Last updated on November 8th, 2024 at 12:35 pm
Our recent stay in the Peak District, Derbyshire, made us all fall in love with this beautiful part of England. We were lucky enough to stay for a week and (following extensive research, of course) managed to pack a lot into our stay. This guide to fun things to do in Derbyshire for families and kids will more than have you covered for your visit!
Located in the heart of England, Derbyshire offers a huge range of opportunities for outdoor adventures and visits to historic sites. There are also plenty of quirky finds: we’ve got a few unusual things to do in Derbyshire featured below.
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35 Fun Things To Do In Derbyshire For Families
From hikes in the rugged Peak District National Park to cave exploring and afternoon tea in Derbyshire’s prettiest villages, there’s no shortage of excitement awaiting you. Here are our top things to do in Derbyshire:
Outdoor Pursuits in the Peak District
Derbyshire is the ideal location for you if you love the great outdoors. Here are some ideas for the top things to do in Derbyshire for families if the weather’s good!
If you have limited time and would prefer to book a Peak District tour for the day, this one comes highly recommended:
✅ Book HERE for Derbyshire and Peak District Day Trip
1. Cycle the Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail is the perfect place to plan a family cycle ride. Not only is it safe (it’s car-free), but it’s absolutely beautiful! The trail stretches 8.5 miles long, but there are several points connecting to it. Passing over the Headstone Viaduct is a highlight!
We began our bike ride from Hassop Station, where you can hire bikes and have lunch in the cafe before heading out on your cycle. Parking is also available here.
The Monsal trail is flat the whole way (perfect for me) – so you can take pushchairs and smaller children too. Millers Dale Station on the Monsal Trail also offers the opportunity of a refreshment stop and toilets if needed.
Address (Hassop Station): Hassop Road, Bakewell DE45 1NW
Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm every day
2. Abseil at Miller’s Dale Bridge
Children from the age of 8 can take part in this fun, exhilarating way to admire the beauty of the Peak District. This activity is suitable for both beginners and experienced abseilers.
You’ll be with an instructor and in a small group of no more than eight people. All equipment provided.
The meeting point is Millers Dale station, by the Monsal Trail – so you can book to abseil before or after your Monsal Trail cycle (see above)!
Address (Millers Dale Station): Wormhill, Buxton SK17 8SN
Opening Hours: Sessions are at 9.30 am and 1 pm
✅ Book HERE for Abseiling at Miller’s Dale Bridge
3. Head to the Heights of Abraham
One of Derbyshire’s oldest attractions (opened in 1787 and a favourite with Victorians), the Heights of Abraham makes for a great family day out and is one of the top things to do in Matlock Derbyshire. Your visit starts with a cable car adventure up to the Heights (expect a queue for this in high season). Kids will enjoy the novelty, and you’ll be treated to some great views.
At the top, you’ll find two underground caves (tours go regularly), two play areas, a woodland walk, a cafe and restaurant, a museum and an exhibition centre. In good weather, you can easily spend the day here.
Check out our guide to visiting the Heights of Abraham for more details.
Address: Dale Road, Matlock Bath DE4 3NT
Opening Hours: 10 am until 4.30 pm (5 pm in summer)
4. Explore Haddon Hall
Not far from Bakewell is Haddon Hall, a well-preserved Tudor manor house with fantastic gardens. Haddon Hall has been used for a number of films, including Jane Eyre, Mary Queen of Scots, The Other Boleyn Girl and The Princess Bride.
Enjoy guided wildlife tours of the medieval gardens, or free children’s guided tours (focusing on quirky facts and features of the hall and its history) in the summer holidays. Archery classes for kids are also available on Tuesdays throughout the summer holidays.
Address: Haddon Hall, Bakewell DE45 1LA
Opening Hours: 10 am until 4 pm (4.30 pm in summer)
5. Go on a Peak District Treasure Hunt
Try this fun treasure hunt to find famous sights and hidden gems in Derbyshire. Your prize, or ‘treasure’ at the end is a pub – with a discount, especially for you!
