visiting chesterfield

Chesterfield Escape Rooms celebrates anniversary by linking with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Chesterfield Escape Rooms are teaming up the celebrate the Escape Room’s 1st Anniversary and achieving the status of #1 escape room in the UK according to Trip Advisor.

The hospice, which cares for children and young adults whose lives are sadly just too short, is very much a happy, joyful place focused on helping families make wonderful memories whether they have weeks, months or years together. The charity supports children and young adults with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions from across Chesterfield, North Derbyshire and beyond, helping hundreds of families at the North Anston hospice and in their homes each year.

Isobel Wells, Regional Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “We believe every family should be able to spend their time together, however long that may be, with dignity, comfort and the opportunity to make precious memories that they will always treasure.

“No one should have to go through the devastation of losing a child alone, and we do everything we can to support families through this unimaginable heartbreak and continue to do so in the weeks, months and years after bereavement through our extensive family support service.

“This support also extends to children and young people with life-shortening conditions, some of whom we support for many years with regular respite care at the hospice and in the community, as well as through the various other services we offer. Many of these families simply wouldn’t have anywhere to turn were it not for Bluebell Wood.

“That’s why our amazing supporters, like Chesterfield Escape Rooms are so important to us. Without the generosity and kindness of our supporters, we simply couldn’t be a light in the darkness for local families going through the most difficult times imaginable.

Nick Hogan, owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms said “Bluebell Wood offer an amazing service to our local community. To be able to open our doors to the team, supporters and families of Bluebell Wood on 17th May will allow our team, who have volunteered to work free of charge, to say a big thank you. We have had an amazing first 12 months so all we want to offer is a small respite from the day to day challenges for the families.”

To find out more about Bluebell Wood, please visit www.bluebellwood.org or email Isobel at Isobel.wells@bluebellwood.org

To find out more about Chesterfield Escape Rooms call 01247 720088 or visit their website at www.chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk

Chesterfield Escape Rooms and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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New bistro set to serve up a treat in Chesterfield Town Centre

A brand-new bistro is now open in Chesterfield Town Centre, providing a relaxing, homely, family atmosphere for people in the town.

CIBO will be serving customers a range of treats, with the breakfast menu to feature luxury granola, traditional bacon sandwiches, and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs.

For lunch, people can enjoy home cooked meals ranging from tender beef stew, beef burgers with blue cheese and homemade slaw, toasted ciabattas, light salads with a variety of fillings and much more.

It is hoped the bistro will be made open to the public from the mid-to-late May 2022, as the finishing touches and preparations are made to the new business.

Bistro Supervisor and coordinator, Louise Spence explained how excited the team was to open their doors: “Being from chesterfield and living in the area all my life I have an affiliation with the town, having a vast experience in the hospitality sector working in Artisan cafés and a passion for food, this new venture allows me to run with my own ideas.

“We hope with the experience,  enthusiasm, and work ethics we possess we can bring something truly fantastic to the people of this great market town.”

Louise added: “We believe it’s time to remind the people of chesterfield how great we can be and bring back that community spirit through hard work and determination! Already having a proven track record over the last 18 years with peacock coffee lounge we believe this will give us a winning formula to replicate with CIBO.”

A number of special dishes will be on offer at CIBO, as Louise outlined: “Our signature dishes are fantastic for couples and family sharing options based on 2 or 4 people which include British classic for the summer ploughman’s platter, antipasto platter with mixes meats, olives and dipping breads or opt to try our homemade chilli either beef or chickpea with tasty nachos topped with smashed avocado, jalapeños all served with side salads and a selection of fresh breads.

“To finish are specially selected cakes and desserts such as Belgian waffles with vanilla ice cream and fresh fruit, Eton mess and luxury ice cream milkshakes.”

The team at CIBO are also looking to become a big part of the community in Chesterfield, and look forward to supporting fellow local businesses and residents in the town.

Louise said: “The past few years have been extremely tough for everyone with covid and lockdowns, however we have taken the brave decision to launch our new venture. We hope with the support of the people of chesterfield behind us we can add something new and exciting to our town, truly believing with your support anything is possible!”

