Peak District with Kids: Family Things to Do
· Updated
The Peak District is one of the best family days out in England, and it packs a lot into a small area: cable cars, show caverns full of Blue John stone, a heritage steam railway, traffic-free cycling and short hills that even small legs can climb. Designated in 1951, it was the UK's first national park, and it sits within easy reach of Manchester, Sheffield and Derby, so a big adventure is rarely more than an hour's drive away.
This guide is part of our wider guide to camping in the UK's national parks. Pitch up for a few nights, base yourself near Matlock, Bakewell or Castleton, and you can tick off caves, castles and cake without ever driving far. Browse family-friendly sites across the country in the Camping Sites in Britain directory before you go.
The best family days out in the Peak District
The Peak District splits neatly into two halves, and both suit families. The White Peak in the south is gentler: limestone dales, market towns, show caverns and easy railway trails. The Dark Peak in the north is wilder, with gritstone moors and bigger hills like Kinder Scout and Mam Tor. For a first trip with kids, the White Peak gives you more attractions per mile and shorter walks between them.
| Attraction | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Heights of Abraham | Matlock Bath | Cable car and caverns, all ages |
| Monsal Trail | Near Bakewell | Easy family cycling and tunnels |
| Chatsworth | Near Bakewell | Farmyard and adventure playground |
| Castleton caverns | Castleton | Blue John stone and caves |
| Gulliver's Kingdom | Matlock Bath | Theme park rides, under 13s |
| Peak Rail | Matlock to Rowsley | Steam train ride |
Ride the cable car at the Heights of Abraham
The Heights of Abraham is the Peak District's standout family attraction, and the cable car ride is the reason. Pods glide high over the wooded Derwent Valley from Matlock Bath station up to a hilltop country park, so the journey is half the fun before you even arrive. It is a proper "wow" moment for children, and the views back down the gorge are brilliant on a clear day.
At the top you can explore two show caverns, the Great Masson and the Great Rutland, take woodland walks, and let younger kids loose in the play areas. Plan for the best part of a day here. Check current prices, opening dates and cavern tour times on the official Heights of Abraham site, as it usually opens seasonally rather than all year round.
Cycle the Monsal Trail through the tunnels
The Monsal Trail is the easiest family cycling in the Peak District, and it is completely traffic-free. The route runs for roughly 8.5 miles along a former Midland Railway line between Blackwell Mill near Buxton and Coombs Road near Bakewell, so it is flat, firm and pushchair-friendly. The highlight is riding through four long, lit railway tunnels that reopened to walkers and cyclists in 2011.
You do not need to bring bikes. Hire adult bikes, children's bikes, tag-alongs and trailers at Hassop Station, which has a car park, cafe and loos, then ride out to the Headstone Viaduct above Monsal Head and back. It is one of the most family-friendly cycling routes near campsites anywhere in the country, and you can turn round whenever little legs have had enough.
Meet the farm animals at Chatsworth
Chatsworth pairs a grand stately home with a farmyard and adventure playground that keep children busy for hours. Home to the Cavendish family and the Duke of Devonshire, the estate sits in the Derwent Valley near Bakewell. Most families skip the formal house tour and head straight for the farmyard, where kids can meet cattle, pigs, goats and hens and watch the milking demonstrations.
Next to the farmyard is a large woodland adventure playground with slides, climbing frames and a commando course, plus water play in warmer months. The gardens are worth a wander too, with maze, fountains and huge lawns for a picnic. Book tickets and check what is open on the Chatsworth website before you travel.
Go underground at the Castleton caverns
Castleton is cave country, and it is the only place on earth where the banded purple and yellow mineral called Blue John is mined. Two show caves make brilliant rainy-day outings for families. The Blue John Cavern is a natural network of caverns and Blue John veins reached by a walk up above the village, while Treak Cliff Cavern is known for its glittering stalactites, flowstone and the largest surviving Blue John deposits, with guided tours suited to children.
Wrap up warm, because caves stay cool whatever the weather outside. The Castleton caves are a natural fit if your family enjoys rocks and fossils, and they pair well with our look at the UK's geological wonders near campsites. Over at Buxton, Poole's Cavern offers a fourth cave option with an easy, largely level walkway through a floodlit limestone chamber, good for younger children and pushchairs.
