRICT" class="wp-image-4928" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Gee-Milner-bike-silhouette-Peaks.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Gee-Milner-bike-silhouette-Peaks-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Gee-Milner-bike-silhouette-Peaks-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Gee-Milner-bike-silhouette-Peaks-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by Gee Milner, True North</figcaption></figure>



<p>Saddle up for a <a href="https://www.truenorthcyclehub.co.uk/guiding-and-adventures-bike-and-boot/">Summer Solstice Bike Ride</a> in the <strong>Peak District</strong>. Departing from <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/bike-boot-peak-district-derbyshire/">Bike &amp; Boot</a> hotel near Bamford, you’ll ride with the True North team through the peaks from 4pm until 8pm on Thurs 20 June, heading back for well-earned drinks in the sunshine (if the weather gets the memo) at Bike &amp; Boot. Walking more your style? There’s a sunset <a href="https://www.bikeandboot.com/walks">solstice walk</a> too, leaving the hotel at 8pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunrise-swims">Sunrise swims</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/23/2024/06/solstice-sunrise-swim.jpg" alt="man swimming in sea at sunrise" class="wp-image-9321" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-sunrise-swim.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-sunrise-swim-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-sunrise-swim-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Max your longest day at both ends by getting up with the sun for a dawn dip. You can take a heated dip in <a href="https://www.hathersageswimmingpool.co.uk/summer-solstice-sunrise-swim/">Hathersage Lido</a> any time from 3am on<strong> Fri 21 June</strong> as the sun begins to rise on the longest day of the year. Or, take the plunge on <strong>Sat June 22</strong> with a wild swim before the world wakes at the <a href="https://ecom.roller.app/springlakeswatersportsandleisure/sessions/en/products?date=2024-06-22&amp;product=855156">summer solstice swim</a> at <strong>Spring Lakes</strong>, Long Eaton (and then enjoy a smug, slap-up breakfast in the café afterwards).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paddle-and-a-pint">Paddle and a pint</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/23/2024/06/solstice-SUP.jpg" alt="women on stand up paddle board with paddle raised above her head" class="wp-image-9312" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-SUP.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-SUP-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-SUP-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Make the most of all that daylight with a summer solstice <a href="https://seeyouonthewaterteamsup.as.me/schedule/e024cc9c/?appointmentTypeIds%5b%5d=31682039">Paddle &amp; Pint</a> from 6.30pm on <strong>Fri 21 June</strong>. Take to the River Trent on a stand up paddle board and paddle towards Cranfleet from Beeston Marina and then on to the pub for chips and a sundowner pint. Bit wobbly? Shouldn’t be a big deal, as long as you are confident standing for at least half of the session.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meditation-and-er-chocolate">Meditation and, er, chocolate?</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/23/2024/06/solstice-sunset-yoga.jpg" alt="woman doing yoga at sunset outside" class="wp-image-9316" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-sunset-yoga.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-sunset-yoga-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-sunset-yoga-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Take a break from the hurly-burly with a soul-nourishing <a href="https://thebreathingspaceyogastudio.punchpass.com/classes/15310660">Summer Solstice Workshop</a> at Breathing Space Derby on <strong>Fri 21 June</strong>. After a guided meditation, you’ll take part in a cacao ceremony (apparently it’s been used for centuries to deepen spiritual connection). As long as we get to eat some too, we’re in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summer-blooms">Summer blooms</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/23/2024/06/solstice-laurenne.jpg" alt="florist laurenne hopkins stands in field with delphiniums" class="wp-image-9319" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-laurenne.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-laurenne-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-laurenne-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Join Muddy Award-winning florist Laurenne Hopkins amid the wildflowers at Wildhive Callow Hall in Asbourne for a <a href="https://www.wildhive.uk/midsummer-floral-workshop/">Midsummer Floral Workshop</a> on <strong>Sat 22 June. </strong>With creative guidance from Laurenne you’ll create a beautiful summer floral box to take home before a gorgeous summer afternoon tea. Costs £78pp.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peak-pagan-party">Peak pagan party</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/23/2024/06/solstice-arbor-low.jpg" alt="sunset at arbor low derbyshire" class="wp-image-9314" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-arbor-low.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-arbor-low-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-arbor-low-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Get all pagan and gather with pals to watch the sun set at the ‘Stonehenge of the north’, <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/arbor-low-stone-circle-and-gib-hill-barrow/">Arbor Low</a> near Monyash. For more info, contact <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/dove-retreat-ashbourne/">Dove Retreat</a>, which will be heading there for a magical evening celebrating the solstice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-creative">Get creative</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/23/2024/06/solstice-notts-contemp.jpg" alt="woman takes a selfie in front of bright wall at Nottingham Contemporary art gallery" class="wp-image-9318" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-notts-contemp.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-notts-contemp-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-notts-contemp-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Celebrate all things art, music and community at the sensational-sounding <a href="https://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/whats-on/summer-solstice-celebrations-at-nottingham-contemporary/">Summer Solstice Celebrations</a> at Nottingham Contemporary (<strong>Sat 22 June</strong>). Free cutting-edge showcases, music and activities taking over the entire building.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snap-the-sunset">Snap the sunset</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="990" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-James-Grant-Photography-1024x990.jpg" alt="photographer taking photos of peak district" class="wp-image-9315" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-James-Grant-Photography-1024x990.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-James-Grant-Photography-300x290.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-James-Grant-Photography-768x743.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-James-Grant-Photography.jpg 1125w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by James Grant Photography</figcaption></figure>



<p>Insta grid looking a little shabby? How about capturing the magic of a solstice sunset on camera on a <a href="https://www.jamesgphotography.co.uk/product/peak-district-summer-solstice-photography-workshop-20th-june-2024/">Summer Solstice Photography Workshop</a> in the Peak District. Join Peaks photographer James Grant from 2pm on <strong>Thurs 20 June</strong> for an avo learning the techniques you’ll need to capture the perfect picture when sunset rolls around (9.37pm since you ask). You’ll spend the day amid waterfalls and woodlands near Padley Gorge before heading out to a quiet location for sunset. Costs £135pp.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-write-and-walk">Write and walk</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/23/2024/06/solstice-shining-cliff-walkx.jpg" alt="waterfall at shining cliff woods derbyshire" class="wp-image-9317" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-shining-cliff-walkx.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-shining-cliff-walkx-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/solstice-shining-cliff-walkx-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Let nature be your inspo and join Derby Poetry Festival on a <a href="https://www.derbypoetryfestival.com/events/write-the-wilderness-walk-6-let-the-light-in-summer-solstice-evening-walk">Write the Wilderness’</a> evening walk on <strong>Thurs 20 June </strong>from 6.30pm. You’ll walk three miles through pretty Shining Cliff Woods and pen some lines as your creative juices start to flow in response to the nature all around you. Meet at Holly Lane. Drop by cool, craft distillery <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/white-peak-distillery-derbyshire/">White Peak</a> when you&#8217;re done for a gin or whisky sundowner.</p>


Sunset soirées & sunrise swims: Where to celebrate the summer solstice

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