“We are a great advocate of helping independent local businesses and encourage all of us to get behind local suppliers and companies, creating jobs for local people.  We hope the kind people of chesterfield will come and give us a try in the coming weeks.”

To find out more about CIBO, head over to their Facebook page, or for a guide to eating out in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/

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Residents encouraged to complete survey on high streets and town centres in the Chesterfield borough

Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to complete a consumer survey to help us to learn more about how you use services in our town centres.

Love Chesterfield is a campaign organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to promote and support high streets and town centres across the borough of Chesterfield.

The quick survey will ask you to tell us about markets you have visited, which high streets you visit regularly, eating out and your choice of entertainment.

Please spend a few minutes to complete this questionnaire. The results will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns and business support and will help to shape future activity to support high street businesses across the borough.

The survey will close on 12 May 2022.

At the end of the questionnaire, there is an opportunity to win two tickets to see the ‘Crooked Spire Medieval, Murder-Mystery Musical’ on its opening night at the Pomegranate Theatre on Thursday 19 May 2022.

Complete the survey. 

You can find out more about what’s on offer across our local high streets in Chesterfield by going to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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Newborns highlight Rare Breeds success at Chatsworth

While visitors have been enjoying the sights and sounds of its latest newborns this spring, Chatsworth Farmyard has been particularly celebrating the latest additions to its breeding programme for rare and sometimes critically endangered animals.

Two Albion calves, Bronte and Queenie, have been born in the past ten days. Originally called the ‘Bakewell Blues’ because of their origins in Derbyshire, Albions are listed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) as the most rare ‘priority’ breed.

Meanwhile, Eugenie, Chatsworth’s Suffolk Punch mare is expecting another foal in the next couple of weeks, having successfully delivered visitor favourite ‘Huxley’ last year. The RBST considers the Suffolk Punch to be critically endangered with fewer than 500 purebred horses registered in the UK. Eugenie is one of only 72 female Suffolk Punches, making them more endangered than the Giant Panda.

Bagot goat kids and Gloucester Old Spot piglets are due soon and are listed as ‘at risk’ breeds while the farmyard is also hoping for some rare breed chicks from its Derbyshire Redcap chickens.

The Farmyard has been welcoming plenty of newborns this spring, though not all are rare breeds.  A Donkey foal, lambs, goat kids and piglets are all expected additions in the next few weeks.

Chatsworth Farmyard is home to a number of the country’s rarest breeds of livestock and equines, including Suffolk Punch horses, Shire horses, Albion cattle, Bagot goats and Cream Legbar and Derbyshire Redcap chickens, as well as British Landrace pigs and Eriskay ponies.

“We are delighted to welcome our two beautiful Albion calves. They’re incredibly rare and I have always wanted to have some of these wonderful cows here. Given their local heritage it feels like the perfect fit at Chatsworth Farmyard,” said Farmyard Manager, Melissa Underwood.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) awarded RBST accreditation to Chatsworth Farmyard last year, recognising its important contribution to the conservation of some the rarest livestock and equine breeds native to the UK.

RBST is the national charity that works to secure the future of rare breeds of native livestock and equines. Chatsworth Farmyard is now part of the 25-strong network of RBST accredited farm parks which take part in crucial conservation programmes, manage special breeding groups, and support education about rare breeds and why they matter.

Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground is open daily to visitors (www.chatsworth.org).

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Revolution House reopens for the summer

Revolution House, a public museum with an important role in history, is set to reopen its doors and welcome visitors over the summer.

The Museum opens on Friday 15 April and will then be open from 11am to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays until Sunday 18 September. It is free to visit but donations are welcome.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Revolution House is a fantastic little attraction in our borough, it tells the story of a small piece of our history that not many people are aware of and is a chance to learn more about our heritage whilst Chesterfield Museum is closed. It is well worth a visit and is completely free. We’ll also be hosting some great events there over the summer so keep an eye on our website and social media pages for more details.”

Chesterfield Museum is currently closed as a multimillion-pound refurbishment is set to get underway at Stephenson Memorial Hall where both the Museum and Pomegranate Theatre are based.

