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10 walks to make the most of our great outdoors

6th October 2025

With its rich history and stunning landscapes, Chesterfield offers a treasure trove of easy walks, perfect for getting outdoors.

Are you looking for somewhere different to take your dog? Maybe you fancy a stroll through town combined with a spot of shopping? Or what about a peaceful meander to spot friendly wildlife and beautiful flora?

Whatever your reason, we’ve picked ten delightful spots for you to explore, each offering unique charm and beauty. As well as suggesting nearby eateries to pop into for a quick rest or to warm up from the winter’s cold.

So put on your warmest pair of boots, wrap up in a cosy coat, and grab the dog’s lead; these walks are set to help you soak in the magic of winter.

If you’d like to recommend more easy walks to be featured here, please let Tara Underhill know by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk.

If you’re short on time use our quick links below to jump to the section that interests you the most.

Historic town centre
Holmebrook Valley Park
Tranquil Chesterfield Canal
Retreat to Linacre Waters
Scenic Monsal Trail
Explore Hardwick and surrounding woodland
Breathtaking views from Birchen Edge to Chatsworth
Adventure along the Five Pits Trail
Nature haven Poolsbrook Country Park
Hidden gem Edges and Ales

1. Get outdoors in our historic town centre

Start your adventure at the iconic Crooked Spire, a must-see landmark. If you have time, book a tour around the church and up the tower for stunning views over the town.

Take a leisurely walk through our vibrant town centre, looking up to enjoy our black-and-white architecture. Wander through the bustling Chesterfield Market, known for its specialist events and local produce. Afterwards, nip into The Shambles and The Yards for hidden shopping gems and local art.

Chesterfield’s historic shopping streets are complemented by a modern, outdoor shopping centre at Vicar Lane. And of course, the indoor Pavements Shopping Centre offers a spot to shelter from the inevitable bursts of rain.

Walk west to West Bars and walk under the Royal Mail office. Before you reach the bridge, spot one of the largest and most impressive public art works locally – Angela Conner’s Poise (Wind Sculpture). Divided into six segments, see if you can see it moving gently back and forward.

Cross over the bridge to Queen’s Park, where you can relax by the pond and watch the world go by, or enjoy a spot of cricket. Meet at the bandstand every other Thursday at 10:30 am to join the MindSpace – Chesterfield Walk and Talk Group.

For those wanting to extend their walk, exit the park towards Chatsworth Road for the suburban charm of independent shops and cafés. Continue for Inkerman Park, Manor Fields, Somersall Park and Walton Dam.

2. Peaceful Holmebrook Valley Park

Take a stroll through over 140 acres of picturesque parkland to feel as though you’re far away from the hustle and bustle, despite only being a ten minute drive from Chesterfield town centre.

A highlight feature, the stunning lake at Holmebrook Valley is a peaceful spot for a circular walk, surrounded by greenery. Take a moment to rest on one of the many benches scattered around the lake while listening to the calming sounds of nature.

Paths at Holmebrook Valley are smooth and well-signposted, although be aware that the toilets and cafe are at the top of the hill.

3. Tranquil Chesterfield Canal

Enjoy a serene walk along the peaceful towpath of the Chesterfield Canal, known as The Cuckoo Way with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.

The flat route from the Canal Basin at Chesterfield Railway to Staveley is perfect for an easy walk. As well as featuring some of the oldest staircase locks ever built, significant restoration has been carried out along the canal since 1989 including two new marinas.

And the future is exciting, with work in progress to extend the canal by half a mile from Hartington Harbour onto the Staveley Puddlebank, and two miles of multi-use towpath all the way to Renishaw.

Enhance your experience with a delightful cruise on a Tripboat from Hollingwood Hub or Tapton Lock.

At Tapton Lock try Spanish cuisine at Casa Hotel or artisan dishes from The Batch House, opposite the home of Chesterfield FC.

Stop off at Katey’s Coffee Shop when you reach Hollingwood.

While shopping in Staveley, enjoy historic landmarks from Staveley Hall to Mill Green Bridge and the beautiful Chesterfield Canal on the Staveley Walking Trail.

4. Linacre Reservoirs

Escape to the peaceful Linacre Reservoirs, a haven for nature lovers. Surrounded by woodlands and rolling hills, the reservoir offers a network of easy paths ideal for a gentle stroll. Enjoy the serene water views, spot local wildlife, and breathe the fresh country air.

