Visiting

Aurora train serves Chesterfield as part of landmark East Midlands launch

31st December 2025

A new chapter in rail travel has begun in the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, as the first train from Transport UK and East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) £400 million Aurora fleet carried its inaugural passengers. The service, which stops at Chesterfield, gave local travellers a first glimpse of the step-change in comfort, reliability, and performance that the new Hitachi Rail trains bring to the network.

The maiden Aurora service departed Sheffield at 7am, bound for London, serving Chesterfield along the way and offering passengers their first experience of the upgraded fleet.

The 33 bi-mode trains will make full use of the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade, running on electric overhead lines to cut carbon emissions by 66 per cent – meaning quieter and greener journeys for passengers travelling through Chesterfield and beyond.

The Aurora fleet offers 24 per cent more seats and over 19 per cent more legroom in a typical five-carriage formation compared to the Meridian trains it replaced. Once the full fleet of 33 trains is in service, it will deliver a 46 per cent increase in total seating available on the Midland Main Line, benefitting commuters and travellers.

Transport UK’s EMR business worked closely with Derby-based design firm DG DESIGN to adapt a brand-new seat for the Aurora trains. The result combines comfort and support with practical features such as power and USB points, generous legroom, coat hooks, well-sized seat-back tables, and storage space for cabin bags under each seat.

Passengers on the new Aurora trains also experienced improved connectivity thanks to an enhanced Wi-Fi system using multiple SIM cards, along with specially engineered glass to allow mobile signals to pass through more effectively.

Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said on the day the train departed:
“Today is truly a landmark moment for rail travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. At 7am, the very first train in Transport UK and EMR’s brand-new £400 million Aurora fleet departed Sheffield for London St Pancras – marking the start of a new era for Intercity travel on our network. With more seats, legroom and luggage space, as well as enhanced Wi-Fi, passenger information and the ability to run on electric, these new trains will transform the service we can provide.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire strengthen international tourism in Asia

30th December 2025

Visit Peak District and Derbyshire has highlighted the region’s world-class tourism offerings to leading travel buyers from China, Japan, and South Korea at an international travel trade mission in Chengdu, China.”

The mission, part of VisitBritain’s Destination Britain China and Northeast Asia (DBCNEA) programme, provided a significant opportunity to raise the international profile of the Peak District and Derbyshire. It supports Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s wider objectives to attract high-spending global visitors, extend the tourism season beyond peak months, and deliver long-term benefits to the local visitor economy.

During the event, the team held over 50 one-to-one meetings with tour operators and travel buyers from China, Japan, and South Korea, highlighting the region’s tourism offerings to inspire future itineraries and drive new business.

Additionally, Visit Peak District and Derbyshire delivered educational seminars showcasing local attractions, accommodations, and activity providers. These closely align with emerging Asian travel trends, including high-end, small-group, and immersive experiences.

Derbyshire is attracting growing interest from Chinese visitors, drawn by the area’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Chatsworth, internationally recognised for its role in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film, remains a major attraction, while the wider Peak District offers ‘soft adventure’ experiences such as hiking and stargazing, appealing to a new generation of nature-inspired travellers.

Both ‘Peak District’ and ‘Chatsworth’ currently feature among the most popular trending searches on RedNote, one of China’s largest social platforms with over 300 million users, highlighting Derbyshire’s strong potential as a must-see UK destination.

Spending by visitors from China, Japan, and South Korea is forecast to reach £1.4 billion for the UK economy this year, with an average visitor spend from these markets of £1,528 per visit – more than double the all-market average of £818.

Attendance at DBCNEA strengthened Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s ongoing engagement with the Chinese market, which includes a dedicated cultural tourism friendship between Derbyshire and Anhui Province, facilitated by Make It China. This established collaboration provided valuable momentum for trade discussions during the event.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, said:

“VisitBritain’s Destination Britain China and Northeast Asia mission offered us an invaluable platform to present Derbyshire’s unique blend of heritage, nature and immersive experiences to top buyers from China, Japan and South Korea.

By bringing our region directly into the spotlight at a global event, we build the relationships and confidence needed for tour operators to book the Peak District as an essential stop on future itineraries – making a powerful case for the region as a “must-see” destination beyond the typical London circuit.

Growing awareness among these influential buyers is key to unlocking the full potential of inbound tourism for our communities and economy.”

