Updated 23 October 2026
Things to do in the Peak District in Autumn and Winter
In the cooler months, it’s all too easy to start hibernating in the close to zero temperatures and stay home but there’s really no need and there are plenty of days out and activities to be had in the Peak District and Derbyshire – from private tours to snowboarding, flea markets and family fun…
Swadlincote Ski & Snowboard Centre
Swadlincote Snowsports Centre information and bookings
Swadlincote Snowsports Centre in South Derbyshire has a dry ski slope, with ski and snowboard lessons as well as tobogganing and tubing. Ski lessons start from age four and snowboard lessons from age eight. Children aged four to seven can ride the toboggan with an adult; those aged eight and over ride alone. Check the centre’s website for sessions, opening times and bookings.
Go Caving with Dolomite Training
Illustrative cave photograph: Karol Czinege / Pexels.
Dolomite Training caving information and bookings
Peak District based Dolomite Training offer a range of caving courses from beginners to those who are more experienced, and this makes for a great winter activity to get you moving in the cold weather and see some of the areas most stunning underground caves in the area. They also offer a varied range of other outdoor activities and courses from mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling and more.
Derby Museum and Art Gallery
Derby Museum and Art Gallery visitor information
Derby Museum and Art Gallery in the city centre has collections of art, archaeology, military history and natural history. Established in 1879, it displays works by Joseph Wright of Derby; Derby Museums holds the world’s largest collection of his work. Check the museum’s website for opening times and current exhibitions.
Hire a Bike from Hassop Station and Cycle the Monsal Trail
Hassop Station cycle hire information and bookings
Hire a bike at Hassop Station and follow the Monsal Trail along the former railway line. The station also has a café, book and gift shop, and cycle servicing. The trail passes through railway tunnels and offers views across the Peak District. Hassop Station is generally open throughout the year, with closures over Christmas; check the operator’s website for opening times and hire availability.
Take a private tour of the Peak District
Bamford Edge in the Peak District. Photo: Zhi Xuan Hew / Unsplash.
Live for the Hills tours and bookings
Live for the Hills offers private Peak District tours with transport for up to seven passengers. Options include scenic and photography tours, and itineraries can be tailored to your interests. Contact the operator for availability, prices and any accessibility requirements.
Visit a Christmas Market in the Peak District and Derbyshire
A previous Mercatum market at Haddon Hall.
Searching for festive gifts? Explore our guide to Christmas markets in the Peak District and Derbyshire for current dates and details.
Bolsover Castle in winter
Bolsover Castle. Photo: Greg Willson / Unsplash.
Bolsover Castle information and bookings
Peveril Castle information and bookings
Bolsover Castle opens on selected days throughout winter; check English Heritage’s page above for the schedule. Peveril Castle is closed on 24–25 October 2026 because of forecast high winds, and closes for winter from 2 November 2026 to 16 March 2027. Peveril Castle overlooks Castleton and the Hope Valley, while Bolsover Castle offers views from its hilltop setting.
Winter Fun at Chatsworth
Chatsworth opening times and tickets
Chatsworth’s parkland is a place for a winter walk. The house, garden and farmyard also host seasonal events; see Chatsworth’s website for opening times and tickets.
Take a winter walk in the Peak District
Peak District in winter. Photo: Ali Gooya / Unsplash.
15 best winter walks in the Peak District
Explore frost-covered landscapes on walks from Ladybower Wood to Lathkill Dale. Our guide includes 15 routes of different lengths and terrain across the Peak District and Derbyshire.
Brick Corner – Lego Fun
Brick Corner activities and contact details
Brick Corner’s Buxton café has closed, but the team now takes LEGO activities to pop-up events and offers sessions from a small classroom in Buxton. Contact Brick Corner for current events, session details and bookings.
Showcaves and Underground Caverns in the Peak District
Inside Poole’s Cavern, Buxton.
The Peak District is home to some of the most fascinating show caves and caverns in the UK, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the underground world.
Poole’s Cavern is a limestone show cave in Buxton. The main chamber is wheelchair accessible; the rest of the cave tour includes 28 steps. The adjoining Buxton Country Park has woodland paths to Solomon’s Temple, although some trails are steep and uneven. The Café at the Cavern serves refreshments. The cavern is open through the winter, with seasonal hours, and closes on Christmas Day and Boxing Day; check the operator’s website before visiting.
The Blue John Cavern is famous for its rare Blue John stone, while Speedwell Cavern offers boat tours through its water-filled passages.
Treak Cliff Cavern also displays beautiful mineral deposits and is another must-visit for those looking to explore the hidden natural wonders of the Peak District.
Blue John Cavern has 245 steps into the cavern and back out again, and is not wheelchair accessible. Treak Cliff Cavern is also not wheelchair accessible. Check each cavern’s website for its access details, winter hours and holiday closures before visiting.
Try pottery at The Potter’s Nook
Illustrative photograph of ceramic cups and bowls.
Potter’s Nook information and bookings
The Potter’s Nook in Ripley offers pottery throwing and hand-building workshops. The studio was founded by three former Denby Pottery craft tutors; check its website for available sessions and bookings. Denby Pottery Village closed in August 2026.
Thornbridge Brewery
Illustrative photograph of a beer tasting.
Thornbridge Brewery tour information and bookings
At the Thornbridge Experience in Bakewell, learn about the brewery and its brewing process and take part in a tutored beer tasting inside the working Millrace Brewery. The brewery’s taproom and shop are on site. Check the operator’s website for session times and bookings.
Walk – Chinley to Edale via Chapel Gate, 9.3 miles
The view from Eccles Pike near Chinley; this summit is not on the Chapel Gate route.
Chinley to Edale walk route
This 9.3-mile one-way walk starts at Chinley station, climbs along Chapel Gate and descends towards Upper Booth and Edale. The route guide rates it moderate, with around 515 metres of ascent; allow about six hours. Trains link Edale and Chinley, but check the timetable before setting out. In winter, check the forecast and take suitable clothing, footwear and navigation equipment.
Hunt for vintage gems at Chesterfield Flea Market
Illustrative photograph of records.
Chesterfield Flea Market information
Chesterfield’s flea market takes place on Thursdays from 9am to 4pm, with antiques, collectables and second-hand finds. Destination Chesterfield says it regularly has more than 120 stalls. There are cafés around the market if you need to warm up.
Advertisement
Advertisement
