There's so many things to see and do on a day out in the Peak District and Derbyshire, whether you're interested in history and culture, outdoors activities or just out and out family fun! You'll find a few ideas below to get you started, but you can also use the search panel to discover new things to do and places to see on your visit!
Animal Magic
Get a real taste of life down on the farm at Chatsworth's Working Farmyard – as well as meeting chickens, sheep, horses and other farm animals, children will be fascinated by the afternoon demonstrations of milking and daily contact sessions with the animals. Over at the Woodland Adventure Playground, the trampoline, rope slide, ropewalks and other features will keep older children entertained, while the younger ones can enjoy the creative sand and water play areas.
Thrills and Spills
Alton Towers, Britain's favourite theme park, is set in 500 acres of beautiful countryside and is packed with excitement and thrills, from legendary, white-knuckle rides like Nemesis and Oblivion to the superb watercoasters and flumes of the Caribbean lagoon-style Waterpark – fantastic fun for all ages!
Gulliver's Kingdom Theme Park at Matlock Bath is a magical world where kids' imaginations can roam free – enjoy the alpine joys of Little Switzerland, Fantasy Terrace or high noon in Western World and the magic of Lilliput Land, all in a stunning hillside setting amid amazing scenery and great views.
Moving Experiences
Take a trip back in time on the vintage trams at Crich Tramway Village, home to the National Tramway Museum. The lovingly restored trams run down the cobbled street of the period townscape, which has been reconstructed brick by brick from buildings brought in from around the UK, and out into breathtaking countryside and back throughout the day.
Red House Stables and Carriage Museum has one of the finest collections of original, horse-drawn vehicles and equipment in the country and includes pieces featured in many period TV drama productions, including Pride and Prejudice.
Conkers Discovery Centre is an all-year-round, hands-on experience and a unique mix of fun, entertainment and discovery rolled into one, including interactive exhibitions, assault course, steam train, lakeside restaurants and much more, the whole family will be engaged for hours!
Fun for free is often the best kind and there's lots to choose from, including museums, visitor centres and National Park Ranger-led guided walks and much more. Call into one of our Tourist Information and Visitor Centres for some great ideas or use the Search Activities panel.
Steep yourself in nostalgia on the 10-mile return steam train journey aboard the Churnet Valley Railway, which runs from Cheddleton's Grade 11 listed Victorian station through the picturesque countryside of the River Churnet valley to the newly refurbished station at Froghall.