The work will create a bespoke visitor attraction in the heart of Chesterfield which will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

Whilst the Museum is closed, the team will be arranging a series of interactive activities around the borough called Museum on the Move and Revolution House will also be open to ensure everyone can learn about the borough’s history.

Revolution House, then the Cock and Pynot Inn, was the meeting place of the 4th Earl of Devonshire, John D’Arcy, and the Earl of Danby as they plotted to overthrow King James II in 1688.

At Revolution House, you can find out more about the Revolution of 1688 and there is also a collection of 17th Century furniture.

On Monday 2 May, professional Tudor minstrel Dante Ferrara will be performing at Revolution House. The instruments he will demonstrate are the lute, cittern, hurdy-gurdy, colascione and English bagpipes.

He will be performing five times throughout the day with the first performance at 11.15am and there will be the opportunity to ask him questions and take photographs with him.

More events will be hosted at Revolution House throughout the summer. Find out more details about upcoming events online at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revolutionhouse

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New ‘bubble tea’ shop open in Chesterfield

A new shop specialising in popular ‘bubble tea’ drinks has opened on Cavendish Street in Chesterfield Town Centre.

Boba Shack offers a huge range of ‘pick & mix’ bubble tea drinks options as well as a pre-mix menu for those that are unsure of what to order.

The beverage, which has become popular in recent years orginated in Taiwan. It is an iced fruit or milk tea drink which traditionally includes soft and chewy tapioca pearls. It has evolved over the years and now includes the addition of popping bubbles and various other fillings and toppings.

Boba Shack owner, Philip Price explained why the drink has rose to prominence: “It is essentially popular because it fills a gap in the market in terms of dink options. Consider someone wants a drink, either for refreshment or flavour. The options before bubble tea were essentially a canned or bottled drink from a shop or a cup of tea, coffee, or chocolate from a café. Bubble tea sits in the middle of these. Much more flavoursome and exciting than a can of pop and much more tuned to the younger market than a hot cup of coffee.”

Philip also explained how the idea to open the shop came about: “Myself and my business partner Steve Smith were looking for something new to do in Chesterfield afer a few years of virus affected businesses. I realised that over the past two years my daughter has been persuading me and her sister to drive her all the way to Meadowhall and back just to buy a bubble tea. It struck me that if something is so much of a draw then it must be something worth investigating.

“After a short period of research and analysis we decided that Chesterfield should be able to support its own bubble tea shop, even with a much smaller population than Sheffield. So we made the decision to open. Signed the lease for an empty shop on the 4th Feb and opened 15 days later on the 19th. There were a few very long days to make that happen.”

Both Philip and Steve are excited to be bringing another unique offer into Chesterfield Town Centre: “The response and feedback has been amazing. We’ve enjoyed queues outside the shop on numerous occasions in just our first few weeks of opening, and we’ve even been told that we are becoming a reason that people are visiting the town centre. A real destination of sorts for local people, which we feel is a great thing for the town centre and will help other businesses and traders.”

“I think we are seeing a small turn in attitude as new and exciting things start to appear on the town centre. We hope we can play our small part in revitalising the town centre. We are not a franchise or big brand. Just a couple of old blokes who live in Chesterfield and have a real passion to make it an exiting and vibrant town. We’ve invested a lot of time, effort and money into getting up and running, but hopefully, the wonderful people of Chesterfield will appreciate not having to travel for their Bubble Tea anymore.”

To find out more about the range of shops, bars, restaurants and visitor attractions in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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New game added at Chesterfield Escape Rooms

Chesterfield Escape Rooms has announced the launch of a new game, providing a new challenge to visitors at the attraction.

The new game, titled ‘The Cage’ has been added to the lineup, alongside existing titles ‘The Governor,’ ‘Rob the Bank,’ and ‘The Crazy Cat Lady.’

The game is set to give players a few frights along the way, with the game being set around an evil restaurant owner with a dark secret.

Owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms, Nick Hogan said he was delighted to be offering the new experience to customers: “We are only offering new games because the people of Chesterfield have supported us so far as nearly 7000 players have taken part so far.

“When we reached number 4 in the UK it was a real pinch yourself moment. The team were challenged to get into the top 20 rooms so to get so far has been unbelievable. The next time the Derbyshire Times posts the question, ‘What’s the best thing about Chesterfield?’ I am hoping someone says the Escape Rooms.”

