Summer

50 independent retailers in Chesterfield

10th October 2025

There are many great independent retailers in Chesterfield town centre and across the borough.

From clothes to records and from toys to special gifts, we are sure you will find something special from one of our friendly independent retailers!

Here is a list of 50 retail businesses to try. Click on the name of the business to be taken to their website and learn more.

Short on time and prefer to jump to a specific section? Click on one of the links below:

Food & drink heaven
Marvellous markets
Latest fashion
Clothing for him
The perfect gift
Something sparkly
High street names supporting local
Hobbies and interests
Home furnishings
The best of the rest

You can find more inspiration on shopping in Chesterfield here.

If you have experienced great customer service or found that unique gift? Make sure you leave a review or share a post on your social media and include #LoveChesterfield

Food and drink heaven in Chesterfield

Looking for tasty treats? Then try these independent retailers.

1. Cheese Factor – A family-run business trading for 50 years, offering 150 different cheeses from around the world in their town centre shop.

2. Brampton Brewery – Brampton is an award-winning brewery with a number of local pubs. Their beer seller shop stocks a range of alcoholic drinks to try.

3. Northern Tea Merchants – A tea and coffee lover’s dream. Over two million cups of their tea and coffee are enjoyed every week!

4. Hogg Norton – Award-winning independent producer and retailer of fruit liqueurs and other alcoholic beverages.

5. Jackson’s the Bakers – Fresh bread, pies and sweet treats to savour from this local family business, baking in Chesterfield for over 80 years.

6. The Savvy Baker – Delicious brownies & blondies for those with a sweet tooth, available in York House business centre or through delivery.

7. Street Spirit – Stock an amazing and unique range of gin, spirits and beer in their store.

Marvellous markets in Chesterfield

Chesterfield was granted its market charter in 1204, now you can browse a range of independent traders across the outdoor market and market hall.

8. Chesterfield Markets – Home to a variety of independent traders in both outdoor and indoor markets, offering an array of unique products.

9. Steph’s Sustainable Stuff – Chesterfield’s first zero-waste shop based on our historic outdoor market. Meeting all your low and zero-waste needs.

10. The Market Co – Organiser of the Chesterfield Artisan Market and champion of artisan sellers. Chesterfield Artisan Market takes place on the last Sunday of the Month.

11. Charles Hedley – Award-winning retailer of pre-owned luxury fashion located in Chesterfield Market Hall.

12. The Watch Box – Watch repairs and sales in Chesterfield Market Hall.

Finding the latest fashions in Chesterfield

From clothing boutiques to bridalwear, Chesterfield’s independent retailers will dress you with style.

13. Dotique – Independent clothing boutique, stocking a variety of well-loved designers.

14. Blanc – Leading independent womenswear retailer, based at The Glass Yard, selling a wide range of stunning clothes.

15. M’s Accessories – Boutique store located in The Yards in Chesterfield.

16. Little White Dress – Off the peg wedding store located on Chatsworth Road in Chesterfield.

17. Dressed4U – Budget-friendly boutique catering for special occasions!

18. Love Too True – North Derbyshire-based online fashion manufacturer and retailer.

Clothing for him

From vintage to formal, night out to casual wear, Chesterfield’s independent retailers have got you covered.

19. Zebra – Well-established men’s retailer located near the Winding Wheel Theatre.

20. Rebel Menswear – Men’s clothing retailer located in the heart of Chesterfield.

21. Ingmans – Clothing retailer and cobbler based in Chesterfield town centre.

22. Brand Runner – Supplies the latest designer clothing and accessories at up to 80% off RRP!

23. Oliholpho – Boutique selling high-quality smart-casual clothing, with unusual brands not normally found on the high street.

Find that perfect gift in Chesterfield

Discover unique gifts for the special ones in your life.

24. Shop Indie – Check out quirky, unique and independent gifts from the Vicar Lane store.

25. Libby’s Gift Shop – Libby’s is all about simple pleasures – enjoyable shopping with lots of unusual treasures in their gift shop.

26. Lucky Magpie Salvage – Over the years they have become incredibly knowledgeable in the world of unique finds and salvage. Supplying the likes of Pinewood Studios and assisting clients with stunning pieces for the home and business.