As part of its international tourism strategy, Visit Peak District and Derbyshire has been working extensively to ensure local tourism businesses are ‘travel trade ready’. Over the past year, the organisation has supported more than 40 businesses to become trade-ready through targeted development workshops and the launch of a new Travel Trade Brochure.

Businesses can find out more about Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s business support activity at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

New mural unveiled in town centre

19th December 2025

World-renowned street artist has unveiled a vibrant new mural in the heart of our town centre.

Peachzz drew inspiration from our Chesterfield Market and our borough’s heritage to create the breathtaking artwork, called Local, which covers the entire side of the Pavements Shopping Centre and welcomes visitors as they enter the marketplace.

Local depicts a selection of objects that reflect what can be found on Chesterfield Market, while also referencing local history. Features include a shire horse, which was once used to collect rubbish from the market, a cattle brass referencing the historic cattle market site, and a pomegranate, which features in the Borough crest. The use of hands aims to evoke the idea of trade.

Peachzz said:

“My concept was to have all these ideas and stories that I’ve heard shown through items that I’d bought from the market, so there are loads of these little stories within it, but overall, it aims to support all these small businesses and traders that make up this town.

“The reception has been amazing. We’ve had no end of people coming and stopping us to say hello and telling us how much they like it. It’s been really heartwarming and encouraging when painting in the rain, but also shows the impact that art pieces have on public spaces.”

Peachzz worked with our local community to develop the concept for the mural, hosting a drop-in session on the Market for members of the public to share their ideas and stories, visiting a local school to hear pupils’ ideas, and speaking to market traders about what they felt the mural should include.

The mural was created using masonry paint to establish the market stall background, followed by layers of spray paint to build up the detailed design. Peachzz employed a “doodle grid” technique – a mapping system that allows designs to be accurately scaled onto large walls. The grid acts as a guide for placing each element and colour, ensuring the finished artwork retains its precision and vibrancy at scale.

The new mural is funded through Chesterfield Borough Council’s Animate Chesterfield programme, which will create new artworks and activities throughout the regeneration projects happening in both Chesterfield and Staveley.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:

“This is an exceptional piece of artwork which reflects our town’s history but also helps create a new, vibrant welcome for visitors. The mural is already getting a positive reception, with lots of people visiting the town centre to watch its creation. I know it will be a source of inspiration for many of our residents, and they will enjoy seeing this sight for many years to come.”

@steelcitydronepilot

Peachzz is a contemporary street artist from Sheffield. She discovered spray painting in the forgotten industrial sites of the UK and Europe, channelling her creativity into breathing life into walls.

Her work often explores and celebrates themes of nature, life and community, set against the stark concrete of urban spaces. With each mural, she aims to evoke an emotional response and ensure her work feels rooted in its surroundings.

With a storytelling approach, she creates art that resonates with both local communities and visitors. She is an extremely confident painter of large-scale projects. Her style is expressive, with hints of realism, while experimenting with positive themes and a bold colour palette.

Peachzz has travelled with her work all over Europe and has painted as far away as the USA, Colombia, Mexico and the Middle East.

Her mural Reverie in Sheffield was named the second Best Mural in the World 2024 by Street Art Cities.

Animate Chesterfield is being delivered by Beam, a leading cultural development organisation, in collaboration with Chesterfield Borough Council. The programme has included the appointment of an artist in residence to engage residents and visitors with Chesterfield town centre, a Christmas window trail, and further projects are planned, including the creation of a Heritage Arts Trail, a town centre projection mapping project, and a new sculpture for Staveley town centre.

Communities are at the heart of the programme and will shape, influence and participate throughout, ensuring that it is an authentic celebration of the place.

Funding for the public art project was secured through planning agreements as part of the council’s per cent for art scheme, which was part of the previous Local Plan (and now continues voluntarily). The funding must be used for the delivery of public art.

To find out more about the Animate programme, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/animate

Images by @steelcitydronepilot

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Chesterfield is once again named happiest place to live in the East Midlands

11th December 2025

Chesterfield has been ranked the happiest place to live in the East Midlands by Rightmove’s 2025 Happy at Home survey.

The annual study asks thousands of people across Great Britain how they feel about where they live. This year, more than 19,500 residents took part, sharing what truly contributes to their everyday happiness.

Rightmove found that the factors most strongly linked to a positive sense of wellbeing are the simple things that make daily life easier, safer and more enjoyable. Green spaces continue to be among the most valued features in the index, offering places to relax, exercise and connect with nature. The study also revealed that people living close to a national park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty typically report higher levels of happiness.