Nick also explained when people can expect to see further development within the Games Quarter: “From an Escape room perspective, we may look to freshen things up late in 2022 but we want to get the CAGE firmly established as a fantastic experience and we may then look towards the next Xmas theme.

He also hopes that more people across Chesterfield will pay a visit to the attraction and give it a try: “So many people will say they don’t want to be locked in a room or confined space or are scared. There really isn’t anything to worry about. I would ask them to give us a call and talk through the options as to how we would make their experience a fantastic one.”

Chesterfield Escape Rooms supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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World famous Burning Man sculptures to arrive at Chatsworth this year

Huge sculptures from Burning Man, held in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, USA will be making their UK debut at Chatsworth this spring at an ambitious and free-to-access exhibition in the Derbyshire estate’s parkland.

Radical Horizons: The Art of Burning Man at Chatsworth is a large-scale exhibition in the publicly accessible 1000 acre park surrounding the house, which sees 12 monumental sculptures from Burning Man, going on display in the UK for the first time from 9 April to 1 October.

While Radical Horizons takes place in Chatsworth’s parkland, a second exhibition Living With Art We love: An exhibition presented by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire will be taking place inside the house from 26 March to 9 October.

It features favourite items from their acquisitions over the past 40 years, few of which have been on public display, including paintings, sculpture and furniture, and including some works from the historic collection with a section dedicated to Lucian Freud in that artist’s centenary.

The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing this celebratory programme for Chatsworth. The exhibition in the house is a marker in time – a record of our acquisitions that we want to share with others – while the sculptures in the park continue the great tradition of the estate as a backdrop for contemporary works. We very much hope that visitors find inspiration here in this special place.”

Radical Horizons: The Art of Burning Man at Chatsworth is an ambitious sculpture exhibition designed to celebrate a shared culture of making and collaboration. Burning Man is a unique event that usually takes place annually in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, USA, and Chatsworth has worked with the Burning Man team and artists to bring its distinctive culture of possibility and creativity to the Derbyshire landscape.

Chatsworth and Burning Man were introduced by Sotheby’s, who saw a synergy between the two organisations in their commitments to creativity and community.

The exhibition features eight existing sculptures and four works built on site, including three new participatory sculptures that will be created in the parkland with the help of visitors and local community groups over the course of the year, mirroring the build process at Burning Man that sees teams of volunteers gathering in the desert to create new artworks.

Free to access and enjoy for all, the exhibition also benefits from a dedicated engagement programme working with communities of people who generally find Chatsworth hard to access, offering activities designed to leave a legacy of creative possibility and new connections with people.

The Burning Man Project produces the annual Burning Man event in Black Rock City, and works year-round to extend and facilitate the culture that has grown from the event into the larger world.

Kim Cook, Director of Creative Initiatives at Burning Man, said: “We’ve come to understand Chatsworth as a place to foster innovation, creativity, thoughtfulness and thinkers since its early days, something that is also central to our work and ethos at Burning Man. Our hope is that the art in the landscape will provoke joy, new ways of viewing, and be an invitation to make up your own story about meaning as you explore the beautiful expanse of Chatsworth.”

Living With Art We Love

The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire are longstanding supporters of artists and makers alike and have collected works throughout their lives. This exhibition brings the artworks that they live with and love into the public areas of the house to share with visitors for the first time.

Specially selected objects include paintings, sculpture, furniture, ceramics and textiles. Contemporary artworks by Michael Craig Martin, Edmund de Waal, Natasha Daintry and Felicity Aylieff – artists actively collected and commissioned by the Duke and Duchess – are shown alongside historic art from the Devonshire Collections rarely seen in public, including major works by Poussin, Rembrandt and Boltraffio.

The exhibition also includes a special section on ‘Freud at Chatsworth’ dedicated to Lucian Freud, which sees all the artist’s paintings, drawings and prints in the Devonshire Collections on display together in his centenary year. These works span the entirety of Freud’s career and include the major themes of his oeuvre: portraits of his mother, partners, friends, family, and animals. Andrew Cavendish, 11th Duke of Devonshire, began collecting and commissioning work by Freud after the two men became friends in the late 1940s. Freud spent time at Chatsworth and in total painted six members of the 11th Duke’s family over a period of 20 years.