✅ Book HERE for the Peak District Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt
Address: The Treasure Hunt begins at Speedwell Cavern (Winnats Pass, Castleton S33 8WA)
Opening Hours: You can do the treasure hunt any time between 10 am and 7 pm
6. Get Active at Go Ape Buxton
Derbyshire is probably one of the best places to climb up to the canopy and enjoy those Peak District views. Enjoy the Treetop Challenge (for kids over 10) in a fantastic location. Buxton’s Go Ape is one of the highest courses to be built – making it all the more easy to see Buxton and the surrounding countryside.
Go Ape Buxton is very close to Poole’s Cavern, another Derbyshire limestone ‘show cave’. Combine your visit to Go Ape with the cavern, or take a look around the spa town famous for its bottled water.
Address: Buxton Country Park, Pooles Cavern, Green Lane, Buxton SK17 9DH
Opening Hours: 10 am to 2 pm weekdays, 10 am to 3 pm weekends
7. Head Out on a Pony Trekking Adventure
This pony trekking adventure at Creswell Crags, near Worksop (on the Derbyshire/ Nottinghamshire county border) is perfect for animal lovers and is a great activity for families with kids. You’ll get to experience the impressive limestone gorge as you explore the trails through farmland and forests on horseback.
✅ Book HERE for Pony Trekking Adventure
Address (Meeting Point): Bankhouse Farm, Creswell, Worksop S80 4BD
Opening Hours: 9.30 am to 8 pm weekdays (and till 6 pm weekends)
8. Be a Thrill-Seeker at Alton Towers
Alton Towers is the UK’s biggest theme park, known for rides such as The Smiler, Wicker Man and Thirteen. It’s not all thrill rides, though. There’s CBeebies land too for younger children.
You can even stay at the Alton Towers theme park and enjoy access to its water park and golf course.
Address: Farley Lane, Alton ST10 4DB
Opening Hours: 10 am until 6 pm during school holidays and weekends; 10 am until 4 pm off-season
9. Have a Family Day Out at Gullivers Kingdom
Gullivers Kingdom is a smaller theme park located in Matlock Bath – it’s great for families with younger kids. New for 2024 are the Upside Down House and Safari Kingdom. For cheaper tickets, visit after 2 pm.
Address: Temple Walk, Matlock Bath DE4 3PG
Opening Hours: 10.30 am until 5 pm
10. Visit Eyam Village (The Plague Village)
Eyam has a sad and sobering history, but a visit here offers a fascinating insight into the impact of the 1665 plague on this small village and its inhabitants. A box of fabric was brought to Eyam by a tailor from London – and with it also came the plague. 260 out of the 800 villagers died. The villagers were quarantined to avoid the spread of the disease – cut off from neighbouring villages such as Stoney Middleton nearby.
Eyam Museum is worth a visit – it gives a good overview of the causes and impact of the plague as well as the thoughts and perceptions which abounded during the 1600s about it. You can also visit Eyam Hall and stop at Eyam tea rooms, before taking a walk past the ‘Plague Cottages’ and on to the Boundary Stone – where villagers were not allowed to pass. Spot the holes which have been drilled into the stone for coins soaked in vinegar to be left – to pay those from the neighbouring village prepared to leave food and other essentials for them.
Address (Eyam Museum/ Car Park): Hawkhill Road, Eyam, Hope Valley S32 5QP
Opening Hours (Museum): 10 am until 4 pm (closed in December and January)
11. Take a Dip at Hathersage Open Air Pool
Hathersage is a heated outdoor swimming pool and it’s been in use for nearly 100 years. It’s a great place to go for a swim in the warmer months (or if you’re ok with a bracing swim in the colder ones). It has hot showers you can use for after your swim, changing rooms and a cafe on site. You can book in advance online to secure your spot during the busy summer months.
Address: Oddfellows Road, Hathersage, Hope Valley S32 1DU
Opening Hours: 7 am until 9 pm during summer months. Check the Hathersage Open Air Pool website for the winter timetable
12. Go to Elvaston Castle Country Park
There’s a play area and sculpture trail for kids to enjoy, as well as 321 acres of parkland, a lake and a nature reserve to explore. This is known to be the first country park in England and it’s a great place to take a picnic and enjoy being surrounded by nature.