27. Huckleberry Willow – An emporium of design-led products, unusual gifts & home accessories.

28. StraightCurves– Offering a range of unique craft kits for the creative ones

29. Eclectic delights of Serendipity – From wax melts to leather bags, cards to jewellery, doggy goodies to art & craft you’re sure to find a gift for every occasion.

30. Curious Goods – Stocking a vast range of peculiar goods including crystals & gemstones, tarot & oracle cards, and incense & oils. Plus much more!

Something sparkly for yourself or someone special

Whether you are looking for fine jewellery for that special occasion or costume jewellery for everyday use. Chesterfield’s independent Jewellers have you covered.

31. Adorn Jewellers – Located in the Shambles, Adorn provides a range of unique jewellery and unusual wedding rings.

32. John Stevenson Jewellers – Established over 45 years ago, and still one of the most prestigious family jewellery businesses in Derbyshire.

33. C. W. Sellors – Located on Low Pavement in Chesterfield, C.W. Sellors is one of the UK’s leading independent fine jewellery and luxury watch retailers.

34. Stuart Bradley – Family-owned and run jewellers and gift shop situated right next to the Crooked Spire.

High street names supporting local

Don’t miss our shopping centres full of high street names as well as local independent gems.

35. Vicar Lane Shopping Centre – Discover lots of independent retail and food and drink businesses at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre. They organise some great events as well including outdoor cinema on their big screen.

36. Waterstones Chesterfield – The national book chain holds a great range of books by local authors and regularly hosts signing events.

Time to relax – Music, bikes, games and more!

However you like to spend your leisure time, Chesterfield’s retailers will be able to help you.

37. The Little Ark – Sustainable and eco-friendly toys and gifts for your little ones.

38. Geeks Headquarters – The perfect place to play trading card games, board games, roleplaying games and miniature games! They sell Magic the Gathering, Yu-gi Oh!, Pokémon and even more!

39. WD Models – The family-run supplier of model kits. Whether it’s planes, trains, or automobiles, there’s a vast supply for enthusiasts to buy or sell. And, they offer a model repair service to help bring your cherished models back to life.

40. Tallbird Records – Chesterfield’s longest-established record shop. They sell new and old vinyl, second-hand CDs, record players, merchandise, artwork, books & other stuff!

41. Vanishing Point Records – Recently expanded independent vinyl store located in the Yards in Chesterfield.

42. J.E. James Chesterfield – Located just off the Whittington Moor roundabout, J.E. James has been supporting people in Chesterfield to find the perfect bike for over 20 years.

43. Real Time Music – Perfect for every musician, find your latest instrument in the heart of Chesterfield.

Home and furnishings

Find the perfect accessories for your home.

44. Etienne Blinds – Located close on Sheffield Road, Etienne provides a vast range of made-to-measure blinds, curtains and accessories to suit every need.

45. Now and Then – Quality home decorations and furnishing store located on Chatsworth Road.

46. Matt Cockayne Illustration – Find beautiful prints for your home from local artist, Matt Cockayne Illustrations. Visit his studio at The Green in Hasland.

47. Delightful Decor – Explore handmade homeware and gifts, all made by British artisans. Furthermore, why not make the most of Delightful Decor’s bespoke picture framing and mounting service?

The best of the rest

There is such a diversity of retailers that we couldn’t fit them all into our categories. So here are some more eclectic independents!

48. Hoods Florists – If you’re looking for the perfect bouquet, then you can head to Hoods Florists, based on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield.

49. Barkworthy Dog Emporium – Everything you could ever need for your special pooch, unique handmade collars, healthy wholesome treats, birthday cakes, toys, bath goodies and even gifts for dog-loving humans!

50. The Glass Yard Speedshop – A haven for all things motorcycle-related, located at the Glass Yard.

Keep an eye out for our gift guides throughout the year with some unique items to purchase for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and more.

You will can find out about new opens, latest news, events and ideas for things to do in Chesterfield on our social media pages: Tiktok, Instagram and Facebook.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Little Castle reopens as Woodie’s following magical makeover

13th August 2025

A Chesterfield pub has revealed its new look following refurbishment. The Little Castle, located in Markham Vale, is now known as Woodie’s, a new family-friendly concept from Marston’s.

