Across the region, sites are gearing up for a lively week of family-friendly entertainment. Young adventurers can get stuck into hands‑on outdoor experiences, enjoy seasonal trails, try creative activities, and explore the countryside in new and exciting ways.
1. Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey, is hosting a Blooming Blossom Activity Trail, from Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 May. Visitors can have a go at writing blossom-themed poetry, try some nature-inspired yoga poses and create natural art to celebrate the season. Storytelling Sessions will take place between Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May, as well as SEND-friendly and under-5s sessions happening on Friday 29. Fiona the Blossom Fairy will be running bookable storytelling sessions in the Riding School, followed by spring-themed crafts. Cycle Hire at Calke Explore will be open, with the Tramway Trail offering up to 10km of level terrain for the whole family to explore on wheels or on foot. Photo: National Trust
2. Kedleston Hall
Kedleston Hall's Book-Nook is taking place from Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May. To mark Derby Book Festival, join Kedleston’s literature celebration and discover a cosy Book-Nook* in a sheltered corner of the garden. Short, long, and wilderness walks, with an accessible pushchair friendly woodland walking path. Families can ignite their imagination and dive into an adventure by escaping into the creative world of storytelling. In exciting, themed reading zones, discover tales of enchantment through to fascinating facts and exploration. For anyone wishing to create their own story, enjoy playful hand puppets, inventive dice and story cards to share with friends and family. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply. Photo: Darren Cresswell
3. Staunton Harold
Staunton Harold, is hosting a Flower Fairy Trail, from Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 May. It's the season of blossom, and Staunton Harold is in bloom. Visitors can have fun spotting a group of flower fairies that are hiding in the woodland whilst enjoying the magic of the season and admiring the vibrant colours of spring. Photo: Photo © David Dixon (cc-by-sa/2.0)
4. The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
Enjoy Sudbury Seaside at The Children’s Country House from Friday 22 May – Sunday 31 May. Children can dig and build in oversized sandpits with buckets and spades, while adults relax nearby in deckchairs. Explore sensory rock pools and discover natural treasures from the sea, get creative in a kite-making craft workshop, and enjoy beach games together as a family. Finish the day with a delicious Bluebell’s Dairy ice cream from the Parlour. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. A small fee will be charged for the kite-making craft workshop, pre-booking will be required via the website. Once the home of the Vernon family, The Children’s Country House at Sudbury is considered one of the most richly decorated, and complete houses of its period. With a Museum of Childhood, terraced garden and woodland play areas, The Children’s Country House makes a memorable day out for families this spring. · Transfer service for access from the car park to Visitor Services. · Changing Places and baby-changing facilities in the stableyard. · Accessible toilet in the stableyard and museum. High-chairs available in the café. Photo: National Trust