Dogs love to explore and play in the woodland. It’s a five-mile route covering all three shimmering reservoirs and surrounding streams, and there are plenty of side tracks to discover too – if you’re feeling slightly more adventurous.

5. Scenic Monsal Trail

A picturesque walk through the Peak District, Monsal Trail offers a flat path for gentle walking through a former railway line. Enjoy stunning countryside views, cross impressive viaducts, and explore old railway tunnels.

From Hassop station, the route to the right has the wow factor. Leading you through an old railway tunnel, the path opens onto an old railway bridge overlooking the lush Peak District greenery. It’s a there-and-back route – so you can walk as far as six miles if you have the time or shorten the walk for more relaxed days. And there are toilets and cafes along the way.

6. Breathtaking views from Birchen Edge to Chatsworth

Courtesy of Chatsworth House Trust’ DPC Photography

This walk combines panoramic countryside views with a touch of history. Start your journey at Birchen Edge and follow the trail through enchanting woodlands and open moorlands for reflection and relaxation. As you walk, take a moment to admire the Three Ships – three large gritstone rocks etched with the names of famous naval ships.

Your journey ends at the magnificent Chatsworth House with beautiful woodland surrounding the house. Why not stop for a well-deserved tea at the estate café?

7. Explore Hardwick Hall and surrounding woodland

Explore the surroundings of Hardwick Hall – one of England’s finest Elizabethan houses. Find beautifully landscaped gardens and gentle walking paths that allow you to soak in the grandeur of the hall and its surroundings.

Take your time to explore the woodland trails, although be aware that there are hills to navigate.

Hardwick Hall offers many architectural and artistic delights from Elizabethan tapestries to Forties furnishings. Afterwards, rest in the café with a local treat, or enjoy a picnic with a view of the magnificent house.

8. An adventure along the Five Pits Trail

Discover the Five Pits Trail, a five point five mile path that follows the old railway lines that once served the local coal mines, with informative signposts to learn about the area’s coal mining history along the way.

The trail is flat and well-maintained. As you walk, you pass peaceful woodlands and open fields and plenty of birds and butterflies.

9. Nature haven Poolsbrook Country Park

Another flat route to take at your own pace, this tranquil spot at Poolsbrook Country Park is home to swans, ducks and woodland birds. So, do bring along your binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.

Take a gentle stroll around the lake. Then pause on one of the benches to soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

If you’re feeling peckish, the park’s café offers refreshments, or bring a picnic to share.

10. Hidden gem Edges and Ales

A hilly 8.5-mile circular walk with real ale pubs at several points on the route.

If you’re up for the challenge, you can start from either Millthorpe or Linacre Reservoir, and make your way past four pubs along the way: Royal Oak at Millthrope, Tickled Trout at Commonside, Three Merry Lads at Cutthorpe, and The Peacock at Cutthorpe.

As well as the chance to stop off for a quick drink, this fantastic route also passes multiple cultural heritage sites like Cartledge Hall, Great Brind Wood, and Pratthall. Plus, if you finish at Linacre, you can pop over to Cutthorpe Creamery Farm Shop and grab yourself some fresh milk or milkshake!

Are you inspired by our easy walks to get you exploring outdoors?

Ready to get active, enjoy nature, and explore the town’s rich history? Then put on your walking shoes and embrace the beauty around our town.

If you know others who would enjoy easy walks to make the most of the great outdoors? Share this blog post with them and on social media, if you found it helpful. Also, we love to see your photos. So, please tag us in on our Facebook or Instagram pages using the handle @chesterfielduk.

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

Pandora opens new concept store at Vicar Lane

24th September 2025

The world’s largest jewellery brand, Pandora, is set to unveil its brand-new store on Thursday 27th September at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, marking the first letting for Street Anchor Evolve who purchased the centre in June 2025.

The new concept store has been designed to showcase Pandora’s craftsmanship, creativity, and contemporary style in a fresh and immersive environment. Visitors will be able to explore Pandora’s latest jewellery lines, discover custom styling options, and enjoy a welcoming in-store experience tailored to inspire self-expression.

To celebrate the launch, the first 50 My Pandora members through the door at 10.00am will receive a £30 Pandora gift voucher, making the opening day extra special for early visitors.

