Cheap / free things to do in Derbyshire

Rachels1979

I've been given a few nights in a cottage near Bakewell as a birthday present for next weekend. Me and my boyfriend are now moving in together a few days after so it has to be as much of a budget weekend as possible! It's really bad timing but I still want to go, and will be a nice break before the stress of moving house far away from where we are now.

Luckily it's self catering so we won't be spending lots on eating out as I can cook most meals, although we're allowing ourselves 1 evening meal out but I just wondered if anyone had any tips of cheap or free things to do.

Also it'll be bonfire night while we're there and we'd love to go to a decent display if anyone knows of anywhere.

Thanks x

artichoke

Hi

I live near matlock, and know quite a few pubs put on free firework displays (they presume you will buy a drink at the bar - but you don't have to).

Walking is the obvious free activity for the daytime - loads of great walks - let us know more about where you are staying and we can recommend places.

Are you in a car? If so there are also some spectacular drives through the hills if you don't fancy walking them.

What type of thing are you looking for - historical places to walk round and browse? if so Bakewell is a very touristy town and you don't have to buy anything to look..Cromford Mill is free, buxton is also good to walk around...

It depends how much you want to travel around, and how active you want to be??

art

Rachels1979

We're staying in Youlgreave. Some walking is ok but I can't manage more than a few miles. We don't mind driving, in fact my boyfriend would love that kind of driving so that'd be great.

I love bakewell so places like that to wander round would be nice too.

Thanks

artichoke

Youlgrave itself is lovely - there is a good easy flat walk in Youlgrave along the banks of the river. I walked the dog along there 3 days after having my first baby (carrying baby in a sling) so i made sure i picked an easy flat route!

There are quite a few registered Bonfire events:

see the PDF attached to this website

http://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/our_website/news_and_press_releases/2010/november/news_items/play_it_safe_on_bonfire_night.asp

plus other Firework events at various pubs etc.

Buxton have a fireworks display..

I will try and find a few more events - as i will be trying to work out which event to go to myself..

art

Rachels1979

That's handy, the cottage is actually on the banks of the river so that'll be good for a few walks.

Thanks for that website, I'm sure we'll be able to find somewhere to go suitable!

x

artichoke

there were a few good scenic drives suggested on this thread - in particular the drive from buxton to macclesfield - you could drive just as far as the CAt and Fiddle pub - driving from buxton - then turn round in the pub car park, if you don't want to do the whole drive...

plus the drive down Whinnats Pass...details in this thread..

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3534453

plus as someone suggested in the thread - Buxton has lots to see for free..and Matlock Bath - the walk down the river and then up Lovers Walk is good

art

Rachels1979

Fantastic, loads of great stuff on that thread.

Thanks for all your help, I'm sure we'll have a fab weekend :j

x