Alexandra Hodby, Senior Curator of Programme at Chatsworth, said: “It is wonderful to bring together this group of works, which represent the span of Freud’s life, and celebrate his relationship to the Cavendish family over many years. We’re grateful to private lenders, who have allowed us to bring back two paintings which were once part of the Devonshire Collections, and reunite them with the works at Chatsworth.”

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Matlock Farm Park’s George Finlay shortlisted for national tourism award

Matlock Farm Park’s George Finlay is celebrating after being announced as one of ten finalists in the running for the title of VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2022.

Organised by national tourist board VisitEngland and supported by The Mirror, the Tourism Superstar competition recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry.

The competition invites members of the public to visit mirror.co.uk/travel to watch a short film created for each of the ten finalists and then to vote for their favourite.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official destination management organisation, is now leading the campaign to encourage votes for George using the social media hashtag #VOTEGEORGE.

At just 22 years old, George goes above and beyond in his role at one of Derbyshire’s leading tourist attractions to ensure visitors have amazing and unforgettable experiences.

As Farm Supervisor at Matlock Farm Park, George’s responsibilities include running daily animal-based activities for the public – such as meerkat talks and wallaby encounters – looking after the health and welfare of animals and engaging with visitors around the park.

George is particularly passionate about sharing his love for animals with young audiences and he was nominated to be VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2022 because of the enthusiasm, passion, knowledge and dedication that he brings to his role – attributes that win him regular praise on TripAdvisor from visitors from across the UK.

As well as shining a spotlight on individuals who go the extra mile for tourists in the UK, this year’s Tourism Superstar competition also recognises the efforts made by teams across the industry in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2020, during the first Covid-19 lockdown when tourism businesses were closed to the public, George was inspired to create behind-the-scenes social media videos and a YouTube series to bring the farm park to visitors’ homes through the click of a button.

Matlock Farm Park TV has since reached thousands of views online, giving visitors the chance to go behind-the-scenes with entertaining and educational episodes that encourage young people to have a love for animals.

George Finlay, Farm Supervisor at Matlock Farm Park, says: “I am absolutely delighted to be representing the Peak District and Derbyshire in the national finals and to be nominated as Tourism Superstar is an amazing honour.

“I feel incredibly lucky to work in a job where I can share my passion for animals with visitors of all ages from across the UK and Europe, helping them to have rewarding experiences.

“Our amazing destination has so much to offer visitors, and if nothing else, I hope to shine a spotlight on the Peak District and Derbyshire and all it has to offer.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “With his knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication to giving visitors of all ages a great experience, George is a fantastic ambassador for the Peak District and Derbyshire’s tourism sector, and we’re absolutely thrilled to see him reach the final.

“This award recognises the people on the ground whose consistent vision and dedication ensures that visitors have a great experience and we encourage local residents, businesses and visitors alike to get behind him using #VOTEGEORGE.”

Watch George Finlay’s nomination video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSmwQU0uKq8.

Vote for George Finlay in the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar competition at mirror.co.uk/travel.

The voting closes on 22 March 2022 and the winning Tourism Superstar will be announced on 26 March 2022 at the end of English Tourism Week 2022 (18-27 March).

Follow the campaign progress on Facebook and Instagram at @visitpeakdistrict and on Twitter at @vpdd – and use the social media hashtag #VOTEGEORGE.

Matlock Farm Park and Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chatsworth is growing children’s confidence with new gardening club

Chatsworth is launching its first children’s gardening club to allow young budding growers to nurture their very own growing patch throughout the seasons.

The Little Pips Gardening Club for children aged 3-5 will be filled with hands-on sessions growing fruit, vegetables and flowers, as well as lots of creative activities to give nature a helping hand from making butterfly feeding stations and a wormery to planting bee-friendly plants.

The fortnightly club launches 7 March with a sunflower planting session with other seasonal activities lined up for the months ahead to include making a pea propagator in April; going on a bumblebee safari in May and harvesting pumpkins planted earlier in the year in October.