The castle isn’t often open to visitors, but there’s a gift shop and tea rooms nearby. Check the website as they do sometimes have activity days for children planned.
Address: Borrowash Road, Elvaston, Derby DE72 3EP
Opening Hours: 9 am until 8 pm
13. Try Watersports at Rapid Horizons
If you’re a family who enjoys some adventure, add Rapid Horizons to your to-do list. There are lots of activities to choose from here. You could try kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, tubing or paddleboarding – or you could book a rock climbing session if you’d prefer to keep dry!
You can personalise your adventure, depending on what you and your family want to try and book a full day of combined activities.
Address: The Hill, Wirksworth, Matlock DE4 3QL
Opening Hours: 9 am until 5 pm
14. Visit Hardwick Hall and Gardens
Hardwick Hall is a National Trust property from the Elizabethan era. During the spring and summer months, there’s normally lots on for children – including open-air cinema, outdoor theatre, food festivals and planned activities for kids.
Enjoy taking a look around the house before exploring the gardens. There’s a cafe, but it’s worth bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds when the weather’s warmer.
Address: Hardwick Gardens, Doe Lea, Chesterfield S44 5QJ
Opening Hours: 9 am until 6 pm
Indoor Fun in the Peak District
However beautiful Derbyshire’s countryside is, the weather doesn’t always play nicely in England. Here are some of the best things to do in Derbyshire when it rains:
15. Stop at Peak District Mining Museum
The Peak District Mining Museum in Matlock Bath is a great way to spend a couple of hours when it’s rainy outside. There’s lots for kids to see and do here and the museum also includes a real historic underground lead mine (Temple mine) to explore. Tickets for tours of the mine are limited, so book ahead for these.
Address: 196 S Parade, Matlock DE4 3NR
Opening Hours: 11 am until 4 pm
16. Go Underground at Treak Cliff Cavern
There are a number of ‘show caves’ in Derbyshire. They largely started out as lead mines, but once the lead ran out, these caves moved on to being places of interest for tourists and some have been popular since the 1700s. Treak Cliff Cavern is special and worth a visit due to the prevalence of Blue John Stone (found only in Derbyshire).
Treak Cliff Cavern offers a fantastic family experience and one of the most unusual things to do in Derbyshire. Book ahead to visit the caves, mine your own Blue John Stone and turn it into the jewellery of your choice in the workshop here – all overseen by an expert.
Take a look at our guide to visiting Treak Cliff Cavern for more details.
Address: Buxton Road, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WP
Opening Hours: 10 am until 4 pm
17. Ride the Peak Rail Steam Train
Fancy a ride on a steam train? You’re in the right place. You can ride on one across 4 miles of track between Rowsley South and Matlock (a section of the old Midland Railway, closed since 1968).
And if you’re looking for one of the best afternoon teas in Derbyshire, this is a unique way to have it. Included in the price is your seat allocation, train fare, afternoon tea and a glass of prosecco. Children under 15 years old are half price and under 5 they can travel free (without afternoon tea). Book ahead as it’s popular (and for good reason)!
Address (Matlock Station): Matlock DE4 3NA
Opening Hours: See HERE for the timetable
18. Explore Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House is a popular Derbyshire landmark and a great day out for families. Used as the family home of Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice (the film) and referred to in the book, it’s impressive! You can purchase tickets for the house and gardens, or just the gardens (which took us 2 hours to explore alone).
There’s also a petting zoo and play area, several restaurants, cafes and shops (they do some of the best sausage rolls and cornish pasties we’ve ever tasted)! Afterwards, stop by Chatsworth Farm Shop in the nearby village of Pilsley – the original (and arguably the best) farm shop in England.
Address: Edensor, Bakewell DE45 1PJ
Opening Hours: House 10 am until 4.30 pm; Gardens 10 am until 5 pm (6 pm in summer)
19. Get your Skates on at Rollerworld of Derby
If you’re looking for indoor activities in Derbyshire, how about getting your skates on at Rollerworld of Derby? It’s great value indoor fun (just a few pounds for admission and a couple extra for skate hire). They offer an even better value beginners session on a Monday evening at 6 pm. No need to book ahead; just turn up.