Our town continues to stand out as a place where people feel proud to live. Many contributors said that Chesterfield gives them a strong sense of pride, belonging and community. Access to green landscapes remains particularly important, with those living near the Peak District National Park especially likely to report high levels of wellbeing.

Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield Board Member Ryan Wilkes said: “We’re very pleased to see Chesterfield gaining further recognition as a great place to live.”

“As a lifelong resident, it’s fantastic to see our brilliant outdoor spaces, local businesses and community spirit highlighted.

“If you’re looking to live in an area which blends a strong heritage with strong local amenities within easy reach, Chesterfield is a place that you’ll be proud to call home, and that’s without mentioning the abundance of picturesque outdoor spaces on our doorstep!”

Earlier this year, Chesterfield was also named one of the happiest places to live by The Guardian, as well as being recognised as one of the greenest towns in the UK, with over 95% of homes having access to private or nearby outdoor space, including Queens Park, Holmebrook Valley Park, and the Chesterfield Canal. Thanks to its excellent schools, strong community spirit, and access to nature, it also consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family.

The town is seeing new housing developments and regeneration projects, including the Staveley Corridor, Chesterfield Waterside, and Spire Neighbourhood, which will bring more new homes.

Find out more about living in Chesterfield at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/living

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Discover Peak District adventures from Peak Edge Hotel

9th December 2025

Peak Edge Hotel has announced two new packages designed for visitors seeking active breaks in the Peak District. The family-owned four-star hotel now offers golf breaks in partnership with Stanedge Golf Club and car-free e-bike holidays with PeakePedals. As well as expanding helicopter access for guests.

Stay and Golf Packages

From March, 1^st 2026, guests can book a Stay and Golf package combining overnight accommodation, breakfast, pre-booked tee times at Stanedge Golf Club, and 10% off à la carte dining at the hotel’s Red Lion Restaurant. Stanedge Golf Club is an inclusive 10-hole course with no dress code or handicap requirements, making it ideal for beginners and social players.

Mark Thurman, Managing Director of Peak Edge Hotel, said:

“Golf is a way to enjoy fresh air, spend time together and have fun without feeling intimidated.”

More information: peakedgehotel.co.uk | stanedgegolfclub.co.uk

Stay and Play E-Bike Holidays

PeakePedals has partnered with Peak Edge Hotel to offer guided and self-guided e-bike tours across the Peak District. Packages include half-day and full-day rides, point-to-point routes with luggage transfers, and inclusive options for mixed-ability groups. Bikes can be delivered to the hotel for convenience.

Andrew Talbot, Co-founder of PeakePedals, said:

“These breaks allow visitors to settle into one base and explore the surrounding scenery at their own pace.”

Peak Edge Hotel’s Red Lion Restaurant holds two AA Rosettes and serves local produce from Walton Lodge Farm, including native-breed beef, Dorset lamb, and free-range eggs.

Find more information about short breaks in Chesterfield on the Stay in Chesterfield website.

Helicopter access extended for hotel guests

Peak Edge Hotel has expanded its helicopter landing capacity, increasing from a small number of landing spots to eight dedicated landing spaces on its private grounds. Already popular with pilots and guests flying in for countryside escapes, refined dining and celebrations, the expanded capacity now makes helicopter arrivals easier and more accessible than ever.

The hotel is now listed on SkyDemon, the UK’s leading flight-planning app, enabling pilots to locate, plan and land directly at the hotel with ease.

The upgraded helicopter landing areas sit discreetly within Peak Edge’s grounds, just a few steps from the hotel. With capacity for multiple arrivals each day, they are ideal for:

Wedding parties and VIP guests
Couples marking a special celebration
Destination diners flying in for the 2 AA Rosette Red Lion Restaurant
Corporate guests seeking travel efficiency
Travellers flying cross-country for a scenic Peak District escape

The guest services team coordinates all helicopter arrivals to ensure a smooth, seamless transition from aircraft to check-in.

Mark Thurman, Managing Director at Peak Edge Hotel said:

“Increasing our helicopter capacity is about making it even easier for guests to reach us in a memorable, time-saving and enjoyable way.”

“Whether it’s a bride and groom making a dramatic entrance or a couple enjoying a unique countryside escape, we’re thrilled to offer an arrival that people won’t forget.”

