What to Do in the Peak District: 15 Fun and Family-Friendly Ideas
There’s a reason people fall in love with the Peak District.
Rolling hills, sheep-dotted fields, and long, winding roads that make you want to keep exploring just a bit further — it’s a part of the UK that draws people back year after year. And whether you’re here for a holiday, a day trip, or just passing through, there’s always something to see.
We’ve already shared some of our favourite Peak District walks (muddy boots and all), but there’s plenty more to do around here than follow a trail. From cable car rides and ice cream farms to caverns, castles, and themed adventure parks, there are so many things to do in the Peaks that make for brilliant days out for families.
So this guide brings together a mix of our top recommendations! Some are well-known, others are a bit more off the beaten track, but all of them make for a great day out.
15 Things to Do In the Peak District
Whether you’re local or visiting, here’s a round-up of our top family-friendly activities across the Peak District.
1. Spend the Day in Buxton
From parks and puddings to pantos and paddling, Buxton has a brilliant mix of green space, history, and family-friendly spots that make it easy to spend a whole day here.
Things to Do in Buxton
Pavilion Gardens
This huge park is right in the middle of town and makes a great first stop.
You’ll find:
- A big fenced play area with separate zones for toddlers and older kids
- A miniature train (seasonal) that loops through the gardens
- A boating lake (also seasonal)
- Shady paths, ducks, bridges, and loads of picnic space
- A café and loos inside the main Pavilion building
Markets
If you’re in town on the right day, the markets are worth a wander.
- Outdoor markets every Tuesday and Saturday in the Market Place (9am–4pm)
- Monthly craft and vintage market (first Saturday, April–December)
- Food & drink market (third Saturday, March–December)
- Festive Christmas markets with fairground rides and Santa visits
Buxton Opera House
One of England’s prettiest little theatres — and a good shout for rainy days.
- Family shows, panto season, and touring productions throughout the year
- You can book online or pop into the box office while you’re there
- Right next to Pavilion Gardens, so it’s easy to add on to your day
Other Good Spots
- Buxton Museum and Art Gallery – free entry, with fun local exhibits
- Spring Gardens + Market Place – lots of choice along Spring Gardens and up into the Market Place
Top Tip from Our Team
Buxton’s easy to get to by public transport, as there’s a direct train from Manchester Piccadilly, and plenty of local buses if you’re staying nearby. If you’re driving, aim for the Pavilion Gardens car park or the Market Place (both pay and display) as they’re central and give you an easy base for the day.
2. Explore Poole’s Cavern & Climb to Solomon’s Temple
If you’re already in Buxton, it’s well worth heading five minutes up the road to Poole’s Cavern; a spectacular limestone cave with huge chambers, underground formations, and just the right mix of fun and fascinating for families.
And once you’ve explored below ground, you can follow the trail behind the visitor centre for a woodland walk up to Solomon’s Temple — a Victorian hilltop tower with unbeatable views across Buxton and beyond.
Things to Do at Poole’s Cavern
- Stalactites, stalagmites, and the enormous main chamber (300ft long)
- Crystal formations lit up with soft LED lighting
- Stories of prehistoric settlers, Roman miners, and Victorian explorers
- A moment of total darkness when the lights go out briefly at the end of the tour (always a hit with kids!)
The Walk to Solomon’s Temple
- Around 15–20 minutes uphill from the car park, through Grin Low Woods
- Not buggy-friendly, but doable for younger children
- A short climb to the top of the tower gives you proper 360° views
- Great spot for a picnic if the weather’s on your side
Good to Know
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Opening hours:
- Daily, 9:45am – 5pm (last tour 4pm)
- Winter hours (Nov–March): closes at 4pm on weekdays, except during school holidays
- Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day
- Car park (pay and display) directly outside
- On-site café, small gift shop, toilets, and picnic benches
- No dogs allowed inside the cave (assistance dogs welcome)
Top Tip from Our Team
The cave stays at a steady 7°C all year round, so it’s always worth packing a fleece or an extra layer — even in summer. And if you’re doing the walk afterwards, decent footwear makes the climb much easier, especially if it’s been raining.