The sessions will take place in the outdoor learning centre, Chatsworth’s Stickyard, where the children will be growing their own produce in specially created raised beds for vegetables, fruit and flowers, and having a go at watering, weeding and making sure all the plants are happy.

Tina Carter, Landscape Engagement Facilitator for Chatsworth, said: “As well as the benefits of being outdoors for children’s wellbeing, teaching children to grow their own produce is a fantastic way to build confidence, have fun and introduce them to new fruits and vegetables.

“We are hoping children will come regularly enough to see all their work develop as the seasons change; there is nothing more rewarding than planting a tiny seed and then watching it transform into a huge pumpkin in the autumn.  The club will give our budding gardeners the chance to enjoy being outdoors, make friends and learn new skills while having fun.”

Chatsworth will also be encouraging families to get outdoors this half term with the opening of the farmyard from 19-27  February. Little ones can get face to face with the farmyard animals, enjoy animal handling sessions, take part in creative crafts and explore the winter woods in tractor and trailer rides at no additional cost.

Visitors can also cosy up by a fire with Chatsworth’s first-ever fire pit bake-offs taking place 22-23 February. Bakers can have a go at making tasty campfire bread and orange chocolate brownies over a fire-pit, before finishing with toasting marshmallows and a warming cup of hot chocolate.

With plenty of suitable trails for all ages and abilities, family members of all ages can take advantage of the free parking throughout the winter season and explore Chatsworth’s variety of parkland and woodland walks.

To complete the perfect winter family day out, a selection of Chatsworth’s cafes, restaurants and retail shops, including the estate farm shop, remain open all year round.

For more information please visit the Chatsworth website. Chatsworth House and Garden will reopen to visitors on 26 March 2022.

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Chesterfield Escape Rooms among the best in the UK according to Tripadvisor

Chesterfield Escape Rooms is celebrating success as the attraction has been listed among the top 10 best escape room attractions in the UK, according to reviews website TripAdvisor.

The business has shot up the rankings since its opening in Summer 2021, following hundreds of positive reviews on the site. At the time of writing, the escape room sits at number 5 in the UK rankings. You can see the list here.

Expressing his delight at the news, owner Nick Hogan said: “Living and working in a small town that encourages visitors, customer’s feedback and word of mouth referrals are so important. Trip advisor is also a huge area of interest for visitors to assess what to do when visiting the area so this was a key focus from Day 1.

“The team have been brilliant in ensuring that customers are made aware of our objective to be a top ranked Escape Room and its only with their help and support in providing on line feedback we have managed to achieve our goal. The team have to ensure they deliver a quality product every time and they have achieved that!

Nick also added that the ranking on TripAdvisor is positive news for the town as a whole, adding to Chesterfield’s visitor economy offer: “We can tell from our booking system that approximately 35-40% of our players are from outside of Chesterfield, with a growing number travelling in from Nottingham, Sheffield, Derby and even further afield! These players are using the Escape Rooms as one of the things to do in Chesterfield but then go onto to increase spend elsewhere in the local vicinity.

“There are 790 different locations offering over 2500 Escape Rooms in the UK so we are overwhelmed with the success to date. It was a real pinch yourself moment when we got into the top 5 as our target was to be a top 50 venue.

“Our next target is to consolidate our top 5 position and then try and build on it. We have a new game going into construction in February / March ready for Easter so with further support from our customers, we maybe be able to go a little higher. The visitor economy is so important to the town so the more attractions we get the better and we are delighted to be able to help out.”

Two other business have also opened in and around the Escape Rooms. Chesterfield Virtual Reality offers an arcade approach to Virtual Reality (for up to 4 players) and also offers VR Escape Rooms. Game Zone has also opened on the town, providing a mix of retro and modern day gaming in a social environment.

Those businesses, combined with the existing Geeks Headquarters on Soresby Street are coming together to offer varying solutions to the entertainment portfolio of the town in one place, all under the banner of Chesterfield Games quarter.

To find out more about the range of attractions in the Chesterfield Games Quarter, visit: www.chesterfieldgamesquarter.co.uk

Chesterfield Escape Rooms supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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