The transformation features a woodland-themed den with games, crafts, discos, karaoke and quizzes. Meanwhile, outside, kids can enjoy a brand-new play area while parents relax nearby with a drink or meal.

The Little Castle reopened its doors last week as Woodie’s. During opening weekend, locals shared their favourite memories of The Little Castle in exchange for a free pint. The team now displays these stories on a memory wall, keen for the community to play a part in the pub’s next chapter.

Sarah Barker, a Community Relationship Fundraiser for Ashgate Hospice, joined General Manager, Sara Hargreaves to pour the first pint. Woodie’s chose Sarah as The Little Castle’s community hero for all the work she does in fundraising for the local area. This includes the charity’s 10km Sparkle Night Walk held each July.

Sara Hargreaves, General Manager at The Little Castle, said: “We’re so excited to be able to welcome all of our locals back to The Little Castle. It was an honour to be joined by [Ashgate Hospice’s] Sarah to pull the first pint; she does so much for our community.”

The team plans a series of events to encourage local people to visit. Kids can enjoy a two-hour disco every Friday night from 4:00pm. Two-hour craft sessions take place on Saturdays from noon.

Alongside a menu of pub classics, kids can also visit the Woodie’s Sweet Factory. This self-serve treat bar invites you to swap magic tokens for toppings to create your own sundae.

Furthermore, families can enjoy great value dining throughout the summer. Kids eat for just £1 every day, and free every Wednesday.

Discover more ideas for eating out in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Stay, Summer

Chesterfield Celebrates 200 Years of Railway History at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

31st July 2025

Barrow Hill Roundhouse near Chesterfield will host a spectacular three-day gala this October to mark 200 years since the birth of the modern railway.

From Friday 10 to Sunday 12 October 2025, visitors will experience a once-in-a-generation celebration at the UK’s only surviving operational railway roundhouse. The event will feature iconic locomotives, including the legendary A3 60103 “Flying Scotsman”, which will be on display and hauling trains across the weekend.

This milestone year commemorates the world’s first passenger railway journey between Stockton and Darlington in 1825 and Chesterfield is proudly joining the national celebrations with an event that honours its deep-rooted rail heritage.

Alongside the Flying Scotsman, the gala will showcase a Class 55 “Deltic”, LMS 3F “Jinty” 16440, and other historic engines to be announced. Visitors can enjoy train rides, heritage exhibits, trade stands, local food and drink, and free parking.

A highlight of the weekend will be the world premiere of “I Am George Stephenson”, a new play created by Graves Youth Theatre and Paul Whitfield. Performed at 2pm and 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, the show offers a humorous and imaginative look at the life of the railway pioneer who made Chesterfield his home. Performances are included in the ticket price, but seats must be reserved when booking.

Mervyn Allcock, General Manager of Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “We are delighted to be putting on such a great show to celebrate this significant anniversary for the railways, particularly as George Stephenson, who played such an important part in the events of 200 years ago, made Chesterfield his home in later life.”

Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum, added: “Barrow Hill Roundhouse has a remarkable story and demonstrates the determination needed to keep the UK’s railway heritage alive. In this milestone year for the railways, we are delighted to be able to offer our support by bringing the world’s most famous locomotive to the nation’s last surviving operational roundhouse.”

Tickets are available now via SeeTickets.

If you are looking for some rail fun before the celebration, why not join a special train running day at Barrow Hill Roundhouse on the 16th and 17th August? Journey up the Springwell branch line on brake vans, top and tailed by two Roundhouse locomotives.

Entry includes access to the Roundhouse Museum and exhibitions, and turntable and signal box demonstrations.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse is part of an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Stay, Summer, Visiting

Thousands of families visit Chesterfield Children’s Festival

30th July 2025

More than 6,000 people gathered at Queen’s Park over the weekend to enjoy the third annual Chesterfield Children’s Festival, hosted by local arts charity Junction Arts.

The two-day celebration of arts, culture, and creativity delivered a jam-packed programme of free, family-friendly entertainment for visitors of all ages.

The festival featured live music, theatre, storytelling, dance, circus skills, art workshops, beatboxing, comedy and more, with every activity designed to spark imagination and bring people together through play and creativity.

A standout moment from the weekend was the immersive performance Story Chefs by Derby-based theatre company Maison Foo, which took families on a globe-trotting adventure filled with puppetry, music and interactive theatre. Serving up delicious food as part of their performance.