For more information on Peak Edge Hotel, visit peakedgehotel.co.uk

Posted in Home, Leisure, Stay, Visiting

Chesterfield Canal Trust awarded over £15,000 for environmental and volunteer projects

8th December 2025

Chesterfield Canal Trust has secured more than £15,000 in community grants to fund environmental improvements and expand volunteer opportunities along the canal.

The Trust received £2,531. from the Co-op’s Local Community Fund, following months of public voting by Co-op members. The grant will help drive forward the Rewatering Renishaw project, which aims to restore a stretch of the canal and create a vibrant waterside space complete with new trees, wildflowers, picnic areas and enhanced habitats for local wildlife.

Kath Auton, Trustee said the team had been “incredibly grateful” for the backing from local shoppers.
“Our volunteer Work Party has already started the Rewatering Renishaw project,” she said. “We’re hoping to be recruiting more volunteers from the local community next year.”

Following on from the Co-op award, the Trust learned in late November that it had also been successful in its bid to the National Lottery Community Fund, receiving £12,880 from the Awards for All (Environment) programme. The funding supports community-led projects that tackle climate and nature challenges, while helping local people enjoy and care for green spaces.

The Trust’s project will focus on expanding its volunteer workforce over the next two years, aiming to recruit ten existing volunteers and twenty new ones. Volunteers will work on habitat management both on the water and along the towpath in Derbyshire, supporting nature recovery and improving areas that are open for everyone to enjoy.

The grant will also fund specialist training, including ecological best practice, environmental surveying, and safe use of equipment such as chainsaws and brush cutters. The Trust plans to train trainers who can then pass on their knowledge to the wider volunteer team.

Although the two-year project officially launches in February 2026, planning is already well underway.

The Trust says both grants will play a vital role in protecting and enhancing one of the area’s most cherished natural assets, while giving more local people the chance to get involved in hands-on conservation.

The bid was written by the Trust’s Funding Officer, Ian Sesnan, and Steve Waller, who is a Trustee.

Steve said: “The Chesterfield Canal Trust is very grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund. Lots of people ask to help with our work, but proper training and getting the right equipment can be very expensive.

This grant will enable us to really expand our operation so that local people will be able to look after their beautiful canal for the benefit of everyone.”

Posted in Business, Development, Visiting

Festive season launched in Chesterfield

24th November 2025

The Chesterfield Christmas Lights Switch On event took place yesterday, 23 November, entertaining thousands of residents and visitors and launching an exciting festive period in Chesterfield.

Visitor’s enjoyed street entertainment, Tipi Christmas, a market, funfair, the opportunity to meet Bluey, Merry Baubles Trail, and the stage show that entertained the crowd before the festive lights were switched on.

The stage show took place outside the Town Hall this year due to the exciting renovation works taking place in the town centre. Following the stage show, people were led back into the Market Place by a musical procession hosted by the LED drummers.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch On event was a huge success with visitors enjoying lots of free entertainment throughout the day. There aren’t many places you can go to enjoy no-cost activities, so I’m delighted that the variety of street entertainers and stage shows was able to attract so many

people into the town centre to enjoy their Sunday.”

Chesterfield is encouraging the whole family to discover something new this festive season, including a unique range of activities that are taking place for the first time in the heart of the town (including many that are free).

The planned entertainment is once again expected to attract thousands of visitors to Chesterfield. Highlights this year include an impressive light experience at the Church of All and Mary All Saints (the Crooked Spire), storytelling with Santa, a cosy tipi to share a drink with friends at Chesterfield Market, and the Festival of Christmas Trees.

You can keep up to date with these and other activities happening in Chesterfield across the festive period here: www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas

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

Chesterfield rewilding project shortlisted for two prestigious awards

22nd November 2025

Based in Cutthorpe, Wild & Other, a 20-acre rewilding project and three sustainable holiday cottages, has been shortlisted in both the Regenerative Tourism Award and New Tourism Business of the Year in the 2026 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards.

Wild and Other is celebrating a strong year of awards that highlight its care for nature people and place. Based at Cow Close Farm in Cutthorpe the project continues to gain praise for its gentle approach to sustainable tourism.

The aim is simple. Create spaces where nature flourishes and where people can rest. The team has brought new life to the twenty acre site on the edge of the Peak District. Its three cottages offer calm comfort and space to switch off. As a result guests often slow down and enjoy the land at their own pace.

This approach continues to impress award judges. They praise Wild and Other for its eco conscious design its support for local suppliers and its active work to restore rare habitats. They also highlight the warm visitor experience that defines every stay.