Address: Mansfield Road, Derby DE21 4AW
Opening Hours: Vary each day – check HERE for more details
20. Head to Matlock Bath Aquarium
If you’re in the area and looking for a rainy day activity, check out Matlock Bath Aquarium and Arcade. The aquarium houses 50 different species of fish, from clownfish to giant pacu – and some terrapins too. There are a number of other things to see at this unique Derbyshire attraction – including an ancient well, a thermal pool (filled with carp which you can feed), a collection of gemstones and fossils and historical exhibitions.
After you’ve visited the aquarium, you can head to the arcade next door (if you can face it).
Address: 110 N Parade, Matlock Bath, Matlock DE4 3NS
Opening Hours: 10 am until 8 pm every day
21. Test Your Skills at Deception Escape Rooms
Also in Matlock is Deception Escape Rooms, fantastic for an hour or so of indoor fun for all the family. There are four escape games to choose from: Trapped, Scarytale, Jilted? and Operation S.T.U.C.K. Operation S.T.U.C.K is best for families with younger kids as the others are a little more grown up and intense.
Address: 23 Firs Parade, Matlock DE4 3AS
Opening Times: 10 am until 8.30 pm every day
22. Ride a Tram at Crich Tramway Village
Crich Tramway Village is a great family attraction – particularly suited to younger children (who will love the unlimited tram rides on offer). Step back in time to enjoy a 1920s-themed high street (complete with a sweet shop and pub).
There’s a lovely Woodland Walk and Sculpture Trail (look out for Mr Potato Head), a large children’s play area and the National Tramway Museum on site. The best bit is getting to ride on the vintage trams – they usually have four or five running throughout the day and you can ride as many times as you like.
Address: Crich Tramway Village, Crich, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5DP
Opening Hours: 10 am until 4.30 pm every day
23. Explore Calke Abbey
In use since the 12th century, Calke Abbey is one of the oldest historical buildings you can visit in Derbyshire. Rooms have been preserved as they were found (unchanged from the 19th century) – this makes it a little different from the other stately homes in the area which have been restored to their former glory.
Kids will enjoy the experience of the tunnels, created for servants to transport beer barrels without being seen. There’s also a natural history collection which might be of interest.
Address: Ticknall, Derby DE73 7JF
Opening Hours: House 11 am until 4 pm; Gardens 9.30 until 5pm. Open from early March to early November.
24. Head to Bolsover Castle
Known as the ‘Little Castle’, there are workshops and events for families here (from the LEGO Big Brick Build to Medieval Days and Knight’s Tournaments). There’s a play area and plenty of space to run around.
Address: Castle Street, Bolsover, Chesterfield S44 6PR
Opening Hours: 10 am until 5 pm every day
25. Visit Bakewell Old House Museum
Bakewell is one of the most popular Derbyshire towns to visit. It’s probably most famous for Bakewell Tart and Pudding (see below) but a stop at the Bakewell Old House Museum is definitely worth heading there for too. When the house was due to be demolished in the 1960s, it became apparent that the house was much older than realised – built in 1534, in Tudor times, in fact, and home to the local debt collector.
The house has been beautifully restored to its former glory and there’s lots to learn about Tudor times here (including a Tudor toilet). There are also some fantastic Victorian toy displays and a Victorian-style kitchen – showing how the house has been used over time.
Address: Cunningham Place, Bakewell DE45 1DD
Opening Hours: 11 am until 4 pm every day
26. Throw Some Pottery at Denby Pottery Village
Denby is a leading brand for quality pottery and there are plenty of shopping opportunities here. But there are also some great experiences on offer for families. From visiting the Denby museum and booking a pottery tour to pottery throwing, painting and craft sessions for kids, there’s lots to do for adults and children.
Denby Pottery Village also has a very reasonably priced Derbyshire afternoon tea.
