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

Derbyshire is home to some wonderful historic houses, gardens and estates, many of which work beautifully for a family day out. From grand halls and landscaped gardens to woodland walks, children’s trails, cafes and seasonal events, these places offer something for different generations to enjoy together. They’re ideal for a slower-paced day during your stay, especially if you want somewhere that combines history, fresh air and a good lunch or coffee stop.

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 


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

For groups who want a bigger day out, there are several theme parks, adventure centres and activity-led attractions within reach. From rollercoasters and treetop challenges to outdoor pursuits and adrenaline-filled group activities, these are great options for families with older children, mixed-age groups, hen and stag weekends, or anyone who wants to add something more energetic to their stay.

Alton Towers

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.

Museums & Heritage

Derbyshire has a rich mix of museums, heritage attractions and places that bring local history to life. From industrial heritage and historic mills to transport museums, mining history and family-friendly exhibitions, these are great options for curious children, multi-generational groups or rainy days when you still want to get out and explore.

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.

Peak District Lead Mining Museum

Matlock Bath, DE4 3NR
A great rainy-day option bringing Derbyshire’s lead-mining history to life.

Outdoor Adventures

For families who like to get outside, Derbyshire has plenty of ways to add fresh air, movement and a bit of adventure to your stay. From treetop trails and caves to climbing, cycling, watersports and countryside activity centres, these are great options for children, teenagers and mixed-age groups who want something more energetic than a traditional day out.

Carsington Water 

Carsington, DE4 4EF
A great family day out, with waterside walks, cycling routes, wildlife, picnic spots, a visitor centre, cafes, shops and a children’s adventure playground.

Matlock Bath Boats

Matlock DE4 3NR
Matlock Bath Boats offers a gentle River Derwent boat experience, with pedalos, rowing boats and a larger solar-powered motor boat for groups.

Dovedale Stepping Stones

Ashbourne, DE6 2AY
Iconic stepping stones across the River Dove — perfect for family walks.

Tissington Trail

Ashbourne, DE6
A traffic-free trail for walking and cycling.


Ready to Start Planning Your Stay?

Whether you’re organising a family celebration, countryside retreat, walking weekend or group getaway with friends, we’d love to help you find the right property for your stay.

Our collection of large group houses across Derbyshire and near the Peak District has been carefully chosen to bring people together in beautiful surroundings — with space to relax, celebrate and create memorable weekends away.

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