Founders Steve and Emily Coles lead the project with a clear shared vision. Steve works closely with local ecologist Julie Riley to restore meadows hedgerows and woodland. Already barn owls and sparrowhawks have returned and fresh signs of plant and insect life are appearing across the site.

Meanwhile Emily brings the same care to the interiors. She uses natural materials and soft modern comforts to create simple peaceful spaces. As well as her attention to detail also stands out in recent tourism awards.

The team makes clear ethical choices across every part of the site. They use renewable energy and choose sustainable supplies for each cottage. In addition, local and B Corp partners help keep standards high.

The awards push the team to go even further. They plan new ponds to support the great crested newt and new bee banks to give solitary bees a safe home. At the same time they are exploring a second site to expand their impact.

“We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted, especially as we’ve heard that there were a record number of entries this year. Being a finalist for the Regenerative Tourism Award feels particularly special because supporting nature and increasing biodiversity is at the very heart of everything we do.” explains Steve Coles – Co-Founder and Managing Director of Wild & Other.

Overall, Wild and Other continues to grow its reputation as one of the areas most thoughtful eco tourism destinations. Its award success shows the strong impact a small focused team can achieve with a clear purpose.

Posted in Home, Visiting

Olympia House Emporium reopens following flood recovery

20th November 2025

Olympia House Emporium officially reopened its doors on Monday, 10th November, following several months of recovery and restoration work after severe flooding temporarily forced the popular destination to close.

The unexpected flood caused significant damage to the building, affecting trading areas, flooring, electrical systems, and multiple trader units. The impact was felt not only by Olympia House itself but also by the community of independent traders who rely on the venue to showcase antiques, vintage furniture, art, home décor, collectibles, and handcrafted items.

Despite these challenges, the team at Olympia House has worked tirelessly to restore the space. Repairs and improvements included:

Restoration of all flood-damaged areas
Complete cleaning and safety checks
Updates to layout and customer access
Fresh decoration throughout the building
New windows, flat roofs, and flood barriers

The reopening marks a significant milestone, celebrating the resilience of the Olympia House team and the wider trader community.

“We were devastated when the flood hit,” said Sofia Brown, owner of Olympia House Emporium. “But the support we received and our determination to bring Olympia House back stronger than ever have been overwhelming. We can’t wait to welcome everyone through our doors again.”

From reopening day onwards, customers have enjoyed the same welcoming atmosphere, along with refreshed spaces, new traders, and carefully curated stalls.

However, on the evening of Friday, 14th November 2025, the area experienced further flooding. While fortunately the water did not enter the building, it left a mess in the car park, highlighting the ongoing challenges of extreme weather for local businesses.

Olympia House Emporium thanked its customers, traders, and the Chesterfield community for their patience and continued support during the recovery process, underscoring the strength and resilience of local independent businesses.

Posted in Development, Home, Visiting

Explore our heritage this Christmas

7th November 2025

Delve into our charming historic sites this festive season as they come alive with twinkling lights, seasonal cheer, and stories from the past.

Drawn to our magical Christmas markets? Looking for historic halls decked in festive finery? Or simply seeking a memorable day out steeped in tradition? Our historic places offer a unique way to celebrate. Discover events, architecture, and experiences that blend the spirit of Christmas with centuries of our town’s rich history.

Chesterfield Speciality Markets

Chesterfield’s markets have been at the heart of our town for centuries, bringing together local traders and visitors. This festive season, we unveil a fresh new look as part of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project, while still preserving the traditions that make them so special.

Stroll through our town centre and explore a vibrant mix of stalls, from local produce and artisan crafts to festive treats. Music lovers can dig through vinyl and memorabilia at the Chesterfield Record Fair, while the Vegan Market serves up delicious plant-based delights. The Artisan Market is ideal for finding unique, handcrafted gifts.

Don’t miss the special market day that kicks off the annual Christmas Lights Switch On – a magical celebration that brings the whole town together.

Barrow Hill roundhouse

A treat for history and railway enthusiasts, Barrow Hill Roundhouse is the last surviving operational railway roundhouse in Britain.

Usually closed during the winter, this year it opens its doors for a few festive days on the 13th and the 14th of December for the final museum open weekend and train running day of the year. Visitors can explore the site’s rich heritage, historic engines and tracks in an atmospheric setting.

Haddon Hall

Step back in time at Haddon Hall, one of England’s finest medieval manor houses. Dating back to the 12th century, Haddon Hall is renowned for its authentic historic charm and stunning interiors.