Also returning by popular demand was Everybody Dance, a mass dance-along developed in partnership with students from Spire Junior School and professional choreographers. On Saturday, crowds joined in the joyful movement piece that got the entire park dancing.

Sunday’s highlights included live comedy, baby-friendly sensory circus workshops, and interactive drumming sessions.

Throughout the weekend, families also explored the Post Office of Possibilities (P.O.P.), an immersive theatre experience created by Buxton’s Babbling Vagabonds with young people from Boza Youth Club. The interactive set encouraged visitors to write positive postcards and letters to their future selves, all while exploring drawers of surprises and curious objects.

The festival also celebrated young musical talent through performances curated by The Noise Academy, with young DJs and artists showcasing their skills and running beatboxing masterclasses throughout the weekend.

To ensure accessibility for all, Junction Arts worked with RevolOOtion to provide a mobile, accessible toilet and changing facility. The event also featured BSL interpreters, an audio version of the festival programme, and the newly introduced Wellness Tipi – a quiet space funded by Children in Need to support visitors who needed a calm retreat.

Jemma Burton, Project Manager at Junction Arts, said: “Wow, what an amazing weekend! It was wonderful to see families spending quality time together, exploring, playing, dancing and laughing. This festival is all about inclusion, joy and imagination, and we’re so proud to offer an event that is completely free and accessible.”

Now in its third year, the Chesterfield Children’s Festival has cemented itself as a beloved summer fixture, providing high-quality arts experiences for local families and visitors from across the region.

For more information or to see highlights from the festival, visit: www.junctionarts.org or follow @JunctionArtsUK on social media.

Chesterfield Children’s Festival is part of an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Summer, Visiting

New Asian-inspired eatery ‘Pluto’ brings fresh flavour to Chesterfield town centre

29th July 2025

Chesterfield’s food scene has a new addition with the arrival of Pluto, an independent business bringing authentic Asian street snacks and desserts to the heart of the town centre.

Founded by Stanley Chan, Pluto opened its doors with a mission to deliver joy, discovery, and health through food. From fluffy Japanese cheesecakes and colourful fruit sandwiches to crispy Taiwanese fried chicken and bubble tea, Pluto offers a fresh and exciting experience.

Stanley said: “Food has always been in my blood. My parents and extended family have worked in the food business for many years, and I grew up surrounded by the warmth, creativity, and care that goes into preparing meals. That passion stayed with me, and in 2010, I started my first venture, an online shop called Snacknsnack.com, which focused on selling Japanese snacks.

Now, Pluto is the next chapter in my journey, a space where I want to share the happiness that food can bring. Our concept is simple: joy, discovery, and health through food. We bring popular and authentic Asian street snacks and desserts to the heart of Chesterfield, giving people a chance to experience something new and delicious.”

Pluto’s arrival is a welcome addition to Chesterfield’s growing independent food and drink scene, adding further diversity to the town centre. Stanley chose Chesterfield for its strong sense of community and openness to new ideas.

“Chesterfield immediately felt like home. It’s a town with a strong sense of community and a real appreciation for local, independent businesses. What stood out to me was the vibrancy of the people here, friendly, curious, and open to trying something different.”

Dominic Staniforth, Board Member of Destination Chesterfield, commented: “Pluto is a fantastic example of the kind of independent business that makes Chesterfield special. It adds something different to the town centre and reflects the growing appetite for diverse food experiences.”

With a menu inspired by the street food culture of Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, Pluto offers something different for Chesterfield. Its playful approach to food and focus on quality ingredients have already caught the attention of customers.

As part of the town’s growing independent scene, Pluto adds a new layer of variety to the high street and gives people another reason to explore what Chesterfield has to offer.

Pluto is located on low payment adjacent to New Square. Discover more on their facebook page.

Check out some other tasty ideas of places to eat in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield celebrates safe nights out with Best Bar None Awards – Public voting now open

10th July 2025

Chesterfield is once again celebrating its vibrant nightlife, as the town’s pubs, bars and clubs prepare to be honoured at the 2025 Best Bar None Awards. You are now invited to vote for your favourite venue, helping to spotlight businesses that make nights out safer and more enjoyable.