Address: Derby Road, Denby DE5 8NX
Opening Hours: 9 am until 5 pm Monday to Saturday; 10 am until 4 pm Sunday
27. Go to Lane’s Garden Centre and Open Farm
A lovely spot and great if you have younger kids. You can purchase tubs of food to feed the animals (pigs, goats, chicken), plus great breakfasts at the cafe. You can also pick up some pretty plants while you’re there!
Address: Near Meadow Farm, Breaston Lane, Derby DE72 3TT
Opening Hours: 9 am until 4 pm every day
28. Have an Adventure at Swadlincote Snowsports Centre
Try skiing, snowboarding, tubing or tobogganing at Swadlincote Snowsports Centre in Derbyshire. A great option when the weather’s not great outside.
Address: John Nike Leisureport, Sir Herbert Wragg Way, Swadlincote DE11 8LP
Opening Hours: 10 am until 6 pm every day other than Wednesday which is 10 am until 10 pm
Free Things To Do In Derbyshire For Families
There are lots of opportunities for free things to do in Derbyshire for families, particularly if you enjoy being outdoors and active.
29. Go Paddling or Wild Swimming in Youlgreave
There are a number of great spots for wild swimming or paddling in Derbyshire, but Youlgreave and specifically the River Bradford, provides one of the best designated swimming spots for families. The natural pool has been given a helping hand by the surrounding rock having been carved to provide edges to it. You’ll know you’ve found it as it’s signposted.
Parking is limited and the village is small – if you can walk a little way to get there, then that’s ideal. As a child, we spent some of our summer holidays in Alport nearby – this is an easy and lovely walk to Youlgreave and the pool.
Keep this activity for summer – that water’s pretty cold.
Address: Hollywell Lane, Youlgreave
30. Hike Mam Tor
The Mam Tour hike is one of the most popular in the Peak District in Derbyshire, and it’s one you can definitely do with kids. This National Trust Guide will keep you on track, giving you step-by-step instructions and bringing you back to Mam Nick car park, where you should aim to park and start your walk.
Address (Mam Nick Car Park): Rushup Edge, Castleton S33 8WA
If you love hiking and want to plan more walks in the Peak District, think about picking up this very reasonably priced interactive road trip guidebook:
✅ Purchase Peak District Interactive Road Trip Guidebook HERE
31. Visit the Dovedale Stepping Stones
Dovedale is known for its impressive limestone ravines, the River Dove and the popular Stepping Stones. There are lots of options for walking routes, but the shortest and best one for families with younger children is the one-mile walk from the main car park along the river to the stepping stones and back. If you want a slightly more challenging walk, you can climb to the top of Thorpe Cloud too.
You will need to bring some cash for the car park here as they don’t accept cards.
Address: Dovedale Car Park DE6 2AY
Food To Try in the Peak District
Derbyshire is a great place for foodies. Here are our favourite foods to try while in the area:
32. Ice Cream at Bluebell Dairy Farm
Not only are there lots of animals to see and shows and events over Easter and the summer, but Bluebell Dairy Farm also makes some of the loveliest artisan ice cream in the area. They have 25 flavours and extra ones for Christmas and Easter. The tearooms here are also great (try the ice cream sundaes and milkshakes)!
Address: Brunswood Farm, Locko Road, Derby DE21 7AR
Opening Hours: 10 am- 4 pm weekdays, 10 am – 5 pm weekends
33. Bakewell Tart/ Pudding at the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop in Bakewell
Do you know the difference between a Bakewell pudding and a Bakewell tart? The pudding is the original creation – first made in Bakewell in the 1800s and the result of a mistake made by a cook. The tart (often covered in icing and with a cherry on top) was made later in the 20th century, as a variation on the theme. Ask for the Bakewell Pudding at the Old Original Bakewell Pudding shop – you can either eat in or take away.
Address: The Square, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1BT
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8.30 am – 5 pm, Sundays 9 am – 5 pm
34. Homity Pie (found in most pubs and cafes!)
Homity Pie is popular in Derbyshire and you’ll see it on the menu of most pubs and restaurants. It’s a traditional vegetarian English dish with a filling of potatoes, onions, leeks and cheese in pastry. It’s delicious, but just think twice about having it with mash like I did!
