What's On In The Peak District This Weekend (13th -14th June)
- Jen Bell I Editor I Good Life List Peak District
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
The weather this weekend looks a little mixed. Cloud, the occasional shower and temperatures slowly creeping in the right direction.
In other words, a pretty standard June weekend in the Peak District.
The good news? There is plenty happening, whether you fancy Jane Austen at Chatsworth, a dry stone walling competition in Great Hucklow, village cricket or a Sunday roast.
Here's what we'd be doing this weekend.
Step Into Jane Austen's World At Chatsworth
If you've ever wanted to visit Pemberley, this is your chance.
Chatsworth's Regency Festival returns this weekend with talks, music, performances, carriage rides, embroidery workshops and plenty of opportunities to embrace your inner Mr Darcy or Elizabeth Bennet.
Regency dress is entirely optional, although we suspect there will be some excellent people-watching opportunities if you do decide to make the effort.
Celebrate Peak District Craftsmanship In Great Hucklow
If you're looking for something a little different this weekend, head to Great Hucklow for the Derbyshire Dry Stone Walling Association's Summer Fete.
Taking place at The Nightingale Centre on both Saturday and Sunday, the event celebrates traditional countryside crafts and heritage skills, with everything from blacksmithing and wood turning to basket making, wool spinning, stone carving and, of course, dry stone walling.
There will be demonstrations throughout the weekend, opportunities to have a go yourself, live music, Morris dancers, artisan food, a plant sale, children's activities and even welly wanging (no, we don't know what that is either but looking forward to finding out!)
Saturday also hosts the Derbyshire Open dry stone walling competition, part of the DSWA British Grand Prix, where wallers of all abilities will compete for cash prizes.
Add in wood-fired pizza, homemade cakes, local beer, a bar and a display of Porsche cars on Sunday, and you've got one of the most unique weekends happening anywhere in the Peak District.
Free entry. Donations welcome. Find all the details you need here.
Browse Local Art In Bakewell
If the weather turns a little drizzly, Bakewell Town Hall is hosting a two-day art and crafts exhibition featuring artists and makers from across Derbyshire.
You'll find paintings, ceramics, felt work, woodcrafts and plenty of opportunities to discover something a little different while supporting local creatives.
Spend Sunday In Buxton
Pavilion Gardens is hosting its popular Antiques & Collectors Fair throughout the weekend, while New Mills Band will be performing on the bandstand on Sunday afternoon.
A wander through the gardens, a browse for vintage treasures and a brass band soundtrack feels like a rather lovely way to spend a Sunday.
Watch Proper Village Cricket
There are few things more quintessentially English than village cricket.
Youlgrave Lodge Cricket Club are at home this Saturday, welcoming Apperknowle 2nd XI to Alport Lane.
Take a chair, grab a drink and settle in for an afternoon of cricket in one of the Peak District's prettiest villages.
Visit A Traditional Well Dressing
One of Derbyshire's most unique traditions continues this weekend in Cressbrook.
The village's beautifully decorated well dressing is on display outside Cressbrook Church until Sunday and makes a lovely addition to a walk around Monsal Dale or Monsal Head.
Go Back To The 1940s In Wirksworth
One of the most unusual events happening this weekend is Wirksworth Back To The 40s.
Expect vintage vehicles, steam train rides, wartime re-enactors, live music, military displays and enough nostalgia to keep history lovers happy all weekend.
If you've never visited before, it's one of those events that has to be seen to be appreciated. More details here.
K-Pop Comes To Matlock Farm Park
Matlock Farm Park's K-Pop Superfan Day returns on Sunday with tribute performances, dance sessions, games and meet-and-greets, alongside all the usual animal encounters, play areas and family attractions.
If you have a K-Pop fan in the family (and you can still tolerate 'Golden' without feeling like your ears are bleeding), this could be a very easy win. Visit our Family List section for more kid-friendly ideas.
Take The Dog To Ashbourne
Dog lovers should head to Ashbourne on Sunday for the inaugural Ashbourne Dog Day Out.
Taking place in the Market Place from 11am (with registration from 10am), the event will feature a series of fun dog classes, competitions, rosettes, prizes, pet portraits, treats, accessories and plenty of opportunities to spoil your four-legged friend.
Dogs can be entered into one or more classes for £3 per class, while everyone else is welcome to come along, enjoy the atmosphere and cheer on the competitors.
With food, shopping and independent businesses all on the doorstep, it's a great excuse to spend a few hours exploring one of the Peak District's most charming market towns.
Whether your dog is a future champion or simply enjoys being the centre of attention, it promises to be a fun Sunday out for the whole family. You can enter the classes and find out all the other info here.
Explore Longnor's Open Gardens
Longnor is one of our favourite Peak District villages and this Sunday you'll have the chance to explore some of its most beautiful private gardens.
Fifteen gardens are opening to visitors, alongside Morris dancers, a silver band, plant sales, refreshments and children's activities.
If you're looking for a slower-paced Sunday, this is a lovely option.
Fancy Something More Adventurous?
Lost Earth Adventures has had a last-minute cancellation, meaning there is currently availability for climbing and abseiling experiences in the Peak District this weekend.
It's not every weekend you get the chance to spend your Saturday hanging off a cliff under the guidance of a highly-rated instructor. Book here.
Or Just Go For A Walk
The forecast might not be perfect, but this is exactly the sort of weather the Peak District does well.
Some of our favourite walks for a mixed-weather weekend include:
Baslow Edge
Monsal Trail
Padley Gorge
Longstone Edge
Dovedale
Lathkill Dale
Pack a waterproof and you'll probably be absolutely fine.
Don't Forget Father's Day
Father's Day falls on Sunday 21st and, if you've left things a little later than planned, you're not alone.
We've rounded up some of our favourite Peak District Father's Day gifts, including local beer, cheese hampers, Bakewell tarts, experience days, farm shop treats and gift vouchers. This weekend would be a good time to dash out under the pretence of grabbing some extra bits for dinner.
Planning A Weekend In The Peak District?
Before you go, a few more ideas from The Good Life List:
Looking for somewhere to stay?
Still need a Father's Day gift?
We've rounded up some of our favourite Peak District gift ideas, from local beer and cheese hampers to Bakewell tarts and experience days. Find the full list here.
Vote For The Best Sunday Roast In The Peak District
Help us crown the region's ultimate Sunday lunch in our Readers' Choice Awards. Every nomination earns you a spot in the draw to win £200. Nominations close on Tuesday 20th June. Enter here.
Discover Hidden Gems Locals Love
From secret valleys to lesser-known villages, here are 12 Peak District places that deserve a spot on your list.
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