The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 23 July at the SMH Group Stadium, hosted by Chesterfield Borough Council. The event recognises venues that promote responsible drinking and work actively to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder.

A Community Committed to Safety

Since launching in 2023, the Best Bar None scheme has brought together local authorities, police, and the licensed trade. Backed by the Home Office and the drinks industry, the initiative encourages better venue management and stronger community partnerships.

All licensed premises in Chesterfield were invited to apply for accreditation. Those who met the criteria will receive official recognition at the ceremony.

Public vote now open for the Best Bar None Awards

Residents can now vote in the People’s Choice Award, which celebrates the venue that makes them feel most welcome and safe.

Vote at chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/1v9ilh

Voting closes shortly before the awards night.

Celebrating Excellence Across the Borough

In addition to the public vote, four special awards will be presented:

Best Managed Venue
Best Tenanted Venue
Best Independent Venue
Overall Best Venue

These categories highlight the diversity and quality of Chesterfield’s hospitality sector.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Cabinet Member for Town Centres and Visitor Economy, said: “Chesterfield is a safe and welcoming place to live, socialise and visit. Our local venues play a vital role in creating that atmosphere. These awards celebrate their hard work and encourage others to join the scheme.”

Jane Randall, Chair of Chesterfield Pubwatch, added: “We’re proud of the collaboration between businesses, the council and the police. The Best Bar None scheme helps us maintain a safe and enjoyable night-time economy. It’s fantastic to see so many venues stepping up.”

Businesses encouraged to join Best Bar None

Licensed venues are encouraged to get involved. Accreditation not only boosts reputation but also strengthens ties with the local community. To apply, contact the Licensing Team at Chesterfield Borough Council:

licensing@chesterfield.gov.uk
01246 345230
www.chesterfield.gov.uk/best-bar-none

Check out our blog for inspiration on where to eat and drink in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Historic canal to bring future economic and community boost

4th July 2025

There’s something meditative about walking along the Chesterfield Canal. The wind whistling through the reeds and a gentle lap of ripples against the bank always seems to slow my steps. And if you pause long enough, you can spot all manner of wildlife, including deer, herons and moorhens to name just a few!

But this is no ordinary stretch of water. It mirrors the story of our wonderful town and its industrial roots. Originally built to transport coal, iron and stone, it is now evolving into a corridor of opportunity.

This spring, a masterplan was unveiled to complete the final 8.5 miles of the Chesterfield Canal between Staveley and Kiveton Park, making the whole 46-mile route fully navigable once again. But this isn’t just about restoring a piece of our past with rose-tinted spectacles. It’s about reimagining a picturesque channel through our communities, one that connects nature, leisure, health, business and heritage.

Eighteen different hubs have been identified along the canal’s route, each with their own character and potential. Plans include fitness trails, cycling and walking routes, paddle sports, outdoor learning spaces, wildlife havens, and new job opportunities.

It’s designed to be a place where people live, work and play. Where you can walk the dog at sunrise, stop for a coffee, kayak in the afternoon, and meet friends for dinner by the water. I’m excited that my young daughter will have access to a beautiful space as she grows up, providing opportunities for us to spend quality time as a family, but also for her to develop new hobbies, interests and activities in the future.

Take Staveley Canal Basin, for example. Already a cherished local gem, it’s now the home of The Moorings — a stylish new development offering new business space with room for cafés, shops, and workspaces. Imagine sipping your favourite coffee or a cooling smoothie, while narrowboats pass just metres away — idyllic!

Did you know that 12 miles have already been restored over the past 35 years? The work continues thanks to dedicated volunteers and bold investments from those who see the canal’s potential.

Have you walked or cycled over our town’s new 38-metre Trans Pennine Trail bridge yet? Imagine the views and the stunning photo opportunities once the canal beneath has been rewatered.

But the bigger picture is even more inspiring. This regeneration could bring in over £250 million in visitor spending, boost local nature and biodiversity, and support thousands of jobs and businesses.

I’ll be spending a lot of time down by the water this summer. Say hi if you bump into me! Explore car-free, dog-friendly days out, fabulous food and drink and discover the canal’s beauty for yourself: www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Development, Home, Summer

Young voices shape festival through comedy

2nd July 2025

Year five pupils from Abercrombie Primary School in Chesterfield swapped their usual lessons for laughter last month, taking part in a high-energy comedy masterclass that also marked the start of their exciting new role as ‘Festival Budding Investigators’ (F.B.I.) for the Chesterfield Children’s Festival.