35. Fish and Chips in Matlock Bath
Matlock Bath is a bit like a seaside town without the sea! Adding to that feel are all the fish and chip shops you’ll find there – a number of them all in a row, right next to each other. When we visited, they were all offering ‘mini fish and chips’ (not so mini) – for a reasonable price. Possibly the freshest, yummiest fish and chips we’ve had in years.
36. Afternoon Tea at Tilly’s of Castleton
Afternoon tea in Derbyshire is a must. One of the best places for it is the pretty village of Castleton, and specifically Tilly’s of Castleton. Choose from Tilly’s afternoon tea or High Tea (with extra cake). It’s popular, but they will try to accommodate you. Dogs are welcome too.
Address: Cross Street, Greystones, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WH
Opening Hours: Open every day from 9 am until 4 pm
Where To Stay In Derbyshire
Anywhere you stay in Derbyshire will be close to beautiful countryside, great walks and views. Here are some places to stay in Derbyshire which are recommended, and good for families too:
BUXTON: Foxlow Grange by Muse Escapes
This beautiful place to stay is in Buxton (close to Buxton Opera House, Go Ape and Poole Caverns, so there’s lots to do in the area). There’s parking on-site and a fully equipped kitchen with everything you could need. Lovely decor and comfy beds make this the perfect place to stay in Derbyshire.
✅ Book HERE for the best rates for Foxlow Grange on Booking.com
BAKEWELL: Juniper Cottage
Close to Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, this three-bedroom holiday home is the perfect base from which to explore Derbyshire. The attic rooms are particularly great for teenagers.
✅ Book HERE for the best rates for Juniper Cottage on Booking.com
CASTLETON: The Castle by Innkeepers Collection
A stay in the picturesque village of Castleton is bound to make memories. You’ll be close to Mam Tor and Creak Cliff Cavern plus lots of lovely places for afternoon tea. Traditionally furnished with original features, the rooms at this former coaching inn are sure to impress. Family rooms are available.
✅ Book HERE for the best rates for The Castle by Innkeepers Collection on Booking.com
MATLOCK: Studio in Two Dales
If there are only two of you travelling, we’d personally recommend this property. It’s cosy and comfortable (perfect for when the weather’s not so good), and has everything you could possibly need! Perfectly located for Matlock Bath, the Heights of Abraham and nearby Bakewell.
✅ Book HERE for the best rates for Studio in Two Dales on Booking.com
FAQs
Here are the answers to a few additional questions you might have about the beautiful county of Derbyshire.
What is special about Derbyshire?
Derbyshire is special for many reasons, but one of the most special things about Derbyshire has to be its wonderful landscapes and all the opportunities for hiking and walking that provides. Locations such as The Monsal Trail, Mam Tor and the Stepping Stones all offer amazing views and opportunities to be surrounded by nature.
Is the Peak District free?
The Peak District is a national park in central England. It’s made up of the White Peak (with its limestone countryside and caverns) and the Dark Peak -famous for its peat bogs, heather and gritstone. Both peaks have multiple opportunities for exploration. There are lots of well trodden paths you can follow while hiking, and you can also follow your nose and explore by yourself. All walks in the Peak District are free – you do not need to pay to enter the national park.
Which is the prettiest part of the Peak District?
Much of the Peak District is beautiful. As you can see above, there are lots of choices when it comes to stately homes, natural sites and landmarks and walks you can do as a family. But there are a couple of villages which are known for being particularly pretty. These are Castleton and Ashton on the Water.
Fun Things to Do in Derbyshire for Families and Kids: The Verdict
I hope you’ve found lots of activities here you’d like to do – whether you’re on holiday in Derbyshire, or live nearby. I’ve got you covered with outdoor fun and ideas for rainy days – plus some must-try foods you need to fit into your itinerary.
Derbyshire (and the Peak District) is a beautiful part of England and worth making time for. From some of the best walks in the country to unique experiences and unbeatable scenery, there’s something for everyone in Derbyshire.
