1891
Established
29
Schools in 2024
368
Holidays in 2024
Welcome to Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre
Since 1891, Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has given children facing challenging circumstances in their daily lives, the chance to experience something many of us take for granted – a holiday by the sea. We are a small but determined Derbyshire charity with a big impact, built on the belief that every child deserves joy, adventure, and memories to cherish.
Why we do what we do
Too many children in Derbyshire are growing up in poverty or difficult circumstances. Many will never enjoy a holiday, feel sand between their toes, or experience carefree time away from daily struggles. These missed opportunities don’t just take away fun – they limit confidence, wellbeing, and hope for the future.
What we do about it
We provide free, fully supported seaside holidays at our centre in Skegness. Here, children are cared for by our dedicated staff and volunteers, enjoy good food, laughter, trips to the beach, and activities that nurture their confidence, resilience, and friendships. These holidays give children a break from challenges at home and the chance to return happier, more confident, and ready to thrive.
Why we are needed
For many children, this is their very first holiday. The difference is lasting – they come home with memories, smiles, and a sense that they matter. With rising child poverty, our work is more needed now than ever.
How you can help change a child’s life
Donate – just £384 funds a holiday for one child. You can do this by using either our ‘Go Fund Me‘ or ‘Just Giving‘ appeal pages,
Fundraise – take on a challenge, hold an event, or join one of our campaigns.
Volunteer – give your time at our centre or support us locally. Email: [email protected]
Partner with us – schools, businesses, and community groups can work with us to bring hope to children.
How you can help change a child’s life
- Connect & share with others – follow our journey on social media as we plan for a brighter future. Share our mission and story to help us raise awareness.
Share your story – have you or a close family member visited our Centre for a holiday? Share your story with us – we would love to hear from you! Email us [email protected]
Come along and join in – look at our events page to see what’s going on, where and when, come along, have a chat about what we are up to and how you might be able to help.Together, we can continue to make a lasting difference in their lives. Every contribution, big or small, creates brighter futures for Derbyshire’s children.
Our Story
135 Years of Changing Children’s Lives
For 135 years, Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has been helping children discover the joy, freedom and wonder of a seaside holiday. Since 1891, thousands of Derbyshire children facing poverty, family difficulties, bereavement, caring responsibilities, disability, or other challenges have been given the opportunity to escape their everyday worries and enjoy a few precious days by the sea.
Today, that mission is just as important as it was 135 years ago.
Why We Need Your Help
Many of the children we support have never had a holiday. Some have never seen the sea. Others are carrying worries that no child should have to face.
A holiday may sound simple, but for a child it can be transformational. A week away means:-
* Making new friends
* Building confidence and independence
* Learning new skills
* Having fun and feeling cared for
* Creating happy memories that last a lifetime
Most importantly, it gives children the chance to simply be children.
“I didn’t want to come home. It was the best week of my life.”
The Difference You Can Make
In 2026, we restarted our holiday programme and children are once again paddling in the sea, building sandcastles, exploring new places and discovering new confidence in themselves.
Every donation to our 135th Anniversary Appeal will help provide free residential holidays for Derbyshire children aged 6–11.
* £5 helps provide treats and activities.
* £15 helps cover food and transport.
* £32 a month can fund an entire holiday place over a year.
* £380 can give one child a complete life-changing holiday.
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate 135 years of service, we are not simply looking back at our history we are building the next chapter.
With your support, we can ensure that many more children experience the magic of the seaside, the kindness of caring adults, and the opportunity to flourish.
Be Part of Our Story
Whether you donate £5 or £500, every gift helps create brighter futures for Derbyshire children.
Please support our 135th Anniversary Appeal today and help us continue changing lives for another 135 years.
Thank you for helping Derbyshire’s children flourish!
Facebook Posts
Contact Us Today
Some of Our Valued Supporters
Many thanks to the Mastroianni family and customers for all your donations into the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre yellow collection tins which you have in your ice cream vans.
This summer Mastroianni Ice’s and antoniosices.com collected £178.86 for us. Over the years the family have raised over £1,419.29 in this way, which is fantastic!
Having your support makes a huge difference to us.
All our income is from donations and gifts so we are very grateful for the part you play in enabling us to give free holidays for the children of Derbyshire who otherwise wouldn't get one.
Thanks again to everyone that has purchased an ice cream and popped their change into the yellow tins, it is very much appreciated. ... See MoreSee Less
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✨ A special night out that helps give children a seaside holiday! ✨
There’s still time to book your tickets for the High Sheriff of Derbyshire’s Charity Black Tie Dinner, supporting Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.
Gather your friends, family or colleagues and join us for a delicious three-course Indian meal, a raffle with fabulous prizes and an auction with unique items to bid for.