3. Try a Proper Bakewell Pudding in Bakewell
There’s something very satisfying about eating a Bakewell pudding in Bakewell, especially when you’ve just wandered across one of the prettiest bridges in the Peaks.
Whether you’re here for a stroll, a mooch around the shops, or a sweet treat in the sunshine, Bakewell’s an easy win on any family trip.
Things to Do in Bakewell
- Try a Bakewell pudding – The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is the classic choice, with a café upstairs and takeaway options
- Browse the shops – Toy stores, bookshops, outdoor gear, and local gifts make it easy to fill an hour or two
- Walk along the river – Shady footpaths, ducks to feed, and several bridges including the iconic five-arched medieval bridge
- Have lunch or afternoon tea – Loads of family-friendly options dotted throughout town, from tearooms to pub lunches
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Markets – The Monday market is one of the largest in the Peak District, with food, homewares, plants, and more
Good to Know
- Mostly flat and buggy-friendly in the town centre
- Public toilets and baby changing facilities available
- Large pay-and-display car park just over the bridge
- Gets busy in summer and on weekends, so aim for earlier in the day if you can
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Dogs are welcome in most of the outdoor spaces and many cafés
Top Tip from Our Team
If you’re planning a longer day out, Bakewell’s a handy starting point. You can hop on the Monsal Trail from the edge of town, or head over to Chatsworth for one of the walks in our Peak District guide.
4. Make a Day of It at Chatsworth House and Gardens
Chatsworth has popped up more than once in our Peak District blog posts, and for good reason. Whether it’s part of a long walk, like the one we mentioned in the previous activity, or a full family day out, it’s one of those places that really lives up to the hype.
You’ve got grand gardens, animal encounters, seasonal events, and one of the most impressive stately homes in the country — all set against a backdrop of rolling hills and riverside views.
Things to Do at Chatsworth
- The Gardens – Over 100 acres to explore, including fountains, sculptures, a maze, and peaceful picnic spots
- The Farmyard – Hands-on animal encounters, feeding sessions, and tractor rides during school holidays
- The Woodland Playground – A big hit with little ones, with rope parks, climbing frames, slides, and a giant sandpit
- The House – Over 30 rooms open to visitors, with children’s trails and activity sheets to help bring the history to life
- Seasonal Events – The Christmas displays are famous for a reason, and there’s a buzzing festive market too
Good to Know
- Tickets can be bought separately or as a combined entry (House, Garden & Farmyard)
- Several cafés and food stalls on-site, plus plenty of space for a picnic
- Toilets, baby-changing facilities, and buggy-friendly paths throughout
- Pay-and-display parking (free if you’ve pre-booked tickets)
- Dogs are welcome in the garden and parkland, but not in the farmyard or house
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Opening hours vary slightly by area, but typically:
- House: 10:30am–5:00pm
- Garden: 10:00am–6:00pm
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Farmyard: 10:30am–5:30pm
(Always check the website for up-to-date seasonal timings)
Top Tip from Our Team
If you're planning to explore the gardens outside of summer, bring wellies or a decent pair of waterproof boots. Some paths can get muddy after rain, and it’s much easier to enjoy the adventure when you’re not sidestepping puddles every few steps!
5. Meet the Animals at Matlock Farm Park
Matlock Farm is definitely a crowd pleaser!
Set in the hills above Matlock, it’s home to everything from wallabies and emus to Highland cows and a giant tortoise — with pony rides, animal feeding sessions, and the UK’s biggest jumping pillow thrown in for good measure.