During the festive season, the hall is beautifully decorated, offering visitors a chance to experience a traditional Christmas in a historic setting. Highlights include the Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market, featuring over 180 talented makers offering the best in luxury gifts and seasonal delights.

Reproduced with the kind permission of Haddon Hall

The Crooked Spire

No festive trip is complete without a visit to the Crooked Spire of St Mary and All Saints Church – the largest church in Derbyshire and a true Chesterfield icon.

This Christmas, the church once again hosts the Festival of Christmas Trees, where schools, groups and local people decorate dozens of themed trees. New this year, an immersive light and sound show will fill the church with colour, music and festive magic.

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House transforms into a winter wonderland, with its grand architecture, landscaped gardens, and festive decorations. Home to the Dukes of Devonshire for over 500 years, it’s a must-visit during the Christmas period.

This year’s theme, The Enchanted Garden, invites visitors to discover the quiet beauty and hidden magic of the nature in midwinter. Outside, the Christmas market features over 100 stalls, live music, seasonal food and festive drinks.

Courtesy of Chatsworth House Trust’ DPC Photography

Hardwick Hall

Built by Elizabethan heiress Bess of Hardwick, Hardwick Hall is known for its towering windows and ornate interiors.

This festive season, the hall comes alive with Hardwick Wintertide. The theme, The Tale of Misrule and the Holly King, brings a playful twist, with stories, performances, and decorations throughout. You can also enjoy hands-on workshops, from wreath-making to historic embroidery, or attend enjoy late-night openings with mulled wine and glowing gardens.

Bolsover Castle

Explore the romantic ruins of Bolsover Castle, standing proudly above the Derbyshire countryside.

This Christmas, the castle once again hosts the Bolsover Lantern Parade, one of the UK’s biggest and longest-running light processions. Organised by Junction Arts, the parade has lit up the town since 1994, with hundreds of handmade lanterns and thousands of spectators. The night before, experience Bright Winter Nights, an immersive light show inside the castle walls, celebrating 30 years of lantern-making through light, sound, and local stories.

Renishaw Hall

Set among beautiful gardens and woodland, Renishaw Hall is a hidden gem for heritage lovers. Dating back to the late 17th century, it has been home to the Sitwell family for generations.

During the festive season, the house and gardens are illuminated with magical lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for family visits or romantic, winter walks.

To discover more magical events and things to do this festive period, visit the Chesterfield Christmas website.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Celebrate Chesterfield, Heritage, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Champion Adorn celebrates 15 years

3rd November 2025

Chesterfield Champion, Adorn Jewellers is marking a milestone celebrating 15 years of business in the heart of the town centre.

Nestled in the historic Middle Shambles, Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield has become a destination for those seeking individual, inspirational, and independent jewellery. The business was founded by husband-and-wife team Laura Jo and Adam Owen, who opened the shop on 25 November 2010, during one of the heaviest snowfalls in the town’s history.

Laura Jo recalls the dramatic launch. She said: “We had to dig ourselves in and there was a feeling of what have we done? I wondered if we’d see anyone at all. But customers came and kept coming.“

“Our customers are at the very heart of our business,” explains Adam. “Their support and encouragement is beyond comparison. We feel very lucky.”

Affectionately referring to their loyal customers as “our Sparklies,” Laura Jo says the shop’s success is also down to the diverse range of jewellery they offer. Adorn works with a variety of designers – from small independents to established brands – to curate high-quality, eye-catching pieces designed to stand out.

The team, including their beloved Cairn Terriers Heathcliff and Moriarty, continues to innovate. A recent website relaunch and the introduction of lab-grown diamond collections reflect Adorn’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to evolving with the high street.

“The high street has definitely changed in the time we’ve been here,” says Laura Jo. “We’re hopeful that the increase in town centre living, along with footfall driven by social media and online discovery, means we’ll be sparkling here in Middle Shambles for many years to come.”

As they mark this milestone, Laura Jo and Adam have a heartfelt message for their customers: “A huge sparkling thank you,” says Laura Jo. “Your support means more than you know,” adds Adam.

If you’re looking for a unique gift this Christmas, Adorn Jewellers offers a treasure trove of distinctive pieces and exceptional customer service.

For more Christmas present ideas, check out the Christmas in Chesterfield Gift Guide.

Adorn Jewellers is one of over 200 businesses working with Destination Chesterfield to support the town’s economic growth. Find out more about the town’s Chesterfield Champions.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting