Conkers Discovery CentreGet 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.

Conkers Discovery Centre is an all-year-round, hands-on experience and a unique mix of fun, entertainment and discovery rolled into one. With interactive exhibitions, an assault course and steam train as well as the centre’s new Enchanted Forest exhibit – a giant simulation of forest life – together with lakeside restaurants and both indoor and outdoor play areas, the whole family will be engaged for hours!

The Chestnut Centre Conservation and Wildlife Park is set in 50 acres of stunning woodland in the High Peak and is home to a unique collection of birds and animals. The Centre also has 16 species of owls and Europe’s largest gathering of otters, among them the UK’s only Giant Otter, while Blackbrook Zoological Park near Leek is home to the largest bird collection in the UK and is internationally renowned for its achievements in breeding some of the world’s rarest species.

Moving Experiences
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. Continuing your journey in the past, take a trip 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.

For a more contemporary mode of transport, visit the Heights of Abraham at Matlock Bath and you’ll discover that the spectacular cable car ride over the Derwent Valley is just the start of a truly unique day out! The cable cars – installed in 1984 and the first of their kind in the UK – provide an easy way for visitors to reach the top of the Heights estate with its stunning views, but there are also deep underground passages, show caves and acres of beautiful woodland to explore, as well coffee shop, bar, restaurant and gift shops to complete this superb day out!


Childhood Dreams
The Museum of Childhood at Sudbury Hall (currently being redeveloped and re-opening in Spring 2008) offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of children from the past 200 years. Providing fun and fascination for people of all ages and including lots of interactive and hands-on activities, the museum covers different aspects of childhood including adventure, stories and rhymes, children at work and toys.

Step back in time and relive some special childhood memories at the Toys of Yesteryear Museum and Toyshop at Peak Village, Rowsley. Together with thousands of toys and a large working model railway layout, visitors can also see a reproduction of a 1950s toyshop and corner shop, as well as a full-sized model of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.


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!
Go Ape - High Wire Forest Adventure
Live life more adventurously and swing along for some treetime at Go Ape, the Peak District and Derbyshire’s newest attraction! The award-winning, high wire forest adventure course comprises rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides set high in the trees tops. Based at Poole’s Cavern in Buxton, the 1km course is suitable for a wide range of ages (minimum age 10, minimum height 1.40m) and offers three hours of memorable, adrenaline-fuelled fun for those looking for a unique and exhilarating outdoor adventure. Participants (known as Gorillas and Baboons!) wear a harness and receive comprehensive safety instructions from trained instructors before negotiating the 1km course without supervision.

Gulliver’s 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.

Bottomless Pit, Speedwell Cavern, CastletonGoin' Underground
Once you’ve experienced the beauty of the hills and dales of the Peak District and Derbyshire, don’t forget to visit the stunning underground world just beneath your feet! Famous the world over, the area’s showcaves and mines provide illuminating shelter in wet weather and a refreshing change when it’s hot. Explore the history of local mining, see fantastic crystal stalactite and stalagmite formations at Poole’s Cavern in Buxton, Treak Cliff, Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Blue John Cavern in Castleton and also at the Heights of Abraham, Peak District Mining Museum in Matlock Bath. The limestone gorge and caves of Creswell Crags, near Bolsover, is a world famous archaeology site where remains dating to the Ice Age have been found. Visuals, presentations and interactive computer displays in the museum help to interpret the fascinating story.

 

 

Fun for Free
Fun for free is often the best kind and there’s lots to choose from in the Peak District and Derbyshire. From museums, visitor centres and National Park Ranger-led guided walks to country fairs, cycling and walking trails and much more. Call into one of our Tourist Information and Visitor Centres for some great ideas during your visit, or check online at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/whatson for more details.   Quick links to great days out:

 

 

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

  

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Freshfields Donkey Sanctuary

 

  

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