9 Reasons Why Derbyshire’s Peak District is a Perfect Family Friendly Destination

Thank you for coming to read this Guest Post by Molly Scott on 9 reasons why Derbyshire’s Peak District is a Perfect Family Friendly Destination.

Molly Scott is a Derbyshire blogger at www.lovelylocalindie.com, passionate about sharing the very best small businesses in the county. Here she shares her reasons why the Peak District is a must-visit UK destination for family friendly trips.

So why is the Peak District a Perfect Family Friendly Destination?

Easily reached

Derbyshire is pretty slap bang in the middle of England so chances are you get here pretty easily, whether by public transport or car. And then start enjoying yourself! There are clear environmental benefits to minimising travel. I know I am always keen to minimise car travel with my little girl.

Great places to stay

There is a full range of family friendly accommodation in both Derbyshire and the Peak District. From the simplest of campsites to quirky shepherd’s huts to luxury boutique country houses to family friendly woodland lodges. Although I haven’t stayed there myself, I always think Landal Darwin Forest looks like the perfect family friendly accommodation.

Hiking and biking

The Peak District was recently voted the fourth best national park in Europe in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. It has everything you would expect from a world class national park from stunning scenery to extensive walking, hiking and cycling routes.

A nice route for little legs is The Monsal Trail, a 8.5 mile, traffic-free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales. The trail is on an old railway line so is very accessible, even for pushchairs. Children will are often fascinated by the train tunnels which are well lit. There’s a large pay and display car park at Hassop Station where you can also rent bikes, and relax in their extensive café facilities. There’s also a small children’s play area. From Hassop Station you can easily walk to Bakewell in one direction (just over a mile and a half) or the magnificent views at Monsal Viaduct (2 miles).

Fascinating history

Derbyshire is often credited as the birthplace of the industrial revolution and has a rich industrial heritage. There are mills, factories and railways to explore. In Derby itself there’s a fantastic free ‘Museum of Making’. There’s also the picturesque village of Eyam which has a gruesome history as the ‘plague village’. All of which means young history buffs will be in their element on a short break in Derbyshire.

Castles and country houses

Chatsworth House is often described as the jewel of the Peak District and is probably my favourite place on earth. But there’s a multitude of other historic houses and castles to visit. Most with exquisite gardens and parklands. I also love Thornbridge Hall which is smaller but just as beautiful. It has a slightly alternative vibe and is great for children who’ll no doubt love their famous rubber duck fountain.

Further afield, Bolsover Castle has lots of for kids. If you’re in the National Trust you’ll get excellent value from your membership in Derbyshire. Kedleston Hall, Hardwick Hall, Calke Abbey and Sudbury Hall are all excellent days out with or without kids and are less than an hour from the centre of the Peak District.

Food and drink

Derbyshire has a wealth of great independent restaurants. From great gastro pubs to amazing street food e.g. at Haddon Hall’s regular Mercatum. Check out the local delicacies of Bakewell pudding (definitely not tart), delicious Derbyshire oatcakes or Hartington stilton. The courtyard at The Coolstone in Eyam has a lovely, chilled family friendly vibe. Even dogs are welcome.

Picture perfect villages

There are numerous picture perfect, chocolate box villages across Derbyshire and the Peak District. Castleton in the Hope Valley is often quoted as being the fourth most instagramable village in the UK. But also check out Ashford-in-the-Water, Edale, Eyam and the pretty market town of Bakewell. For other great places to visit check out this blog post.

Avoid the crowds

The Peak District absolutely rivals any of the premier tourism destinations in the UK, but is likely to be far less crowded or feel overly ‘touristy’. Obviously the big/obvious attractions do get busy at peak times but likewise it is entirely possible to stay off the beaten track.

Good value

The cost of living in Derbyshire is significantly lower than in the south. You get a lot more holiday for your money here! For some free family friendly fun, check out Molly’s round up of the best playgrounds in Derbyshire and the best pushchair walks in Derbyshire.

If this list has whet your appetite for a short break in the Peak District please check out Molly’s guide to Peak District weekend breaks over on her blog. Pin for future reference below!

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Thank you to Molly for this fantastic post on 9 Reasons Why Derbyshire’s Peak District is a Perfect Family Friendly Destination. If you’d like to read about our visit to the Peak District then check out our post on it here.