Seven great ways to spend a rainy day in Derbyshire

So we're due a grey weekend - but that's okay. There's plenty to do in that means you don't have to sit around the house watching box-sets.
Carsington WaterCarsington Water
Carsington Water

Derbyshire has got bundles to offer whether you want to embrace the weather and get a little wet, or find something fun to do indoors. Here's a list of six things we fancy doing this weekend. Put your own suggestions in the comments at the bottom.

Get into Water Sports.

Carsington Sports and Leisure offer water and land based activities right on the edge of the Peaks. Try your hand at Sailing, Windsurfing, Paddlesports and Powerboating, or hire a bike and go for a spin around the edge with their eight-mile bike track. Find it at Carsington Water, Ashbourne DE6 1ST. Phone: 01629 540 478.

EdaleEdale
Edale

Take in a show - Edwardian style.

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Buxton Opera House is a fantastic venue with a lot of history. Created by famous theatre designer Frank Matcham, it was restored to its former glory in 2001 and has a jam-packed calendar with more than one show per day including dance, comedy, children's shows, drama, musical concerts, pantomime and opera. It's also home to the Buxton Festival

Visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Ride in style on the heritage railways

The Crooked Spire at St Mary's in ChesterfieldThe Crooked Spire at St Mary's in Chesterfield
The Crooked Spire at St Mary's in Chesterfield

Based in the Peaks market town of Wirksworth, the Ecclesboume Valley line is a nine-mile stretch of historic joy, with it's heritage diesel railcars and amazing views of some of best scenery in the White Peak. Three or four trains run a day fr most of the year, and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in high summer. Check timetables at www.e-v-r.com.

Walk with the spirits in the ghoul-ridden home of the Crooked Spire.

Chesterfield is home to a 70-minute tour around Haunted parts of the town with 13th Century origins. Prepare to be enchanted and enraptured by an informative, theatrical guide and delve into the darker side of Chesterfield's past. Starts at the Market Pub, New Square, Chesterfield, S40 1AH. Call 07977 425 094.

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Roll in the floor laughing at the funniest yoga studio in the world.

Chesterfield CanalChesterfield Canal
Chesterfield Canal

By day it's a yoga studio, by night it transforms into the Escape Comedy Club complete with candlelit tables and a bar. See three comedians per night in the perfect intimate atmosphere, talent sourced by the pros at Purple Cactus Productons. (Bit of planning required for this one - gigs are monthly and there's only 90 seats - the next night is on June 27). Call 07775 561 440 or email [email protected] to book.

Cruise along the Chesterfield Canal

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful waterways in England, the Chesterfield Canal runs for 46 miles form the River Trent, through Chesterfield and linking Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Whether you hire a narrow boat or walk long the banks, expect views of tranquil countryside and check out some of the oldest staircase locks ever built. It's good for a walk, a cycle or a boat ride.

Get your racing thrills at the Donnington Collections

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.
The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

Explore Castle Donington's racing museum of Formula One cars, driven by the likes of Senna, Mansell and Lauda, as well as classic sports cars, bikes and other glorious machines of the road. 130 exhibits across four halls make it the biggest museum of its kind in the country. Find it here: Donington Park, Castle Donington, DE74 2RP. Phone 01332 810 048.

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