There are so many wonderful events happening across the Peak District summer 2017. Here are some that we are particularly looking forward to:
RHS Chatsworth Annual Flower Show 7 – 11 June 2017
Chatsworth, the vanguard of stately homes, is host to the newest RHS flower show and promises not to disappoint. “We have been focusing on creating an exciting, life-enhancing, vibrant show that is different from any other” says Nick Mattingley, RHS Director of Shows.
With our special connection to Joseph Paxton we are particularly excited about the floral marquee which takes its inspiration from Joseph Paxton’s Great Conservatory. This was also known as the Great Stove and housed vibrant flowers, exotic palms and aquatic plants. Sadly it went in disrepair during the war and had to be demolished. Now it will be born again! A giant 14-metre high inflatable dome will form the centrepiece the show. From here visitors can hear the story of Paxton and his achievements – including the story of the dwarf banana (Musa cavendishii) from which most commercially grown bananas are derived.
Joseph Paxton also left a legacy at Darley House. He bought the house for his daughter in 1845 and generously landscaped the gardens. So we will be going to the show for inspiration as we continue on our journey to restore the Darley House gardens.
Eroica Britannia 16 – 18 June 2017
Eroica Britannia, the 3 day vintage family festival, has a new home at Friden Grange, near Newhaven this year. Thousands of cyclists in vintage clothes will take part in the now world famous pre-1987 bike ride 18th June. Visitors will also find vintage stalls, experiences and various forms of children’s entertainment.
Buxton Festival 7 – 23rd July
The Buxton Festival covers a range of music, opera and literature. There will be appearances from famous authors and musicians and a celebrated programme of operas and literary talks. And there is also the Buxton Fringe Festival, one of the largest in England, featuring some 500 events.
The Bakewell Show 2 – 3 August 2017
One of the oldest agricultural shows in the country. It includes a mix of entertainment, food, drink, animals and attractions. It’s a really fun day out for families with a popular children’s zone featuring a climbing wall, zipwire and circus skills. The Equestrian Day takes place on Tuesday 1st August with mostly Horse of the Year Show qualifiers. Some stands are open and free grandstand seating can be enjoyed all day.
House Style Exhibition at Chatsworth House 25 March – 22 October 2017
This exhibition of fashion over the eras, sponsored by Gucci, will gives an glimpse into the lives of some fascinating women from the Cavendish family. These include Bess of Hardwick; Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire; Adele Astaire; Deborah Devonshire and Nancy Mitford, two of the Mitford sisters; model Stella Tennant and John F Kennedy’s sister ‘Kick’ Kennedy. See our Darley House review/blog of the exhibition.
More besides…
There are of course many other events besides and you can find a comprehensive list on visitpeakdistrict.com. We also recommend some activities in the Your Stay area of our website. We have arranged some exclusive group booking offers that our guests can take advantage of.
If you would like to enquire about a stay at Darley House, a self catering holiday let sleeping 14, near Matlock, visit the Booking page of our website or call Lucy on 07719 894663.
The featured image of the sun rising over Burbage Rocks, is by Graham Dunn, photographer. Also see our Special Celebrations page and recent blog Capturing Memories at Darley House
