16 of the best family days out in the Peak District

Grab the whole family and enjoy the outdoors with these activities. 

If you’re visiting the Peak District with the little ones in tow, you may find they want to do more than just sample the scenic countryside views. That’s why we’ve collated a list of 10 top attractions for you to keep your kids entertained.

1. The Heights of Abraham

Get a great view 169 metres high over the Derwent Valley and surrounding countryside when you take a cable car at The Heights of Abraham. There’s plenty to see and do at the top, from adventure playgrounds and cavern tours to the fossil factory and heritage estate walks.

Find out more at: http://heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/the-cable-car

2. Speedwell Cavern

Head underground to Speedwell Cavern, where you’ll enjoy a boat trip under Castleton Hills to discover what life was like for the 18th century lead miners.

Find out more at: http://speedwellcavern.co.uk/

3. Gullivers Kingdom

Designed for children aged between two and 13 years, Gullivers Kingdom is a fun day out for the whole family. With over 60 attractions and experiences on offer, you’ll be hard pushed fitting it all into one day. From the pirates play area to the log flume, there’s something to suit all tastes.

Find out more at: https://www.gulliversfun.co.uk/matlock-bath

4. Blue John Cavern

Don your hiking boots and take the slippery journey down into the mines of Blue John Cavern where 4,000 year old bones await. Pose your questions to the cavern guides – they work on the maintenance and mining of the caverns during the winter so their knowledge is invaluable.

Find out more at: http://bluejohn-cavern.co.uk/

5. Creswell Crags

Discover artefacts dating back to the Ice Age at Creswell Crags. This limestone gorge tells the fascinating story of what life was like all of those years ago. Get up close and personal with 50,000 year old animal remains and stone tools.

Find out more at: http://www.creswell-crags.org.uk/

6. Cromford Mills

Book your place on a guided tour around Sir Richard Arkwright’s historic Cromford Mills. Browse our shops, or stroll along the Cromford Canal, before relaxing with a well-earned cup of tea and delicious slice of cake in one of the on-site restaurants.

Find out more at: http://cromfordmills.org.uk/content/plan-your-visit

7. Alton Towers

Kids of all ages will love a trip to Alton Towers theme park. So whether you’re four or 44, scout out your favourite rides; from rollicking rollercoasters to the tamer teacups, there’s something to suit all tastes.  With an on-site hotel, why not stay over and visit the park the next day for free?

Find out more at: http://www.altontowers.com/

8. The Chestnut Centre

For a fun, educational wildlife experience, take your parents to The Chestnut Centre where you’ll learn all about deer, otters and owls. Ask your parents nicely and they may sign you up for one of the Keeper Experience Days where you’ll spend the day working as an animal keeper – with a little help from the resident experts of course.

Find out more at: http://www.chestnutcentre.co.uk/

9. Conkers

Boasting 120 acres of indoor and outdoor adventure and more than 100 interactive exhibits, Conkers is a great family day out. The Enchanted Forest is a must-visit; swing your way through the trees and discover the secrets of the forest. This fantastic attraction is open all year-round, whatever the weather so you’ll never be stuck for something to do.

Find out more at: http://visitconkers.com/

 

10. Chatsworth

Chatsworth offers a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy, from the exquisite and opulent rooms of Chatsworth House to the luscious gardens and family-friendly farmyard. so dress up in period costume and take a step back in time.

Find out more at: http://www.chatsworth.org/

 

11. Chatsworth House, Gardens, Park, Farmyard & Adventure Playground

Chatsworth park covers 1000 acres and is home to red and fallow deer, sheep, cattle and many wild animals.   It offers a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy. Take a walk and picnic in the park or explore the house and gardens.  Children love the working farmyard and adventure playground, a chance to meet the animals, explore and play all day.
www.chatsworth.org/

 

12. Peveril Castle

Founded soon after 1066 by William Peverel, one of William the Conqueror’s most trusted knights, the ruins of Peveril Castle stand high above the pretty village of Castleton in the heart of the Peak District.  Mentioned in the Domesday survey, Peveril Castle is one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses. Journey back in time with events to experience the sights and sounds of Medieval England.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/peveril-castle/

 

13. Treak Cliff Cavern

An underground adventure to the see the Witch’s Cave where deposits of Blue John Stone are revealed. Descend deeper into the hill where you will experience underground limestone cave formations, the Aladdin’s Cave and the stalactites and stalagmites that decorate Fairyland and the Dream Cave.  Your guide will explain where Blue John Stone came from, how rushing water made the caverns and how stalactites are formed.

www.bluejohnstone.com

 

14. Pooles Cavern & Country Park

Explore the beautiful country park and woodlands with a stroll to Grin Low and Solomon’s Temple viewpoint with superb views of the Peak District. Go underground to view the vast limestone caverns and see how crystal stalactites and stalagmites have lined the chambers over millions of years all illuminated with paved walkways and handrails throughout.

For a more extreme experience try the forest high wire adventure course on GO APE.

www.poolescavern.co.uk/

 

15. Peak Rail

Journey back in time and enjoy a nostalgic train ride operating between Matlock and Rowsley South Stations. Steam services operate throughout the year together with a host of various special events. From May – September the picnic area will be open where children can play with large outdoor games (subject to the weather.

www.peakrail.co.uk

 

16. Crich Tramway Museum

Take a tram ride through time at Crich Tramway Village, home of The National Tramway Museum.  Ride vintage trams through a unique period street and out into the open countryside for spectacular views.  Take a stroll along the Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail and a trip to the Red Lion Pub, tearooms and shops. We have a tram which is adapted to carry wheelchairs and dogs on leads are welcome.
www.tramway.co.uk

 

 

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