Things to Do at Matlock Farm Park
- Over 30 species of animals — including Highland cattle, wallabies, donkeys, alpacas, emus, pigs, meerkats, and a giant tortoise
- Friendly animal handling and feeding sessions throughout the day
- Pony rides for children at weekends and during school holidays
- Large indoor Rainforest play centre and outdoor play zones
- The Enchanted Hamlet — a magical themed outdoor play village
- The UK’s largest jumping pillow (and a smaller one for under 5s)
Food & Facilities
- Garden Room Café with homemade meals and cakes
- Rainforest Playcentre café with sandwiches and snacks
- Outdoor food huts open during busy periods
- Picnic benches across the park
- Free parking and baby-changing facilities
- Fully accessible tarmacked paths
- On-site gift shop and toilets
- Changing Places toilet available
- No dogs allowed (except registered assistance dogs) due to free-roaming animals
Opening Hours
- 10:00 – 16:30 on weekdays
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10:00 – 17:00 on weekends and school holidays
(Open year-round – check website for Christmas closures or special events)
Top Tip from Our Team
Because it’s up in the hills, it can feel a bit cooler, even on sunny days. Layers are your friend, especially if you’re hanging around the animal enclosures or stopping for lunch outside.
6. Step Back in Time at Cromford Mills
It’s not every day you get to walk around the site where the modern factory system was born!
Set in the Derwent Valley UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s where Sir Richard Arkwright built the world’s first successful water-powered cotton mill, and you can still see the legacy in every corner.
What to do at Cromford Mills
- Learn how Sir Richard Arkwright changed the world of work at the free visitor exhibition
- Join a guided tour to explore restored mill buildings and hear about the Industrial Revolution
- Follow walking trails along Cromford Canal, spotting birds and wildlife
- Visit independent shops selling books, gifts, crafts, and local produce
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Pop into one of the on-site cafés for lunch, coffee, or a seriously good scone
Family-Friendly Features
- Outdoor space and flat paths for easy wandering
- Buggy-friendly canal walk and child-friendly displays
- Dogs welcome in outdoor areas (on leads)
- Occasional family-focused events and workshops
Good to Know
- Free entry to the site and exhibition (tours are ticketed)
- Public toilets, including accessible facilities
- Paid parking available on-site and nearby
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Open daily — check website for seasonal events and tour times
Top Tip from Our Team
If you’re keen to make a full day of it, bring bikes or walking shoes and follow the Cromford Canal all the way to High Peak Junction. It’s a peaceful, easy trail — and a lovely way to wind down after exploring the mill.
7. Walk an Alpaca at Naze View Farm
Fancy taking an alpaca for a walk? At Naze View Farm — a small hillside spot with sweeping views over Combs Reservoir — you can do just that!
Their 90-minute private alpaca experiences are relaxed, personal, and a lovely way to slow down and see the Peaks from a new perspective.
Things to Do at Naze View Farm
- A 90-minute guided experience for private groups (up to 6 people per booking)
- Start with refreshments and a relaxed intro to alpaca care and behaviour
- Learn how to safely walk your alpaca and put them at ease
- Get matched with your own alpaca companion for the walk
- Stroll through the farm’s woods and fields with time to stop for photos, feeding and fleece-patting
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Take home some “alpaca fertiliser tea” for your garden if you fancy it!
Good to Know
- Best suited to ages 5+
- Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs
- Sturdy shoes recommended as the paths can be uneven
- No dogs allowed (to keep the alpacas relaxed)
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Booking essential — visit the Naze View Farm website to check times and availability
Top Tip from Our Team
Make a day of it by stopping in nearby Whaley Bridge afterwards — The Bakehouse café does a great lunch and cakes!
8. Ride, Climb, and Explore at Gulliver’s Kingdom
Set on a steep hillside above Matlock Bath, Gulliver’s Kingdom is made for younger kids — and for parents who don’t fancy the chaos of a mega-sized theme park.
It’s packed with rides, climbing zones, and hands-on activities, all tailored to children aged 3–13, with views over the Derwent Valley at every turn.
Things to Do at Gulliver's Kingdom
- 20+ rides and attractions designed for younger children
- Themed zones like Safari Kingdom and Toyland
- Log flume, Dino Explorer Cars, Tree Top Drop, and other family favourites
- Indoor soft play areas, pedal tractors, puppet shows, and an Animal Barn
- Pushchair-friendly paths (but do expect some uphill walking!)
