Tel: 01335 368 595

Things to do in Ashbourne & the Peaks

There are lots of amazing things to do in the Peak District. Nestled just outside the charming market town of Ashbourne, Dannah Cottage offer the perfect base to explore the region’s seasonal delights and upcoming local events. Whether you’re seeking crisp autumn walks through golden woodlands, festive winter markets brimming with handmade gifts, or springtime adventures in the rolling hills, there’s always something special happening nearby. Discover the best of local culture, nature, and community spirit—right on your doorstep.

Follow the below links for more info on local places of interest

Local Attractions

Kirk Ireton

Ashbourne

Belper

Wirksworth 

Upcoming Events in the Area

Ashbourne

  • Ashbourne Christmas Lights Switch-On – Sat 15 Nov, Market Place. Live music, festive stalls, and community celebration.
  • Ashbourne Lantern Spectacular & evening shopping- Friday 5th Dec from 5pm (lantern parade starts at 6:30).
  • Ashbourne Christmas Makers Market at The Greenman – Sat 6 Dec.
  • Tissington Christmas Market – Sun 7 Dec, artisan gifts in a picturesque village setting.
  • Ashbourne Christmas Tractor Parade – Sat 13 Dec, a quirky and beloved local tradition.
  • Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football – Tue 17 – Wed 18 Feb 2026, 2pm – late, centuries-old, town-wide game played over two days, where hundreds compete in a thrilling, no-rules match between the Up’ards and Down’ards.

Matlock

  • Lights of Abraham – Nov 22 – Dec 30, Matlock Bath. Enchanting cable car ride and illuminated trail.
  • Matlock Victorian Christmas Market – Dec 6–8, Hall Leys Park. Over 200 stalls, food, music, and festive cheer.

Belper

  • Belper Christmas Farmers Market – Sat 8 Nov & Sat 13 Dec. Local produce, crafts, and festive atmosphere.
  • Belper Winter Food & Gift Fair – Sun 16 Nov, Belper Town Centre. Artisan food, crafts, live music, and festive cheer.
  • Christmas Lights Switch-On – Sun 24 Nov, King Street. Santa’s grotto, charity stalls, and headline performance by Elite Elton.

Bakewell – Bakewell Christmas Market – Nov 15–16. 100+ stalls, festive food, and entertainment.

Buxton – Pavilion Gardens Christmas Fair – Dec 6–7. Artisan gifts and festive produce in the Octagon Hall.

Chatsworth House

  • Chatsworth Christmas Market – Nov 8 – Dec 14. 100+ stalls with artisan gifts, food, and live music.
  • Christmas at Chatsworth: The Enchanted Garden – Nov 8 – Jan 4. Over 20 rooms transformed with magical décor, plus an illuminated garden trail and festive foo

Haddon Hall – Mercatum Artisan Christmas Market – Nov 12 – Dec 14 (Wed–Sun). Medieval manor setting with curated stalls, music, and candlelit tours.

Ecclesbourne valley railway (Wirksworth to Duffield) – Santa’s Enchanted Journey. End of November until 24 December.

Crich Tamway Museum – Tramlight 2-7pm 8th and 9th of November. The Premium event of the season, with charming and eccentric Victorian characters mingling amongst the visitors and bringing the Tramway Village to life with songs, a magic show and a magic lantern show.