📅 Friday 16 October 2026
📍 Occasions, Wilmot Street, Derby, DE1 2JW
🕡 Arrival at 6.30pm, seated for 7pm
🎟️ £60 per person
Every ticket helps us provide free seaside holidays for children from Derby and Derbyshire facing difficult circumstances—giving them time to play, build friendships and make happy memories.
Book your tickets today:
derbyshirechildrensholidaycentre.beaconforms.com/form/c155e0e1
Please share this post and help us fill the room for a wonderful cause!
#DCHC #Derbyshire #CharityDinner ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Following the success of our Simon and Garfunkel event back in April 2026, we are absolutely delighted to be hosting The Seekers event.
Our talented duo, Backstory will take you on a journey stepping back into the Swinging Sixties combining captivating storytelling, stunning live guitar and glorious harmonies to bring the music and memories of the era vividly to life.
This show features The Seekers, the sparkling harmony group that unexpectedly took the pop world by storm with irresistible hits like Georgy Girl, Morningtown Ride and The Carnival is Over.
Backstory guarantee an evening of pure nostalgia. Smile, reminisce, sing along and relive the soundtrack of your youth!
Places are limited to 85 at £15 per person, to book please use the link here:-
derbyshirechildrensholidaycentre.beaconforms.com/form/e1dd0a08
WHEN IS IT? | FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2026
WHERE IS IT? | RAYGAR STADIUM BELPER FOOTBALL STADIUM
WHAT TIME IS IT? | 7PM UNTIL 11PM
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? | £15.00 PER TICKET
On the night there'll be a charity raffle, so please bring £5 for the raffle (like last time we will have an envelope for each person on the table to pop money in). We’d likely also do Heads and Tails as well, depending on time etc.
A truly wonderful evening awaits and whilst you have fun you’re helping to raise funds for the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre in Skegness. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
This is an amazing event which I most definitely will be joining. @followers Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre Derby Nomad Ramblers
Why do we do what we do?
We know that the seaside breaks our charity provides are very important for hundreds of children and their families every year.
That's why it's been brilliant to get so much positive feedback from parents whose children have had a fabulous time away with us in 2026.
We think the smile on this holiday centre guest's face says it all - and the comment from a parent about their child's stay puts a big smile on our face, too.
Thanks once again to Mark Averill from 'AV IT Media for the wonderful photos. They remind us of the sunshine! ... See MoreSee Less
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🙏 Today's thank you goes to Corey Dobson. 🙏
At ten years old, Corey's already raised thousands of pounds for us!
As many of our supporters know, Corey's a junior ambassador for our charity having enjoyed some great stays as a guest of ours in the past.
Keen to give back, last year he raised £2,000 for us with a walking challenge and some bake sales at his school.
But Corey's not one to sit still and this year he's completed an incredible ONE MILLION STEPS for us, completed in eight weeks and three days.
Corey's latest efforts have raised more than £350 (including Gift Aid) and we're very grateful to him and his mum Angie Dobson who supports him all the way.
Corey and Angie - thank you. ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Hes so happy he did it quicker than we both said! And hes very much looking forward to being invited for another stay with you all. ☺️☺️☺️ Hopefully something different to walking next time 😂😂
Well done Corey and Angie. You're both amazing xx
Well done Corey 👏👏👏
This week we're all about saying thank you.
And on that note ... what a truly uplifting and memorable afternoon at the High Peak Civic Service!
We're delighted this year to be one of the nominated charities of The Mayor of High Peak, Cllr Barbara Anne Hastings-Asatourian
The Mayor's High Peak Civic Service at St James' Church in Glossop, delivered around the vital themes of community and inclusion, was lovely, funny, and deeply inspiring.
Reverend Chris Nelson led the congregation on a wonderful journey, sharing reflective and light-hearted stories that kept everyone engaged and provided hope, with a moment to pause and think.
From the distinguished guests and upbeat hymns to the powerful readings and poetry, the atmosphere was unforgettable.
The musical performances were a huge highlight, with two beautiful choir pieces, including a moving rendition of You Will Be Found from Dear Evan Hansen, and a closing song from the Let’s Sing Community Choir, whose powerful performance of Something Inside So Strong brought a tear to many eyes on the day.
So many friends commented afterwards that the service was a perfect reflection of Barbara herself: warm, welcoming, and community-minded.
The afternoon was wrapped up with a collection for the Mayor's chosen charities - of which we are proud to be one - a prayer and blessing, and a delicious afternoon tea provided by Zadie Bakery in Buxton.
It was a delightful, sunny autumn Sunday that truly warmed our hearts and brought a sense of peace to everyone.
Michelle Breffitt, one of our charity trustee members, who is also a former attendee of ours when she was a young girl, said: “It was an absolute honour to attend in support of the Mayor of High Peak, Cllr Barbara Hastings-Asatourian, who has so generously chosen us as one of her designated charities for the year.”
🙏 Thank you, Mayor, for your kindness and support! 🙏 ... See MoreSee Less
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