Visiting The Peak District with Kids

We are very lucky that in the UK we have easy access to the Peak District National Park. It is one of my favourite places in the UK for a staycation because of the variety of landscapes and activities it has on offer. Whether you and your kids enjoy museums, walking or quaint towns the Peak District has something family friendly to offer! In this guide we round up the best things to do in the Peak District with kids! 

Best Things to Do In the Peak District with Kids

Chatsworth House

If I could only visit one place in the Peak District with kids or without it would be Chatsworth House. The House and Grounds are extensive and any absolute must for any UK bucket list! I personally love wandering around the House and learning more about this history of the family however this probably won’t be the favourite activity of those travelling with small children. But fear not – Chatsworth is one of the most family friendly historic properties in the UK.

Families will love strolling around the extensive gardens or perhaps take a carriage around the grounds.

On top of the beautiful gardens and grounds there is also an adventure playground that is suitable for all ages. But my daughter’s favourite thing is going to the Chatsworth Farm. There are lots of hands on activities at this working farm that all children will love!

For our full review of Chatsworth with kids check out this post! 

Crich Tramway Museum

We love transport museums and seek them out in the UK, from the London Transport Museum to the National Railway Museum in York so we knew we had to visit the Crick Tramway Museum while in the Peak District! The museum also contains a period reconstructed village, a sculpture trail and plenty of tram rides around the grounds. This will delight children of any age!

Try a Bakewell Tart

Bakewell is a beautiful little market town that is famed for having created the Bakewell Tart! Be sure to try the original Bakewell Tart at the Original Bakewell Pudding Shop!

Heights Of Abraham

This cable car ride is one of the most famous days out in the whole of the Peak Districts! The main attraction of the Heights of Abraham is of course the cable car ride over the Derwent Valley but there are plenty of other activities on site! Some other attractions on site include an adventure playground, caves, fossil factory and more!

Visit Dovedale

Dovedale was one of the first places I visited in the Peak District as a child! Dovedale has some of the most accessible peak District Walks as you amble alongside the River Dove. Children will love crossing the river across the stepping stones and looking for fossils among the rocks!

The Roaches

We spent a beautiful weekend in the Roaches and it is the best place for walking enthusiasts in the Peaks! There are also some beautiful rock formations.

Hardwick Hall

Another one of my favourite historic houses! This property is run by the Peak District National Trust. Harry Potter Afficionados will recognise Hardwick as the home of the Malfoys in the latter films. There are plenty of things to do at the property including a fairy door trail to keep children of all ages occupied!

You can read our full review of Hardwick Hall here! 

Looking to visit more stately homes during your stay? Then why not also consider:

• Haddon Hall
• Bolsover Castle

Castleton Caves

The caves around Castleton are open for tours and are something that families will undoubtedly enjoy. There are several caves of note. The caves are famous for having large deposits of Blue John – a large semi-precious stone! In the Speedwell Cavern you can even take a boat tour to a majestic subterranean lake!

Gullivers Kingdom

Gullivers Kingdom is a theme park aimed at the 3-13 year old market! Many of the rides at Gullivers Kingdom are nestled in the treetops of its surroundings. Gullivers Kingdom will be a hit especially with those travelling with preschoolers and primary school aged kids most!

Dovestone reservoir walk

On the upper end only he Peak District, Dovestone reservoir is one of my favourite walks with kids! The walk around the reservoir is easy to do with children but as an added bonus the site is a RSPB site where you will see and hear the most amazing collection of wild birds of the area!

For more child friendly UK hikes check out this post!

Peak Wildlife Park

This small zoo is a sure fire hit with younger peak district visitors! Highlights include walk through enclosures where you can get up close to wallabies!

Matlock Farm

Another working farm! This farm has all of the traditional farm yard animals as well as some more exotic small animals such as meerkats!

Where to Stay in the Peak District with Kids

There are a variety of types of accommodation in the Peak District however our favourite places to stay in the peak district have hot tubs!

Best Places to Stay in the Peak District with a Hot Tub

We have stayed at both Landal Parks properties and loved our time in both! When travelling with children it can be hard to find a property that please call the family but we felt that both did!

Darwin Forest Country Park

This is perfect for those travelling with children as there is a free under 5’s soft play area as well as admission charged soft play for older children. There is also a swimming pool on site!

Located close to Matlock, this property is perfect for those wanting to explore the Northern Peak District!

Sandybrook country Park

This has a beautiful wooded area for walks and a small toy lodge for those travelling with toddlers! The pool on site is also more than sufficient!

This accommodation is perfect for those who want to explore the Southern Peak District especially Dovedale and Bakewell!

Have you visited the Peak District with kids? What were your favourite things to do?