Good to Know
- Best for ages 3–13
- Free on-site parking for all visitors
- Picnic spots and food stalls dotted throughout the park
- Steep hillside location — wear comfy shoes and bring the buggy brakes
- No dogs allowed (except assistance dogs)
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Open seasonally — check online for current times and booking options
Top Tip from Our Team
Book online ahead of time, as it’s usually cheaper than walk-ins, and it helps skip the queue on busy days. You’ll thank yourself for it!
9. Discover Crystals and Caves at Treak Cliff Cavern
Got a rock collector in the family? Or just fancy doing something a bit different on a drizzly day? Treak Cliff Cavern is one of Castleton’s best-loved spots — home to rare Blue John stone, underground chambers, and some pretty impressive natural crystal formations.
You’ll follow a self-guided audio tour through the cave, learning about the geology, mining history, and unusual features that make this cavern such a gem (literally).
Things to Do at Treak Cliff Cavern
- Stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground formations
- Colourful veins of Blue John — only found here and in one other cave
- Beautiful crystal growths shaped over thousands of years
- Antique ornaments and jewellery made from Blue John
- A small museum and gift shop with minerals, fossils, and jewellery
Good to Know
- Tours are self-guided with an audio device — great for curious kids
- Not buggy or wheelchair accessible due to steps and uneven ground
- The cave stays at a steady 8°C, so a fleece is a good idea
- Café-style area with hot drinks and snack benches outside
- No dogs allowed inside the cave (assistance dogs welcome)
- Open daily — check their website for booking and seasonal hours
Top Tip from Our Team
The drive up via Winnats Pass is half the fun — it’s one of the most dramatic views in the Peak District and makes the perfect lead-in to your underground adventure. But make sure your car is ready for the uphill!
10. Try Climbing or Hill Skills with Beyond the Edge
For adventurous families searching for unique things to do in the Peaks, Beyond the Edge offers exciting outdoor experiences like rock climbing, abseiling, guided walks, and navigation training.
Their instructors are highly experienced and friendly — and everything is tailored to your group, so you can try something new in a safe, fun, and confidence-boosting way.
Things to Do at Beyond the Edge
- Rock climbing, abseiling, hillwalking, and scrambling sessions
- Family adventure days with bespoke activities suited to your group
- Navigation courses and mountain skills for beginners
- Expert instructors who know the area inside out
- Options to book private sessions or join scheduled courses and camps
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Based at The Sir William Hotel in Grindleford, with beautiful views and great food
Good to Know
- All instructors are members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors
- Sessions can be adapted to suit different ages, goals, and confidence levels
- The hotel base offers discounts for Beyond the Edge clients
- You’ll need to bring packed lunches for most day sessions, but there are places to eat nearby too
- Full kit lists and prep info are provided when you book
Top Tip from Our Team
Most activities run in all weather, so make sure to bring waterproofs and warm layers. The right clothing makes all the difference when you're out on the hill!
11. Learn About the Plague Village at Eyam Museum
Eyam is known as the "Plague Village" — a place of extraordinary resilience where, in 1665, locals made the brave decision to quarantine themselves to stop the spread of the bubonic plague.
The museum tells this amazing story in a way that’s accessible for families, with hands-on displays and thoughtful exhibits to explore together.
Things to do at Eyam Museum
- Exhibitions covering the 1665–66 plague, local families, and Eyam’s role in history
- Short films, display panels, and interactive elements for curious minds
- Children’s activity trails and dressing-up clothes for different age groups
- Social and industrial history exhibits, including Eyam’s mining past
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A virtual version of the upstairs exhibition for visitors who can’t use the stairs
Good to Know
- A visit takes around 45–60 minutes — a good size for younger visitors
- Ground floor is fully accessible (upstairs only accessible by stairs, but virtual option available)
- Prams can be used on the ground floor, with space to safely leave them if needed
- Public toilets and baby changing facilities are just across the road in the main village car park
- No on-site café, but there’s a playground opposite and plenty of tearooms nearby
- Assistance dogs only inside the museum
- Modest entry fee; open seasonally — check the website for current hours
Top Tip from Our Team
If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day in the Peaks, this one’s well worth adding to the list. And if the sun makes an appearance, Padley Gorge (from our Peak District walks guide) is just a short drive away.
