Local Family-Friendly Attractions
Derbyshire is a playground for families, filled with adventures big and small. From stately homes with farmyards and playgrounds, to thrilling theme parks, heritage railways, caves, and wide-open countryside, there’s something here to excite every age group. Staying at Peak and Dale Places puts you close to some of the region’s best days out — whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teenagers, or grandparents too.
To help you plan, we’ve grouped together some of our favourite family attractions by activity type, so you can find the perfect mix of history, adventure, and fresh air during your stay.
Historic Houses & Gardens
Chatsworth House & Farmyard – Baslow, DE45 1PP
Grand stately home with farmyard animals, adventure playground, and acres of gardens.
Haddon Hall – Bakewell, DE45 1LA
Romantic medieval manor house with beautiful gardens and family events.
Hardwick Hall (National Trust) – Chesterfield, S44 5QJ
An Elizabethan masterpiece built by Bess of Hardwick.
Thornbridge Hall – Ashford in the Water, DE45 1NZ
Historic hall with stunning gardens, play areas, and a welcoming café.
Theme Parks & Adventure Days
Alton Towers Resort – Alton, ST10 4DB
Famous theme park with roller coasters and CBeebies Land for younger children.
Gulliver’s Kingdom – Matlock Bath, DE4 3PG
Rides, play zones, and shows designed for families with kids aged 2–13.
Heights of Abraham – Matlock Bath, DE4 3NT
Cable car rides, cavern tours, play areas, and stunning views.
Go Ape Buxton – Buxton, SK17 9DH
Treetop adventure course with zip wires and climbing challenges.
Farms & Wildlife
Matlock Farm Park – Matlock, DE4 5LH
Feed animals, ride ponies, and enjoy play areas.
Peak Wildlife Park – Leek, ST13 7QR
Walk among penguins, lemurs, and wallabies.
Bluebell Dairy – Derby, DE21 7AR
Meet farm animals, enjoy play zones, and try award-winning ice cream
Museums & Heritage
Crich Tramway Village – Crich, DE4 5DP
Ride vintage trams through a recreated historic village.
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – Wirksworth, DE4 4FB
Heritage train rides through the Derbyshire countryside.
Cromford Mills – Cromford, DE4 3RQ
UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of the modern factory.
Bolsover Castle – Chesterfield, S44 6PR
Dramatic castle ruins with family trails and reenactments.
Sudbury Hall & The Museum of Childhood – Ashbourne, DE6 5HT
Explore stately rooms alongside a hands-on museum for children.
Outdoor Adventures
Carsington Water – DE6 1ST
Watersports, cycling, birdwatching, and adventure playgrounds.
Tissington Trail – Ashbourne, DE6
A traffic-free trail for walking and cycling.
Monsal Trail – Bakewell, DE45
Cycle or walk through old railway tunnels and scenic dales.
Dovedale & The Stepping Stones – Near Ashbourne, DE6 2AY
Iconic stepping stones across the River Dove — perfect for family walks.