Beat those January blues with some winter inspiration from the National Trust
Don’t let the cold and wet keep you at home this winter. Now is a wonderful time to experience the beauty of the landscape and feel the frost biting your nose at one of the National Trust’s places near you. From weather-proof, accessible walks to orienteering and winter wildlife there’s plenty to tempt you out of hibernation. Or if the weather takes a turn for the worse, nothing beats a cosy tea-room or a spot of nostalgia at the (indoor) Museum of Childhood at Sudbury.
Find the best all-weather walks, indoor activities and winter inspiration right here:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/winter-visits-in-south-derbyshire-and-leicestershire-
Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
When the weather is a little drab and you’re looking for something to entertain the family, a visit to Sudbury has lots to offer for the colder months. Open Friday to Monday throughout January, there are a variety of activities for the whole family.
Visit the Museum of Childhood for a trip down memory lane and see how many favourite toys and games you can spot. The little ones will enjoy the Victorian classroom where they can learn to use a more traditional black board ‘iPad’. The billiard room is home to a treasure trove of games the whole family can play and if you’re feeling peckish after all the fun, the tea-room has a new family sharing menu serving classics such as home-made casserole and a tasty sharing brownie stack.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sudbury-hall-and-the-national-trust-museum-of-childhood
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
Experience frosty mornings and crisp winter walks at Calke Abbey, where you can appreciate the beauty of nature whatever the weather. The Tramway Trail is the perfect wet-weather route for walks and wheels, while Calke Explore is a great base for exploring the wider estate – with 600 acres to discover, you’ll find something new on every visit.
Keep learning with Calke’s Dine and Discover series; a range of talks, tours and workshops followed by a hearty two-course lunch in the café. From beer evenings and baking demonstrations to history talks and mindfulness walks, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to kick-start those New Year’s resolutions.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey
Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak, Derbyshire
After a refreshing winter wander around the beautiful countryside, warm up and relax in the Manifold Tea-room at Ilam Park with a comforting brew, seasonal lunchtime dishes and, if you have room, a hearty slice of cake. For anyone wanting to plan a winter getaway filled with scenic walks, wildlife spotting and to create new traditions, then find out more about the cosy bunkhouse in the stableblock at Ilam Park, as well as the large family friendly YHA Youth Hostel in Ilam Hall.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak
Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
Wrap up warm and dry and experience winter’s open views and frosty landscapes in Kedleston’s parkland. The woodland walk is a good spot for leisurely strolls or you can have a go at orienteering. The restaurant at Kedleston offers warming breakfasts, lunches and snacks daily through the winter months – the perfect way to warm up after being out and about in the cold. The new vegan cream tea is a popular choice.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kedleston-hall
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Families And Carers Help Shape The Future Of Support Across Derbyshire Parents and carers from across Derbyshire have helped shape the future of support for children, young people a read more | |
| Free annual walking festival returns to Amber Valley Autumn Footprints, the much-loved free annual walking festival around the Amber Valley countryside, is back for its 24th year, r read more | |
| Finalists revealed for 2026 Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards The finalists have been revealed for this year's Marketing Derby Food and Drink Awards. More than 5,000 nominatio read more | |
| A New Chapter Begins: National Tramway Museum prepare to launch pioneering Access Tram The National Tramway Museum is set to make history on Saturday 12th September, as it officiall read more | |
| Innovative road repairs cut Derbyshire pothole backlog by more than 90% to record low Derbyshire County Council has made significant progress on reducing the number of potholes in t read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Food waste recycling is coming to Amber Valley From June 2026, Amber Valley Borough Council will introduce weekly food waste recycling across the borough as part of a phased roll-ou read more | |
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