12. Visit the Love Locker at Thornbridge Estate
A little different to the usual stately home visit, Thornbridge Estate has recently become home to one of the quirkiest and most heartfelt installations in the Peaks — The Love Locker.
It’s where hundreds of padlocks from the famous Bakewell Bridge have been rescued, restored, and rethreaded into a beautiful new display.
Things to Do at Thornbridge Estate
- Explore the Love Locker — a permanent wire structure preserving the Bakewell love locks. Spot your own lock if you added one to the bridge in years gone by!
- Enjoy the peaceful gardens and open space to stretch your legs
- Stop in at Quackers Café for a snack, drink, or casual lunch
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Take in the views — the estate sits just outside Ashford in the Water, near Bakewell
Good to Know
- Open 7 days a week, 10:00am–4:00pm
- No entry fee — free to visit the Love Locker and café
- Easy access and flat terrain around the main areas
- Dogs welcome on leads
- Parking available on-site
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Keep an eye out for special events — from local markets to creative workshops
Top Tip from Our Team
If you’re heading between Bakewell and Monsal Head, this makes a lovely little stop — especially if you’re after somewhere for a coffee or a leg stretch.
13. Climb to the Ruins of Peveril Castle
High above the village of Castleton, Peveril Castle is one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses — built shortly after the Norman Conquest by William Peverel, a trusted knight of William the Conqueror.
While only the ruins remain today, the setting is spectacular, and the short uphill walk makes it feel like a proper little adventure.
Things to Do at Peveril Castle
- Explore the remains of the keep and castle walls
- Admire the dramatic views over Cave Dale, Mam Tor, and the surrounding hills
- Information boards sharing the history of the site, including its strategic role and royal connections
- Discover fun facts — like the garderobe toilet that drained straight into the gorge below!
- Kids can climb the hill and imagine they’re guarding the keep
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Plenty of space for a scenic picnic once you reach the top
Good to Know
- Access is via a steep path with steps — there are benches along the way for breathers
- The hill is not buggy-friendly, but you can leave pushchairs at the visitor centre
- Dogs welcome on leads
- Unisex toilet and baby-changing facilities available at the visitor centre (none at the castle itself)
- Visitor centre also sells cold drinks and ice creams
- Main car park is in the centre of Castleton (pay and display), about 5 minutes’ walk away
- The site is managed by English Heritage — check their website for seasonal opening times and admission prices
Top Tip from Our Team
With stone steps, loose gravel, and a fair bit of uphill, walking shoes give you the grip and support you need — especially if it’s been wet. ECCO and Regatta are good options if you’re in the market for a new pair.
14. Eat Award-Winning Ice Cream at Blaze Farm
Exceptionally popular for its homemade Hilly Billy Ice Cream, Blaze Farm is a brilliant spot for a relaxed afternoon.
It’s a working farm tucked into the hills near Wildboarclough, with a tearoom, nature trails, and seasonal extras like lambing in spring and sheep-shearing in summer.
Things to Do at Blaze Farm
- Try a scoop (or three) of Blaze Farm’s award-winning Hilly Billy Ice Cream. There’s a long list of flavours to choose from, including chocolate orange, Turkish delight, pistachio and almond, and all the classics.
- Stop for homemade cakes and light lunches in the cosy tearoom
- Follow short nature trails around the farm and surrounding countryside
- See the animals in the fields — sheep, cows, and the odd peacock!
- Visit during spring or summer for lambing, sheep shearing, and family-friendly seasonal events
- Let the kids explore while you relax with a coffee and take in the views
Good to Know
- Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–5:30pm (plus Bank Holiday Mondays)
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and a few days over Christmas (check Facebook for updates)
- Plenty of parking, including disabled and coach parking (coach parties must book ahead)
- Indoor and outdoor seating available
- Blaze Farm has picked up a few awards over the years too, including Best Small Visitor Attraction in the Cheshire and Warrington area — so you know you’re in good hands!