Sarah Bowler, Centre Manager: “We’re thrilled to welcome Pandora as the first leƫng under Street Anchor Evolve’s ownership. This opening strengthens our commitment to offering customers a vibrant mix of global brands and unique shopping experiences right here in Chesterfield.”

Pandora adds to the vibrant mix of popular high street brands and independent retailers at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, helping to enhance the centre’s reputation as the go-to destination for shopping in the region.

Discover more about shopping in Chesterfield

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

Chesterfield Market Place transformation welcomes shoppers

18th September 2025

Chesterfield Market traders are celebrating the completion of major regeneration work to revitalise the main square.

The transformation has delivered a vibrant and welcoming space, featuring new feature paving, restored historic cobbles, bespoke market stalls with traditional coverings, upgraded facilities, and stylish street furniture. These improvements create an inviting environment where visitors can shop, relax, and enjoy the heart of Chesterfield.

The redesigned layout offers wider, more open avenues for shoppers to explore, along with a new central flexible space designed to host a variety of events throughout the year.

It is the first major area to be completed as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project.

The first full day of trading in Market Place took place today. (Thursday 18 September.)

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “This is the start of a new chapter for our town centre, with the historic market at its heart. The improvements we’ve made will ensure we can attract great traders and more customers to Chesterfield for many years to come.

“We have one of the finest and oldest markets in the country and some of the most reasonable stall prices too. This coupled with a range of town centre events and activities will help draw to crowds in.

“There is still more work to be done across the town centre and the next phase of works in New Square will see that area completely transformed to create a flexible events space that can support markets on busy days like during our flea market but can also be used to support community events, festivals and much more.”

Wendy Bailey, who sells Antiques on Chesterfield’s Thursday Flea Market, said: “The new stalls are fantastic, they provide a great space which we can trade from in all weathers, are built to a really high standard and we’ve had lots of great compliments from customers about them. With the upgrades across the square the Market is looking the best it has for many years, and it creates a really welcoming environment for both traders and customers.”

The works have been carried out on behalf of the council by Thomas Bow.

John Allen, Construction Director at Thomas Bow, said: “We are delighted to have completed phase two of this important project for Chesterfield. It has been a privilege to work collaboratively alongside the council and local traders to help create a space that the whole community can be proud of whilst maintaining access to the key area of the town. In addition to our work in the market place we have made a positive impact in the local communities through our social value programme alongside this scheme. We look forward to continuing this successful project into phase three.”

The next major phase of the market squares transformation is now underway, with contractor working on the lower half of New Square behind the Market Hall. All businesses and properties based on New Square will be accessible throughout the works.

This will see New Square transformed into a flexible events space that can support traditional markets on busy trading days but also host community events, festivals and much more.

Work in New Square is set to fully completed in Spring 2026.

Regeneration work is also ongoing in Rykneld Square where a greener space is being created that will provide views of the iconic Crooked Spire.

A future phase of the town centre regeneration project will focus on the transformation of Corporation Street to provide an enhanced welcome to the town centre for visitors and complement the ongoing refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall, home to the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum. This work is expected to be completed in time for the building reopening in 2026.

The project is funded through an almost £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. With the funding split between town centre regeneration works and the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall.

To find out more about the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Find out more about upcoming markets and events in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Half term, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Visiting

CRIT! brings Comic-Con energy to Chesterfield with grand opening and mini-con event

16th September 2025

Chesterfield’s town centre is about to get a major pop culture upgrade as independent retailer Critical Hit rebrands to CRIT! and opens the doors to its new flagship store on Saturday 20th September. The launch event promises a full Comic-Con experience, complete with celebrity guests, giveaways, and immersive displays.

Located at 26 Burlington Street (formerly GAME), CRIT! is the brainchild of local entrepreneurs Nathan and John, who have built a loyal following since opening their original store on Knifesmithgate in May 2024. The new space is bigger, bolder, and packed with collectibles, gaming merchandise, anime, horror figures, and exclusive pop culture products.

To mark the occasion, CRIT! is hosting a Grand (Re)Opening and Mini-Con, featuring a special appearance by Hollywood actor Tommy Flanagan, known for roles in Sons of Anarchy, Peaky Blinders, Gladiator, and Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Fans will have the chance to meet Tommy for signings and photos throughout the day.

