Days Out in the East Midlands

Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire

From spring walks and spectacular views at hilltop castles to lavish houses and palaces, a day out in the East Midlands is an adventure for all the family this spring.

July sees the return of the show stopping Festival of History where over 2,000 re-enactors, costumed interpreters and performers bring the story of England to life over one action-packed weekend!  

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Places to visit in the East Midlands

  • Kirby Hall: one of England's greatest Elizabethan houses with exceptional recreated formal gardens
  • Bolsover Castle: a uniquely preserved example from an age of extravagance
  • Peveril Castle: stunning views over the Peak District from this Norman fortress and latter-day prison

Featured events

Action-packed spring events for all the family:

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In East Midlands

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Places to visit : East Midlands

Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle

Derbyshire

'By an unlikely miracle, the keep at Bolsover has survived into this century as an almost untouched expression in stone of the lost world of Elizabethan chivalry and romance.'

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Peveril Castle
Peveril Castle

Derbyshire

Founded soon after 1066 by William Peverel, one of William the Conqueror's most trusted knights, Peveril Castle offers breathtaking views of the Peak District from its position high above Castleton.

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Hardwick Old Hall
Hardwick Old Hall

Derbyshire

The remodelled family home of Bess of Hardwick, one of the richest and most remarkable women of Elizabethan England, stands beside the New Hall she raised later in the 1590s.

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Kirby Hall
Kirby Hall

Northamptonshire

Kirby Hall is one of England's greatest Elizabethan and 17th-century houses. Begun by Sir Humphrey Stafford, it was purchased by Sir Christopher Hatton, one of Queen Elizabeth's 'comely young men'.

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Ashby de la Zouch Castle
Ashby de la Zouch Castle

Leicestershire

Ashby Castle forms the backdrop to the famous jousting scenes in Sir Walter Scott's classic novel of 1819, Ivanhoe. Now a ruin, the castle began as a manor house in the 12th century.

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Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace
Lincoln Medieval Bishops' Palace

Lincolnshire

Standing almost in the shadow of Lincoln cathedral, with sweeping views over the ancient city and the countryside beyond.

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Events : East Midlands

A Grand Medieval Joust
Venue: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Date: Sat 26 & Sun 27 May 2012

A magnificent medieval joust where fighting knights do battle in a live action show. Revel in the drama of clashing knights on horseback and cheer on your favourite. Be entertained by the court jester for plenty of laughs too. Let the battle commence!

Time Travellers Go... Knights & Princesses
Venue: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Date: Mon 4 - Fri 8 Jun 2012

Give that toy sword a whirl or put on your prettiest dress and head back in time for activities on a medieval theme. Transform yourself into a noble lord in squire training, and even try on armour in our academy for budding knights and princesses.

Knight School for Dads!
Venue: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Date: Sun 17 Jun 2012

There's plenty of fun for dads at Bolsover Castle this Father's Day. Dads and kids can battle it out in our hobby horse joust, join in sword training and try on armour in this special knights school for Father's Day!

Exclusive Guided Tour with Dr Anna Keay
Venue: Kirby Hall, Northamptonshire
Date: Mon 18 Jun

Join Curatorial Director Dr Anna Keay for an exclusive guided tour of one of England's great Elizabethan houses. Explore The Great Hall and state rooms and enjoy the recently restored gardens with their elaborate 'cutwork' design. Welcome refreshments and a buffet lunch are included.

Romeo & Juliet
Venue: Ashby De La Zouch Castle, Leicestershire
Date: Sat 30 Jun 2012

Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents the greatest love story ever told, as Shakespeare’s unforgettable tale of romance and passion comes to Ashby Castle. Join family and friends to picnic under the stars and enjoy this wonderful new production.

Time Travellers Go... Cavaliers & Roundheads
Venue: Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Date: Mon 23 - Fri 27 Jul 2012

Pikes at the ready! Join Oliver Cromwell's army and discover what it took to be a soldier of the English Civil War. Then test your agility in the children's battle and learn to use a pike in our soldiers drill.

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