The Peak District is one of Britain’s most popular national parks, offering beautiful scenery and plenty of family-friendly activities. Here are some of the best things to do in the Peaks with kids.
Explore the Caverns
The Peak District is home to some impressive underground cave systems that make for fascinating days out if you are fostering in Sheffield with orangegrovefostercare.co.uk. At Peak Cavern in Castleton, you can take a guided tour into the largest cave system in the Peak District, with impressive stalactites, stalagmites and underground rivers. Nearby Speedwell Cavern offers an underground boat trip along an ancient mining tunnel flooded with crystal clear water. Or head to the famous Blue John Caverns, where kids can search for gleaming Blue John fluorite in the walls. Budding explorers will love venturing deep underground.
Ride a Steam Train
Kids young and old will love the nostalgic excitement of taking a steam train journey through the Peaks. The Peak Rail steam railway runs for 6 miles from Rowsley to Matlock, with vintage trains puffing through pretty Derbyshire dales countryside. Kids can ride in the front with the driver or enjoy taking in the views from old-fashioned carriages. Alternatively, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway offers return trips between Duffield and Wirksworth along the heritage Ecclesbourne Valley line.
Visit Chatsworth House
Owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, magnificent Chatsworth House is one of England’s grandest stately homes. Kids will be awed by the lavish rooms and priceless artworks inside the house. The vast gardens offer plenty of space for them to run around, with features including the gravity-fed Emperor Fountain, maze, rock garden and willow tree house sculptures. Chatsworth’s farmyard is home to over 30 breeds of animals and an adventure playground.
Cycle the Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail provides an easy, flat cycling and walking route along a former railway line in the heart of the Peak District. Perfect for family bike rides, the trail runs 8.5 miles between Bakewell and Buxton, with viaducts, tunnels and spectacular limestone dales scenery along the way. Bike hire is available at Hassop Station and Blackwell Mill. Stop along the way for refreshments at the Hassop Station Bookshop Cafe or Monsal Head Hotel.
Splash in the Rivers
On a hot day, head to the rivers that flow through the Peaks for some family paddling fun. The stepping stones at Bakewell allow kids to jump between stones across the River Wye, while shallow parts of the River Derwent are perfect for them to splash about in. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Dovedale’s idyllic riverside paths lead through giant limestone dales to the famous stepping stones, which kids will enjoy hopping between.
Conquer the Heights
For little thrill seekers, the Peaks offer plenty of family-friendly climbing challenges. Test your head for heights on the stepping stones up Thorpe Cloud, with panoramas over Dovedale below. Have an adventure in the treetops on the Tissington Trail Tree Top Walkway, with balancing obstacles, tunnels and zip wires. Or book an organised family climbing experience on the limestone cliffs of Millers Dale or Stanage Edge, learning rock climbing skills with expert instruction.
A day out in the Peak District is fun whatever the weather, but always come prepared with suitable outdoor clothing and snacks!