Delivered by local arts charity Junction Arts, the session was led by professional comedian and magician Dominic Woodward, AKA Wacky Woody, who brought jokes, magic, and creativity to the classroom. The workshop aimed to introduce children to the art of comedy while kickstarting their involvement in shaping future editions of the popular family festival.

During the day, pupils explored what makes people laugh, learned how to construct the perfect punchline, and had the chance to write and perform their own comedy sketches. The session also included improvisation exercises and caption-writing challenges designed to boost creativity and confidence.

Junction Arts is working closely with the year five class throughout the next 12 months, giving them a voice in the development of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival. As official ‘F.B.I. agents’, the children will attend cultural experiences, participate in creative workshops, and provide feedback and ideas to help ensure the festival continues to grow and reflect the interests of young people in the town.

Their first mission? To evaluate the 2025 Chesterfield Children’s Festival, taking place on 26th and 27th July at Queen’s Park. Now in its third year, the free event celebrates imagination, play and the magic of childhood, offering a wide variety of activities, performances, and experiences suitable for children aged 0–16.

Jemma Burton, Project Manager at Junction Arts, said: “Our goal with the Children’s Festival is to bring high-quality arts and cultural experiences to Chesterfield and inspire young people with something new. Over the past three years, we’ve introduced everything from silent discos and catwalk shows to giant arcade games and live movie experiences. The comedy workshop was a fantastic start to the children’s journey as our team of Festival Budding Investigators. Dominic was genuinely impressed with some of the jokes they came up with! Their ideas and honest feedback are vital to keeping the festival fresh, relevant, and exciting for years to come.”

Mrs. Johnson, Year 5 teacher at Abercrombie Primary, added: “The children absolutely loved the workshop. There were laughs throughout the day, but they also learned a lot, particularly about using homophones in comedy. It was amazing to see them grow in confidence, with every child performing something by the end. We’re all looking forward to being part of this journey with Junction Arts.”

Dominic Woodward said: “It was a pleasure to visit Abercrombie Primary School and deliver a Comedy Workshop for Year Five. What a great class. They let their imaginations run wild and expressed themselves and their personalities through comedy. It was great to hear jokes about their pets, Minecraft, Spiderman and of course – poo! (kids’ favourite subject to joke about!) It was wonderful to watch how even the children who weren’t as confident came up with excellent gags and even had a go at performing them!”

For more information about the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, visit: https://junctionarts.org/whats-on/chesterfield-childrens-festival/ or follow Junction Arts on social media @JunctionArtsUK

Chesterfield Children’s Festival is part of an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Our town offers the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories. Look forward to the return of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival or enjoy a night of stargazing at Chesterfield Observatory. Step back in time at a medieval exhibition, discover ghostly tales on a haunted pub tour, or soak up our vibrant food and music scenes.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield’s first Pottery Festival announced

27th June 2025

Chesterfield will get hands-on this August as Creative Community Pottery launches the first-ever Chesterfield Pottery Festival.

Running through the month, the festival invites people to experience hands-on pottery experiences, from vase-making workshops to a pottery-themed pub quiz. It’s a chance to try something new, get creative and connect with others.

Led by Creative Community Pottery, a local group working to open a permanent pottery space in the town, the festival is designed to be inclusive and welcoming regardless of experience. All proceeds will support the group’s long-term goal of creating a dedicated community pottery studio.

Clare Gage, local potter, said: “This festival brings together Chesterfield’s creative past and present, and looks to the future. You’ll explore our town’s history of working with clay while learning the skills yourself in fun, inclusive activities. Come along and be part of it!”

Festival highlights include:

Vase Making Workshops – Monday 4 August
Learn to shape and decorate your ceramic vase at The Assembly Rooms, Chesterfield Market Hall.
Clay Decoration Drop-In – Tuesday 5 August
A relaxed, family-friendly session to make personalised hanging decorations at The Assembly Rooms, Chesterfield Market Hall.
Pottery in the Pub – Wednesday 6 August
A pottery-themed quiz night at Holme Hall Inn, one of Chesterfield’s historic potters’ pubs.
Community Pottery Exhibition & Makers Market – Saturday 30 August
A showcase of local creativity at The Assembly Rooms, with work from community groups, archive material from Chesterfield Museum, and a market of handmade ceramics.

