Water Sports & Action Activities
If you’re looking for more adventure during your stay, Derbyshire offers plenty of opportunities to get active. From sailing and paddleboarding on the water to climbing, caving, shooting, and high ropes courses in the hills, there’s something for every age and ability. Staying at Peak & Dale Places puts you close to some of the region’s best outdoor activity centres — perfect for families, groups, and corporate retreats.
Water Sports
Carsington Sports & Leisure – Carsington Water, DE6 1ST | Tel: 01629 540478
A hub for watersports including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Tuition and equipment hire available for all abilities.
Peak Paddlesports – Matlock & Cromford | Tel: 07747 561351
Guided kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding trips along the River Derwent and local reservoirs.
Tittesworth Water Sports Centre – Leek, ST13 8SW | Tel: 01538 300741
A friendly centre offering sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and raft building with expert instructors.
Trent Adventure – Near Burton-on-Trent, DE65 6BW | Tel: 01283 703617
Canoe and kayak trips on the River Trent — ideal for half-day or full-day family adventures.
Matlock Rowing Boats – Hall Leys Park, Matlock, DE4 3AR | Tel: 07815 108860
Traditional rowing boats for hire on the River Derwent in central Matlock. A relaxed family activity.
Action & Adventure Activities
Peaks & Paddles – Matlock | Tel: 07896 213347
Family-friendly caving, abseiling, and climbing experiences led by qualified instructors.
Go Ape Buxton – Buxton, SK17 9DH | Tel: 01603 895500
Treetop challenge with high ropes, zip wires, and obstacle courses.
Acclimbatize Adventure Activities – Based in Matlock | Tel: 07919 892 549
Specialist outdoor company offering rock climbing, gorge scrambling, and abseiling.
Harboro Rocks Clay Pigeon Shooting – Brassington, DE4 4ES | Tel: 01629 540244
A friendly shooting school set in the beautiful Peak District countryside, offering clay pigeon shooting for beginners and experienced shots alike.
Outdoor & Wild Swimming
Derbyshire has some wonderful places to enjoy a dip surrounded by nature. Whether you prefer a safe open-air pool or a wilder river spot, there are options for both confident swimmers and those who’d like a gentler experience.
New Bath Hotel & Spa Open-Air Pool – Matlock Bath, DE4 3PX
A historic open-air thermal pool fed by natural mineral springs.
Hathersage Open Air Swimming Pool – Hathersage, S32 1DU
Heated outdoor pool with views of Stanage Edge and the Hope Valley.
Wild Swimming in the River Derwent – Popular safe entry points can be found around Matlock Bath and Chatsworth Estate (always check conditions before swimming).
Youlgreave Swimming Holes – Near Bakewell, DE45
The River Bradford runs through this pretty village, offering calm pools and shallow paddling spots, perfect for families.
Cromford Canal (paddling/wading for little ones) – Cromford, DE4
While not suitable for full swimming, its shallow banks make for safe paddling and splashing on hot days.
⚠️ Note: Always check water safety signs, supervise children, and avoid swimming after heavy rain when currents are stronger.
Bushcraft & Survival Activities in Derbyshire
If you’d like to try something a little different, Derbyshire offers plenty of ways to reconnect with nature and learn practical outdoor skills. Bushcraft and survival schools are a fantastic way for families, groups of friends, or corporate teams to bond while learning everything from fire-lighting to shelter building.
These experiences take place in woodland settings around the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District, making the most of the countryside right on your doorstep.
Peaks & Paddles Adventure Activities – Matlock | Tel: 07896 213347
In addition to caving and climbing, they offer family-friendly bushcraft sessions including fire-lighting and outdoor cooking.
Acclimbatize – Matlock | Tel: 07919 892549
Outdoor adventure specialists offering bespoke team events, including survival skills and orienteering.
Wild Bushcraft Company – Buxton area
A dedicated bushcraft school offering full-day and overnight experiences: knife skills, shelter building, fire-lighting, and wild cooking.
Woodland Ways – Derbyshire / Midlands
One of the UK’s largest bushcraft schools, with courses from half-day family sessions to advanced survival expeditions.