- There’s no charge to visit, but the farm does ask that you grab something from the tearoom or ice cream counter while you’re there — it’s how they keep the place running, and there’s no shortage of options to choose from.
Top Tip from Our Team
It’s a bit tucked away, so if you’re driving from Buxton or Macclesfield, take it slow on the country lanes and follow the brown signs once you’re close. It’s well worth the detour.
15. Take the Cable Car to the Heights of Abraham
One of the Peak District’s most iconic attractions, the Heights of Abraham combines history, adventure, and incredible views — all starting with a scenic cable car ride over the Derwent Valley.
At the top, you’ll find caverns to explore, woodland trails, exhibitions, and more, all set within a 60-acre hilltop park.
Things to Do at the Heights of Abraham
- Ride the famous cable cars (up to 6 people per car, 7-minute journey)
- Join a guided tour of the Masson or Rutland Cavern — included in your ticket
- Visit three exhibitions covering the site’s 230-year history, the cable car build, and heritage fashion
- Let the kids run wild at two large adventure playgrounds
- Stroll the heritage trails and enjoy the panoramic views
- Climb the Victoria Prospect Tower for a 360° lookout at 1,000ft above sea level
- Stop for lunch at the Vista Restaurant or grab a snack at the Terrace Café
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Browse the gift shops featuring Derbyshire Blue John and locally made treats
Good to Know
- Tickets include the return cable car ride and access to all attractions at the top
- Dogs are welcome on the cable cars and around the grounds (just not inside the caverns)
- Some parts of the site are steep or uneven, so comfy shoes are a good idea
- While the site is pram-friendly in parts, it may not be fully accessible for all
- Car parking is in Matlock Bath — several pay-and-display options are just a short walk from the base station (cash or phone payment only)
- Open Friday to Sunday from late February, then daily from late March through to November (10:00am–4:00pm)
Top Tip from Our Team
Try to head up earlier in the day — it’s cooler, quieter, and you’ll get the clearest views before any afternoon haze rolls in.
| # | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buxton | Buxton, Derbyshire |
| 2 | Poole’s Cavern | Buxton Rd, Buxton SK17 9DH |
| 3 | Bakewell | Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1DS |
| 4 | Chatsworth House | Chatsworth, Bakewell DE45 1PP |
| 5 | Matlock Farm Park | Jaggers Lane, Matlock DE4 5LH |
| 6 | Cromford Mills | Mill Rd, Cromford, Matlock DE4 3RQ |
| 7 | Naze View Farm | Tunstead Milton, Whaley Bridge SK23 7ER |
| 8 | Gulliver’s Kingdom | Temple Walk, Matlock Bath DE4 3PG |
| 9 | Treak Cliff Cavern | Buxton Rd, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WP |
| 10 | Beyond the Edge | Grindleford, Hope Valley S32 2JA |
| 11 | Eyam Museum | Hawkhill Rd, Eyam, Derbyshire S32 5QP |
| 12 | Thornbridge Estate | Thornbridge Hall, Ashford in the Water, Bakewell DE45 1NZ |
| 13 | Peveril Castle | Market Place, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WQ |
| 14 | Blaze Farm | Wildboarclough, Macclesfield SK11 0BL |
| 15 | Heights of Abraham | Matlock Bath DE4 3NT |
Ready to Head to the Peaks?
There’s no shortage of reasons to love the Peaks — and whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s always more to discover. Castles, cable cars, cafés, and countryside walks... it’s all here, ready and waiting.
Want more Peak District inspiration? Check out these handy guides!
About the Author
A dad to two energetic boys, James spends his weekends juggling football matches, skate parks, and Sunday afternoons at Disley’s very own Lyme Park. While he might not get to hit the golf course as often as he used to, he’s all in for family adventures in the great outdoors - coffee in hand and his favourite Ecco walking shoes on his feet. On the Avenue 85 blog, James loves to help other families make the most of their time outside by sharing his tried and tested tips, whether it’s finding the best waterproof jacket for a rainy day or discovering the best local walks that are perfect for little legs to explore!