Eight affordable things to do with the kids in and around Derby over the summer holidays

Now that schools are out, here is a list of affordable places to visit for you and your family in and around Derby this summer.

Walk around Elvaston Castle Country Park

Five miles from Derby city centre is the vast countryside space of Elvaston Castle.

The park boasts over 320 acres of open forest, parkland and historical gardens.

The castle itself is not open to the public but the gardens are all open to walk through.

Entry to the park is free for all and is open seven days a week.

It’s a popular spot for walkers and joggers with pathways that run through the estate’s gardens and the local woodland.

It’s the perfect place to go on a nice summer’s day, perfect for walking and maybe stopping for a picinic halfway through.

Activities at Markeaton Park

Always one of the most popular days out in Derby, there are a vast array of activities to keep you and your family busy at Markeaton Park.

From a game of mini golf, hiring a pedalo or having fun on the playgrounds, there is so much to choose from.

Markeaton Park is free to everyone, with a small fee for parking.

However, with so much to do, it will keep you occupied all day.

One of Derby’s most visited attractions, the park attracts one million vistors a year and it’s easy to see why - the perfect way to spend a summer day.

Bluebells Dairy Farm

Bluebells Dairy Farm is located less than five miles from Derby city centre and there is so much to do.

One of the most popular activities is meeting the farm animals - they have pigs, goats, sheep, donkeys and many more.

Furthermore, the farm boasts a number of other activities, including pedal go karting, a maize maze, tractor rides and multiple play areas.

It’s the perfect place to take children over summer.

Entry is £10 per person for the whole day and there is no chance that you will run out of things to get up to very quickly.

Derby Museum and Art Gallery

There’s always going to be that day in summer where the weather forces you to stay inside and Derby museum is the perfect way to spend it.

If you fancy more of an educational trip then Derby museum is spot on.

The museum is free for all and located right in the city centre.

It boasts an impressive collection of artifacts including natural history pieces, military collections and even an Egyptian mummy.

The museum also has its own cafe with food and drinks if you want to take a break halfway through your visit.

Darley Park

Darley Park is situated on the River Derwent and is a stone’s throw from the city centre.

The Darley Abbey Circular Walk is around two miles and takes you through the historic Abbey Mills and over the river.

When you get to the mills by the weir, you’ll be presented with a lot of food and drinks places and it is the perfect place to stop and take a break.

The park has its own nature reserve and gardens - it’s an ideal place for a summer walk.

Furthermore, with its vast space it would be the perfect place for a big family picnic.

Trip to Ashbourne and the Peak District

Derby is located in a brilliant spot - it is so close to the beautiful Peak District.

Hop on the bus to Asbourne which only takes around 40 minutes and you end up in the charming rural town which lies right on the edge of the Peak District - it offers a great family day out.

Either take a walk around the shops and cafes - or if you are feeling more adventurous, take a walk out into the hills where there are countless routes and places to explore.

It’s a fantastic day trip if you want to get out into the countryside.

Rollerworld

Another one for a rainy day, Rollerworld has been a popular spot in Derby a long time.

It is the biggest maple floored skating rink in the UK and has recently undergone a £120,000 refurbishment which means it is in better shape than ever.

The friendly DJs play tunes to suit everyone and also run fun skating games all day long.

Prices start at just £1.50 to skate and they are open evenings in the week and all afternoon on weekends.

Ideal for both children and adults, it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Victoria Park

One of Derbyshire’s lesser-known parks, Victoria Park is located in Ilkeston.

It keeps children easily entertained with its adventure play area.

Its pathways through colourful flower beds and bushes make it a great place to relax and walk around.

It also boasts a cafe and makes for a perfect afternoon out on a warm summer day.