For big kids, little kids and the ones who’ve never grown up.
Derby summers are PACKED full of fun activities, whether it’s pouring with rain or the sun decides to throw glorious rays around - we’ve got you covered with some top recommendations for the family this summer.
And all within 30 minutes drive of Hill Farm Caravan and Camping (in fact most of these fun-packed places are within 15 minutes of us).
We’ve selected 3 of our favourite things to do in Derby (giving you a deep dive). AND THEN written up a MASSIVE directory (or parent life-line) of family fun activities happening in Derby over summer.
If you like having everything in one place on our web-linked directory, then let me (Tara) know or drop us a comment and we will create the same “Summer Directory: Fun Family Days Out near Hill Farm” again next year.
Jump straight to our “what’s on” in 2024 parental life-line here.
3 Places to Go with (FUN Things to Do) Throughout the Summer in Derby
The Moorways Water Park had a total revamp a year ago. It now has an impressive wave pool, sensory pool, inflatables (at certain times) flumes and more.
The changing rooms are modern, regular cubicles - that a family can squeeze in if needed. There are generous family changing areas and the hair dryers are FREE… what more could you want?!
✨REMEMBER ✨
Make sure you buy your tickets in advance, they are only available to purchase online.
Atlantis inflatables - always a hit with the kids - come out on Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm in school holidays.
Time needed: 90 minutes swim time + change time
Rough Cost: £9.45-£15.00pp (over 5 years, for full water park)
Parking: 3 hours free at the water park, make sure you input your car registration at reception!!
Essentials to bring: £1, or a token for the lockers & YOUR TICKETS (only bookable online) Plus the usual… swimsuits, goggles, towels etc
Postcode: DE24 9HY
Only 15 minutes away, Charnwood Forest Alpaca Farm is a great place to visit with the family. And there is LOADS to do. I hadn’t heard about it until some guests went a few weeks ago and came back raving.
It’s now firmly on our family-friendly recommendations list.
Not only can you walk, spend time with and learn about alpacas, there are horses, donkeys, pigs and teeny pony rides too.
Alpaca walks are £35pp, but kids 0-9 go free with a paying adult.
Or, just enjoy being at the farm, petting and feeding the animals for a few hours, £3 per child, £5 per adult. Under 2s are free.
The Chilli Bean Cafe is on site, I’m told on good authority that it’s really nice.
And if you love cute alpaca faces as much as I do, then a date night for two in a field full of friendly alpaca might just be for you! (18+)
Time needed: Minimum 90 minutes, to have an up-close alpaca encounter. 2 hours for ‘Pukkapacas and Friends’. But we’d say set aside at least half a day to enjoy the farm and stop by at the cafe.
Opening hours: Thursday - Sunday 9am - 4pm
Rough Cost: Between £3 - £35pp
Parking: FREE
Essentials to bring: Adventure clothes! (Things you don’t mind getting grubby)
Postcode: DE11 7BA
I have to confess, I haven’t been to the National Forest Adventure Farm. It wasn’t around when my kids were little!
I wish it was.
Open weekends and school holidays, the National Forest Adventure Farm has to be one of the best places to explore with the kids in Derbyshire, even if the weather looks a bit peaky.
It’s got both indoor and outdoor activities, animal barns, tractor rides, adventure play areas, giant splash pools in the summer and special events. With so much going on, I’d recommend visiting their website for the latest info.
Time needed: A day. 10am - 5pm
Rough Cost: From £9.99pp, under 2s free, +£2.50 booking fee at the checkout
Parking: FREE
Essentials to bring: Adventure clothes! (Things you don’t mind getting grubby) and your bank card or phone to pay. The whole site is cashless!
Postcode: DE13 9SJ
How excited are you for your Hill Farm Camping trip now!? The National Adventure Park, water park and Charnwood Forest Alpacas are things NOT to miss this summer…
However, this next “things to do” list is full of pop-ups and one-offs.
It’s amazing how much goes on around us, I should research before every summer - I’m loving finding it all out.
My bucket list is full. I wonder what will be on yours?
Hill Farm’s Summer Fun Directory
The best one-off events and pop-ups to visit in Derby:
All July - Scarecrow trail at Ockbrook and Borrowash
All July & August - Markeaton Park Craft Village and Mundy Play Centre
13th - 14th July - Melbourne Fete & Carnival
29 July 2024 –28 August 2024 - FREE Childrens Art in the Park
July 3rd - Summer Flower Wellness Day at Chatsworth
July 11th - Mim Grey Band in the Deer Barn (adventure farm)
July 13th - FREE Japan Fest in Derby
July 13th - All Age IBIZA at Chatsworth
July 14th - Great British MG festival
July 15th - Mini Makers Art Club
July 25th - Floristry workshop at Chatsworth
July 25th - Childrens Marbeling Workshop at Chatsworth
July 27th and 28th - “Here Be Dragons” Woodland Theatre for Children, Sudbury
26 July 2024 –28 July FREE Farm Food & Gift Fair at Chatsworth House Farm Shop
August 2nd - Wonka Outdoor Cinema (Markeaton Park)
August 3rd - Barbie 12A Outdoor Cinema (Markeaton Park)
August 17th - Funk on the Farm (Adventure farm)
August 17th - FREE Markeaton Park Food and Drink Festival
August 17th - Childrens Marbeling Workshop at Chatsworth
August 26th - Charnwood Forest Festival
August 31st - Funk on the Farm (Adventure farm)
August 30th - Sept 1st - Chatsworth Country Fair
Some of these events are free and some quite expensive, all are within 15-20 minutes of Hill Farm Caravan, Camping and Glamping site.
We hope it’s a helpful list, we’ve tried to give you a full range of budgets and experiences, fingers and toes crossed that you find something to do that suits you and your family to a T!
If you’d like only FREE days out, we’ve written a blog about it here and also some local walks with pubs, which make for a fun (free except for food) family day out.
If you’ve been to stay at Hill Farm before, you’ll know that we love to keep plenty of play space for games and fun - wild and free kids enjoying camping is exactly what we love to see.
That’s all from me this month. If you have any questions about our campsite & glampsite, drop me a phone call or an email.
For more info on these events - follow the links!
Tara x
Still good for time? Dive into our most popular blogs:
Meet the Hill Farm Team
Tara runs the day-to-day at Hill Farm Caravan and Camping. When you make a booking, you will find Tara at the end of the phone.
Daisy and Lisa keep everything spotlessly clean, trust us, you won’t be disappointed!
Ollie Cotton and his family have owned Hill Farm Caravan and Camping for generations. We love nothing more than providing high-quality and affordable escapes for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurous families, gig-lovers, rallies & get togethers.
2024 Improvements & Changes:
✨ Gazebos make our pods and belle tents gorgeous all-weather havens; hot tubs are tucked under them too!
✨ Two new belle tents now open
✨ Closed last season, the pond field is back open. Five seasonal belle tents will tuck around its banks. It's the perfect place for a family and friends retreat! Call or email to request the pond.
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