The event kicks off at 9am and includes a cosplay competition with prizes for both adults and children, judged by a professional photographer. One lucky visitor will win a Nintendo Switch 2, while runners-up will share £500 in store credit.

“We’ve poured our hearts and souls into this new space,” said Nathan Russell, co-owner of CRIT!. “The support from Chesterfield and surrounding areas has been incredible. CRIT! is more than a shop, it’s a place where fans can connect, celebrate their passions, and experience something truly special.”

Highlights of the new store include a 5-metre Pokewall, an expanded Funko Pop! wall, Loungefly bags, Gundam kits, Studio Ghibli merchandise, horror collectibles, Hot Toys, blind boxes, and more. The team’s vision is to bring the Comic-Con experience to Chesterfield, making it a destination for fans across the region.

This is the latest in a range of investments announced in Chesterfield town centre, these include:

Discover more about shopping in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Breathe Pilates launches Chesterfield’s first LED x Hot studio

15th September 2025

Breathe Pilates has officially opened on Chatsworth Road, bringing the UK’s first LED x Hot Pilates studio to Chesterfield.

Located at 131 Chatsworth Road, Breathe Pilates introduces a fresh concept to the town’s thriving fitness scene.

The brand new studio combines reformer Pilates with hot air and LED light therapy, creating a wellness experience unlike anything else in the UK. This innovative approach offers a wide range of benefits, including improved strength, flexibility, recovery, and overall well-being.

“I am passionate about health and wellbeing and have enjoyed reformer Pilates for many years,” said Grace Jones, co-founder of Breathe Pilates”. I believe there is an opportunity to share my passion and raise awareness of reformer Pilates in Chesterfield for both men and women of all abilities and age groups.”

She added, “We wanted to create a welcoming space where people can move, feel stronger, and take time for themselves. Pilates has such a powerful way of building both the mind and the body, and we wanted to share that with our community.”

Breathe Pilates aims to collaborate with numerous local businesses to enhance the offerings for people in Chesterfield. Through run clubs, coffee mornings, and wellness workshops, they aim to provide a wide range of options to suit everyone’s interests and promote physical wellbeing for our community.

Explaining why Chesterfield was the perfect fit, Grace said: “We chose Chatsworth Road as it’s a vibrant community full of independent shops and studios as well as bars and cafes, and we thought Breathe would be a perfect addition.”

Breathe Pilates is open seven days a week, offering morning, evening, and select weekend classes.

Visitors can book through the Breathe Pilates UK app, the studio’s website at www.breathepilateschesterfield.co.uk, or by contacting the team at info@breathepilateschesterfield.co.uk.

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

Thousands celebrate creativity and community at Tapton Lock Festival 2025

11th September 2025

Chesterfield’s Tapton Lock Festival returned bigger and better than ever on 6–7 September 2025, drawing thousands of visitors to the Chesterfield Canal for a vibrant weekend of outdoor adventure, creative exploration and community spirit.

Organised by local arts charity Junction Arts, this year’s festival marked its largest edition to date, thanks to a new partnership with Arts Derbyshire and their touring programme, Festivity. The expanded line-up offered a diverse programme from live music and storytelling to hands-on workshops and outdoor activities, all celebrating the natural beauty of Tapton Lock and the region’s rich creative talent.

Visitors enjoyed free canal boat rides, “have-a-go” canoeing and climbing wall sessions, circus skills workshops, and a wide range of art activities, including acrylic pouring and printmaking.

As part of Festivity, the festival showcased:

Live performances from Derbyshire singer-songwriters Michael Vickers and Sarah Hinds
A digital gallery featuring eleven visual artists from across the county
A spoken word programme curated by the Derby Poetry Festival, highlighting diverse regional voices

Families were captivated by interactive storytelling sessions from Adverse Camber, while Arts Derbyshire hosted drop-in nature-inspired workshops. On Saturday, printmaker Nicki Dennett led creative print sessions, followed by artist Paola DeGio on Sunday, who introduced visitors to marbling techniques.

