10 Days Out
In order to help you plan your holiday here are some of our favourites...
Chatsworth House and Gardens
Plenty for all the family. The house contains one of Europe's finest private art collections and a gallery of neo-classical sculptures. Explore the gardens with their fountains and water features - including the unique water cascade. Children will enjoy the farmyard and its wide variety of animals and the spectacular woodland adventure playground. Open from March to October. The house is also open in the build up to Christmas with its festive decorations.
Alton Towers
Family fun, great for kids, big and small. There is something for the whole family, with tons of terrific roller coasters, rides, amazing live shows, weird and wonderful costume characters. Alton Towers has fabulous, fun-packed activities for all ages, scream, let off steam, ride and slide. A fantastic day out as part of a great short break holiday.
Bakewell
A picturesque old market town on the river Wye with shops, market, restaurants and museum. Explore the shops, alleyways and riverside, or just relax and feed the ducks by the lovely, clear, sparkling waters of the River Wye.The town is particularly lively every Monday, which is market day, with street stalls and the livestock market.
Crich Tramway Museum
Crich Tramway Village is a lovingly restored period village that is also home to the National Tramway Museum and its world renowned archives. Learn how to drive a Vintage Tram, explore the woodland walk and sculpture trail, for the younger children there is a soft play area and outdoor adventure playground.
Chesterfield
A bustling market town, with cinema complex, ten pin bowling, high street shops and the famous twisted spire. There has been a market in Chesterfield since 1204.
Buxton
Famous for its spa water and elegant Georgian buildings, magnificent architecture, a wealth of shops, and an annual Arts and Fringe Festival. Walk around the splendid Crescent, ornamental gardens, and book to see a show at the spectacular Opera House
Local Heritage Railways
Peak Rail between Matlock and Rowsley and Ecclesbourne Valley Railway at Wirksworth both operate historic and steam trains for families and enthusiasts alike. Various special events throughout the year. For Ecclesbourne Valley details see www.e-v-r.com
The Potteries
Visitor Centres at Spode and Wedgwood both offer craft demonstrations, factory tours, stunning museum collections and excellent shopping opportunities.
Castleton
Often known as the the 'gem' of the Peak, Castleton is one of Britain’s most attractive villages, set in a magnificent location approached from the southwest through the spectacular Winnats Pass. Castleton has a variety of caves and shops to explore, a castle and no less than 6 pubs. There are four show caves to visit – Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Carvern.
Eyam
The beautiful, historic village of Eyam, (pronounced 'eem') became famous during the Black Death of 1665. An outbreak of the plague was contained when the villagers decided to isolate themselves from the surrounding communities.Eyam village, is in a beautiful setting, 800 feet above sea level, with a museum and historic manor house.
