Peak District and Derbyshire

The Peak District and Derbyshire are a paradise for family holidays and breaks if you enjoy walking, cycling and mountain-biking and/or adventure sports for all ages – lots of the trails here are geared for younger walkers and riders.

But it's not all about exercise and adrenaline: stunning scenery and natural wonders abound here, in the form of caves, wildlife and nature reserves, while you can also a trip back in time with rides on trams, carriages or steam trains or by visiting one of several historic houses.

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What to Do

Visit Chatsworth House, the historic 'jewel in the crown' of the Peak District, with a wonderful farmyard and woodland adventure playground. See also our feature on a family break on the Chatsworth Estate.

Venture into Poole’s Cavern in Buxton, Derbyshire's most spectacular natural showcave, described as 'The First Wonder of the Peak'. Guided tours take you through spacious illuminated chambers with unique crystal formations. There are also woodland trails with panoramic Peak District views plus a Go Ape high-wire forest adventure course.

Explore award-winning Carsington Water, a haven for watersports enthusiasts, with canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. You can also stroll around the lakeside and enjoy the play areas around the visitor centre. See our feature on a family break in the Peak District including a visit to Carsington Water.

Discover the Heights of Abraham, a unique park on top of a dramatic limestone gorge at Matlock Bath, accessed by cable-car and including two show caverns and play and picnic areas. Matlock Baths also has a small aquarium and a small theme-park.

Where to Stay

Self-catering is the big draw of the Peak District and Derbyshire and in fact the very essence of family holidays here, from sleeping under the stars in rural campsites to self-catering cottages, perhaps on the Chatsworth Estate itself. Or try Hoseasons' Darwin Forest Country Park.

When

The Peak District and Derbyshire have a changing appeal through the seasons, from warm summer evenings spent outside to autumnal walks through ancient woods and cosy winter evenings in front of a roaring log fire. In spring, there can be few greater pleasures than striking out across the moors or the stepping stones of Dovedale. There's plenty to do indoors too, but in winter many attractions do close for a few months.

How

The Peak District and Derbyshire have one of the best rural transport networks (buses and trains) in Britain, so it is possible to explore the area without a car.

There are regular trains from cities neighbouring the Peak District, including Manchester, Sheffield and Derby. Or the TransPeak bus service between Manchester and Nottingham runs through the heart of the Peak District, stopping at larger towns and attractions. 

Eat

The Peak District and Derbyshire are full of wonderful country pubs, restaurants and tea-rooms serving local specialities including Bakewell Pudding. Locally grown farm produce, available from the many farmers' markets and shops dotting the area, is great for self-catering family holidays or breaks.

Cost

As you're most likely to camp or stay in a self-catering cottage in the Peak District and Derbyshire, it can be a great-value destination for family holidays. The cost of many of the attractions does need to be taken into account, however.

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