Full details and tickets for the festival are available at creative-community-pottery.sumupstore.com.

A Creative Summer in Chesterfield

The Pottery Festival joins an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Stay, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire named one of the East Midlands’ most visited free attractions

24th June 2025

Chesterfield’s iconic landmark, the Crooked Spire Church, has been named the third most visited free attraction in the East Midlands, according to the latest V isitEngland Annual Survey of Visits to Visitor Attractions.

The Chesterfield Parish Church welcomed 89,367 visitors in 2024, drawn by its distinctive twisted spire and centuries of history. The recognition places the church alongside some of the region’s most celebrated heritage destinations and highlights Chesterfield’s growing appeal as a short break destination.

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, said, “Chesterfield’s heritage is one of our greatest assets. From the Crooked Spire to our historic market, canal, and nearby stately homes, we offer visitors a rich and authentic experience. People are drawn to places with stories, character, and a strong sense of identity. Chesterfield delivers all of that and more.”

The VisitEngland survey gathered information from 1,373 English attractions and also revealed that overall visits to English attractions rose by 1.4% in 2024, with international visitors fuelling much of the growth.

Across Derbyshire, heritage continues to be a major draw. Chatsworth was named the most visited paid-for attraction in the East Midlands with 632,000 visitors, while Hardwick Hall ranked fifth with 305,000. Other nearby attractions featured in the top 20 include Bolsover Castle, Peak Rail, and Crich Tramway Village.

Chesterfield’s wider heritage offer includes Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the UK’s only operational railway roundhouse and the Chesterfield Canal. The town’s 800-year-old open-air market, medieval roots, and vibrant events calendar make it an ideal base for exploring the region.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “England’s first-class attractions, from our world-renowned museums, art galleries and historic houses to our places of worship, our parks and gardens, remain vitally important to our tourism offer to both international and domestic visitors.

“With summer on the doorstep and the school holidays fast approaching, make this the year you discover England’s fine attractions. Not only will you be giving our great attractions a much-needed boost, but I know you will enjoy a fantastic day out with family and friends, creating memories of a lifetime.”

This summer, Chesterfield invites visitors to explore more than just its famous spire. From stargazing at Chesterfield Observatory to medieval exhibitions, haunted pub tours, and the return of the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, the town offers a packed line-up of experiences.

For more inspiration and to plan your visit, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Stay, Summer, Visiting

Dinosaurs, street entertainment and festive fun

23rd June 2025

There are some great things to look forward to for the rest of 2025 as Chesterfield Borough Council unveils their upcoming event programme for Chesterfield.

With new and exciting events planned and an expanded Christmas offering, there are lots of great things for the whole family to enjoy when visiting the town centre.

Over the summer months, Chesterfield Borough Council’s little and often programme will be returning, bringing street entertainers, musicians and performers to roam the town centre and entertain visitors.

On Saturday 27 September, Chesterfield will be taking a trip back to the Jurassic period as dinosaurs take over the market. Including interactive shows in the market square and giant roaming dinosaurs, it’s a fantastic event for the whole family to enjoy.

Christmas this year will include the popular Switch-on event on Sunday 23 November, there will be street entertainment throughout the town centre, but due to the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield works in New Square, the stage show will be outside the Town Hall on Rose Hill this year.

Santa’s Grotto will be returning to the Assembly Rooms and there will be street entertainment on weekends, building up to Christmas. The popular Winter Window Trail, which debuted last year, will also be returning.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’ve put together a fantastic programme of events that offer something for everyone to enjoy and we hope that this will help encourage more people to visit the town centre and support local businesses.

“There are some new events for this year and the return of some popular events from previous years. We’ll be sharing more details about these fantastic events over the coming months, and I’d encourage everyone to support them.”

More details about these events will be shared on the council’s website and social media pages over the next few months.

Summer in Chesterfield

The little and often street entertainment programme joins an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Feel inspired by exploring adventures, experiences and days out. Make the most of a packed line-up of festivals, family-friendly events, and heritage experiences.

Head to www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer for more inspiration.

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