10 Best Things to Do with Kids in Derbyshire

The Peak District National Park is a huge expanse of moorland and mountain ranges that stretches across most of Derbyshire. Measuring 555 square miles within several English counties, there are weeks’ worth of activities to enjoy. Established in 1951, this was actually the first national park in the UK.

There are plenty of outdoor pursuits to keep you occupied, including hiking, mountain biking, climbing and birdwatching. To learn about the ancient history of the region, you can explore Thor’s Cave, which has evidence of Stone Age civilisation living here. The stone circle called Arbor Law is one of the UK’s most important Neolithic relics – it’s still remarkably well preserved, too.

Go Ape is an adventure park in the treetops of the Peak District, the largest national park in England. Consisting of ziplines, rope swings and assault courses, this is a great way to get the adrenaline pumping and enjoy the British countryside.

Located in Poole’s Cavern, Go Ape is a short taxi ride from central Buxton. There’s a minimum age limit of 10 years old as well as minimum height and maximum weight limits to ensure everyone's safety. All participants have a safety briefing before heading up to the course – they must wear a helmet and harness at all times.  

The Midland Railway is a piece of heritage that is lovingly preserved to show how steam engines once powered transport across the UK. From Butterley station you’ll board a classic steam train and head to nearby Swanick Junction to learn more about the golden age of steam engines.

This charming attraction consists of a museum, a model railway, an old signal box, and plenty of Victorian-era buildings. You can also find a children’s playground, a souvenir shop, and a café for refuelling. During Christmas time, the Midland Railway offers special journeys to take you and your children to visit Santa.

Come to Matlock Farm Park to feed and pet dozens of farmyard animals.  There’s plenty of typical British animals to interact with, including ponies, rabbits, cows, and sheep. You can see several exotic animals, such as llamas, peacocks and meerkats. Bags of feed are cheap and help bring the animals to you and the kids.

You can take the children on a short pony ride around a forest track, or take to 4 wheels and zip around on miniature go-karts. Matlock Farm Park's onsite restaurant has an excellent children’s menu. 

Gulliver's Kingdom is one of the Midlands' best theme parks, combining fun rides with hands-on activities to suit everyone from toddlers to teens. In total, the park has 20 rides and 6 different worlds to discover. Head to the Western World to ride the Silver Mine rollercoaster and make a splash on the log flume, or go to Adventure Land for a fast-dropping ride called Drop Tower.

Younger kids will find many activities in the Dinosaur Kingdom, with the Dino Explorer Cars weaving through life-sized reproductions of ancient beasts. Toddlers are catered for in Toyland. You can even stay within the park grounds at Gulliver's Kingdom Resort.

Markeaton Park is Derby’s central park, offering plenty of opportunities to relax in nature. Children will love the playground's climbing frames and slides, seeing ducks and swans in the pond, enjoying a picnic on the grassy meadows, or playing a game of football.

Parents will love the row of craft shops and cafes found within Markeaton Park. Orangery Café does a great full English breakfast. Located on the edge of Derby, you can easily walk to the park from the city centre.

Lane’s Garden Open Centre is a petting zoo that will delight families with young children. It’s great value for money, with cheap bags of feed that you can share with tame farmyard animals like chickens, goats, sheep, ponies and cows. The animals seem well cared for and knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide information and advice.

If you find yourself longing for a pet of your own, you’ll find a selection of animals for sale. Lane’s Garden Open Centre is close to Long Eaton, between Derby and Nottingham, making it convenient for families getting there using their own transport. 

Great Masson Cavern is a thrilling exploration of Derbyshire’s mining heritage. You can join a tour of the caverns and discover the old lead mines that once brought people to the area to find work, plus learn about the many fossils that were excavated from the surrounding hills.

The show cave is part of a hilltop park called The Heights of Abraham, which can be reached by a cable car from Matlock Bath town. Once in the mine, it’s surprisingly cold even in summer. The steps down into the caves are quite challenging, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

Swadlincote Snowsports Centre is a dry ski slope that you can use to practice skiing, snowboarding and sledging in any weather. There are 2 different runs here, called the Nursery Slope and the Main Slope. You can get lessons by the hour, so even complete beginners can strap on some equipment and have fun. For experienced skiers, you can rent some gear and get on the pulley system to the top of the slope.

Another attraction at Swadlincote Snowsports Centre is the Viper Slide, which gives you a high-octane experience down the slope without needing any prior experience. Dress appropriately – gloves, long sleeves and thick trousers are compulsory as the matting can be rough on bare skin.

Crich Tramway Village is a fun look at history, with rides aboard horse-drawn trams and visits to old shops and workhouses. Showing what life used to be like in Derbyshire, this delightful slice of nostalgia is geared towards the whole family.

As well as riding the trams, you can view many vehicles from years past, stroll through the Woodland Walk to enjoy many sculptures placed between the trees, and take the kids to the children’s play area. Once you’ve explored the village, refuel at a coffee shop or enjoy a couple of drinks in a pub.