A standout feature was Junction Arts’ collaboration with VERBA – the Ukrainian Social Group of Chesterfield, who brought an eco-conscious art trail to the festival. Eco-Path – A Living Journey invited families to explore six interactive stations themed around sustainability, including climate awareness, recycling, biodiversity, textile waste and microplastics. Participants collected stamps in their Eco Passport while engaging in activities such as:

Making instruments from recycled materials
Creating seed bombs
Junk modelling and textile art

Festival favourites returned too, with the Vintage Fairground and Bubbleologist delighting younger visitors.

“It has been an amazing weekend where friends and families have come together to appreciate this beautiful location,” said Jane Wells, Project Manager at Junction Arts. “Whether it’s listening to live music, getting active or creating your own masterpiece, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Launched in 2013, the Tapton Lock Festival is a free, inclusive celebration designed to promote health, wellbeing and creativity. For over a decade, it has offered opportunities for people to try new skills, connect with nature and take part in cultural experiences right in the heart of Chesterfield.

Discover what’s on in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Italian restaurant Giorgio’s relaunches as il Forno

10th September 2025

A much-loved Chesterfield restaurant is entering an exciting new chapter. Giorgio’s, located on Whittington Moor, will relaunch this September as il Forno.

The name that pays tribute to its Italian roots and the wood-fired oven that has long been the heart of its kitchen. While the name and interiors are evolving, the essence of the restaurant remains unchanged. The same talented chef and dedicated team who’ve built Giorgio’s reputation over the past decade will continue to serve the dishes locals know and love.

“We as a family are incredibly proud of what we’ve built as Giorgio’s over the past 10+ years,” said owner Fran Montero. “But il Forno feels like the perfect new chapter, a name that honours our history while reflecting what makes us truly special: our wood pizza oven. We can’t wait to welcome both our loyal customers and new diners.”

Inside, diners can expect a refreshed, modern look while retaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made the restaurant a community favourite. The front of the restaurant will undergo further improvements in the coming weeks, completing the transformation.

The menu will continue to feature Giorgio’s most popular dishes, especially its celebrated pizzas. A few new additions will enhance the dining experience, but the popular half-price pizza and pasta offer will remain unchanged.

“After so many wonderful years, we’re simply refreshing and modernising, while keeping everything that’s made us a favourite with our community,” Fran added.

il Forno will continue to serve as a vibrant hub for residents, offering authentic Italian cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting.

The rebrand marks a new era for the restaurant, reinforcing its commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. The restaurant will reopen to the public on Saturday, 13th September.

Looking for more ideas of places to eat and drink in Chesterfield, check out https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2025/07/50-food-and-drink-businesses-to-try-in-chesterfield/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Tapton Lock Visitor Centre reopened by rock legend

9th September 2025

Dave Berry has officially reopened Tapton Lock Visitor Centre at the Tapton Lock Festival, organised by Junction Arts.

Chesterfield Canal Trust has stepped in to reopen the centre after its closure in May and has taken out an initial nine-month licence to run the centre, owned by Derbyshire County Council. The centre is now open daily.

Jill Hardy, who runs the Visitor Centre for the Trust, said: “We are very grateful to Dave for coming to officially open Tapton Lock Visitor Centre. I’m delighted to announce that we will now be open every day, except Christmas Day. Please come to visit us, find out more about the canal and try some of our lovely coffee!”

Dave Berry is famous for his many classic hits from the 1960s, like The Crying Game. He lives locally, in Dronfield, and first made contact with the Chesterfield Canal Trust many years ago after taking his granddaughter on a Santa Special cruise. He was impressed by the work of the volunteers and decided to help.

He is the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s Restoration Ambassador. He once cycled the full length of the canal, raising several hundred pounds in sponsorship for the Trust. He has spoken at a Supporters’ Group meeting and is often to be found walking or cycling along the canal.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust is restoring the canal at Staveley thanks to funding from the Staveley Town Deal.

In the next few months, a new lock, a pumping system and several hundred metres of canal will be built. In addition, nearly two miles of towpath will be restored all the way to Renishaw.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Travelodge invests in Chesterfield as part of national expansion strategy

9th September 2025

Travelodge has announced the acquisition of a Chesterfield hotel, reinforcing its commitment to growth and rebranding across the UK.

The hotel, formerly operated under the Ibis brand, is one of four newly acquired sites by Travelodge, alongside locations in Preston, Bradford Shipley and Cardiff. The move is part of the company’s wider UK strategy to convert existing hotels into Travelodge-branded properties, bringing the total number of rebranded acquisitions this year to 16.

Located within walking distance of Chesterfield town centre and railway station, the 86-room hotel offers convenient access to local attractions including the Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield Museum, and the nearby Peak District. It is also just a short drive from Chatsworth House, making it an ideal base for both leisure and business travellers.

The hotel will undergo a full refurbishment later this year as part of Travelodge’s multi-million pound upgrade programme. The refit will introduce the brand’s latest design standards, including a contemporary reception area, next-generation rooms, and enhanced interiors focused on comfort and functionality.

“These acquisitions are another strong addition to our UK portfolio and demonstrate the continued momentum behind our rebrand-led growth strategy,” said Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer at Travelodge. “We’re seeing increasing opportunities to convert well-located, existing hotels into Travelodges.

Travelodge’s investment reflects confidence in Chesterfield’s visitor economy and its strategic location as a base to visit the Peak District. The company has identified over 300 further locations across the UK for future expansion, with Chesterfield’s inclusion underscoring its appeal to national operators.

The rebrand is expected to enhance the town’s accommodation offering, supporting the town’s wider ambitions to grow tourism and business travel.

This investment showcases confidence in Chesterfield town centre, alongside other recent investments for residential, commercial and retail activity, including:

Discover more about investing in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

New campaign promotes Derbyshire as a top value destination

1st August 2025

‘Summer is a Big Deal’, is a new campaign celebrating everything that makes summer in Derbyshire unforgettable. Running from July to September, it champions the county as a great value summer destination, promoting it as accessible, affordable, and full of enriching experiences for all ages.

Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby have developed the campaign which highlights family fun and local festivals to unbeatable deals on days out, dining, and overnight stays, the campaign invites visitors and residents alike to make the most of the season closer to home.

At the heart of the campaign is a call to discover Derbyshire’s standout attractions – from dramatic castles and spectacular show caverns to grand stately homes, vibrant cultural venues, and world-class heritage sites.

By showcasing the wide range of affordable attractions and activities available across the county, the campaign demonstrates how Derbyshire delivers exceptional value without compromising on quality or enjoyment, encouraging visitors to make smart use of their time and money while supporting local businesses.

The campaign includes:

Exclusive Offers – Special summer deals from local businesses on food, accommodation, attractions, and events.
Events & Experiences – Promotion of family-friendly events, festivals and experiences that highlight Derbyshire’s rich cultural offer.
Car-Free Itineraries – Easy-to-follow itineraries and green discount schemes to encourage visitors to travel by train or bus and discover more of the region without a car.
Digital Promotion – Targeted digital and social media adverts, featuring high-impact advertising at major railway stations such as Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street, and Sheffield.

The ‘Summer is a Big Deal’ campaign supports Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby LVEP’s core aims of increasing visitor spend, encouraging overnight stays, and promoting sustainable and accessible visits across the region.

To explore what’s on and take advantage of summer deals, visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/bigdeal.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We know people are looking for quality experiences that offer great value and Derbyshire delivers exactly that. From family-friendly attractions to vibrant festivals and hands-on experiences, ‘Summer is a Big Deal’ captures the spirit of the season and reinforces the message that unforgettable summer adventures can be found right here on our doorstep.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “It’s the perfect time to explore the Peak District and wider Derbyshire to experience everything it has to offer: city breaks, heritage experiences, and the stunning natural environment. This is why I am so focused on strengthening the visitor economy in the region, investing in assets and infrastructure to create jobs which power these experiences, and partners like Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby are critical to achieving this.”

The campaign is funded by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Supporting the visitor economy is a key strategic aim of the authority, which recognises the sector as an important driver of local economic growth and job creation.

The visitor economy is worth £2.89 billion to the Peak District and Derbyshire, supporting approximately 30,000 jobs and driving prosperity across local communities.

By investing in campaigns like this through the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby LVEP, EMCCA is delivering on its visitor economy strategy to raise the profile of the region’s tourism sector while bolstering the East Midlands’ long-term appeal as a must-visit destination.

In Chesterfield there is an exciting programme of events and activities this summer.

Local blogger Mollie Scott has shared her favourite things to do and personal recommendations for a family-friendly weekend in Chesterfield. Check it out at https://lovelylocalindie.com/2025/06/17/family-friendly-chesterfield/

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 Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

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