Theme park thrills at Gulliver's Kingdom
Gulliver's Kingdom in Matlock Bath is the Peak District's dedicated theme park, and it is pitched squarely at younger children, roughly ages two to 13. It clings to the hillside above the town with log flumes, a small rollercoaster, a cable car, gentle rides and themed lands. It suits families who want rides rather than a nature day, and it is a short walk or drive from the Heights of Abraham, so you could combine Matlock Bath in one trip. Check season dates and prices on the official Gulliver's site, as it opens seasonally.
Ride a steam train on Peak Rail
Peak Rail runs heritage steam and diesel trains along a restored stretch of line between Matlock and Rowsley South, and a return trip is an easy treat for train-mad children. The ride is short and gentle, there is often a buffet or dining service, and special event days run through the year including Santa specials at Christmas. It makes a relaxed half-day that pairs nicely with the shops and riverside at Matlock. Confirm timetables and event dates before you set off.
Easy walks and wild swimming for families
You do not need to tackle Kinder Scout to enjoy the Peak District's landscapes with kids. Several short, rewarding walks give big views for little effort. For a paddle on a hot day, Three Shires Head is hard to beat, where Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire meet at a pretty packhorse bridge over the River Dane, with shallow pools known as Panniers Pool. It is a wild spot, so supervise children closely near moving water and only paddle where it is calm and shallow.
- Mam Tor: the "Shivering Mountain" near Castleton stands 517m high, and a paved path from the Mam Nick car park reaches the summit in around 20 to 30 minutes, crossing an Iron Age hillfort with sweeping views over the Hope Valley.
- Solomon's Temple: a Victorian folly on Grin Low above Buxton, reached by a short uphill walk from Poole's Cavern, with a little tower to climb for a 360-degree view.
- Three Shires Head: a moorland walk to a packhorse bridge and paddling pools where three counties meet, best in dry, settled weather.
Follow the Countryside Code on every walk: keep dogs under control, close gates, take your litter home and stick to paths across farmland. See the current advice on the GOV.UK Countryside Code.
Where to camp for a Peak District family trip
Base yourself in the White Peak and most of these attractions are within a 30-minute drive. Matlock and Matlock Bath put you next to the Heights of Abraham, Gulliver's Kingdom and Peak Rail. Bakewell sits central for Chatsworth and the Monsal Trail, while Castleton is your base for the caverns and Mam Tor. Book early for school holidays and bank holidays, when Peak District sites fill fast.
Compare pitches, prices and family facilities across the region in the Camping Sites in Britain directory. If you are still deciding where in Britain to head, our round-up of top family activities in the Lake District makes a good comparison, and the best scenic drives to campsites can help you plan the journey in.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area of the Peak District for young children?
Matlock Bath and Bakewell in the White Peak suit young children best. They put the cable car, caverns, Gulliver's Kingdom, Peak Rail, Chatsworth and the flat Monsal Trail all within a short drive, with plenty of cafes and level ground nearby.
Is the Monsal Trail suitable for kids on bikes?
Yes. The Monsal Trail is flat, traffic-free and firm underfoot along a former railway, so it suits children and pushchairs. You can hire kids' bikes, tag-alongs and trailers at Hassop Station and ride through the lit tunnels at your own pace.
Can you go in the caves in the Peak District with children?
Yes. Treak Cliff Cavern and Poole's Cavern run guided walks that suit children, and the Heights of Abraham has two show caverns. Caves stay cool year-round, so bring warm layers and sensible shoes for the stone steps.
What is a good easy walk in the Peak District with kids?
Mam Tor is the classic easy family walk. A paved path from the Mam Nick car park reaches the 517m summit in around 20 to 30 minutes, with huge views over the Hope Valley. Solomon's Temple near Buxton is another short option.
Do you need to book Peak District attractions in advance?
For Chatsworth and busy summer or holiday days, book ahead. Many outdoor attractions open seasonally, so check official websites for opening dates, tour times and current prices before you travel, especially outside the summer months.
When is the best time to visit the Peak District with kids?
Late spring to early autumn is best, when attractions run full timetables and the weather suits caves, cycling and paddling. School holidays are busiest, so book campsites and Chatsworth tickets early and arrive at car parks before mid-morning.
The short version
The Peak District is a brilliant family trip: ride the cable car at the Heights of Abraham, cycle the Monsal Trail's tunnels, meet the animals at Chatsworth and go underground with the Blue John at Castleton. Base yourself in the White Peak and you can do a different day out every day without a long drive. Find your pitch in the Camping Sites in Britain directory or read more about camping in the UK's national parks.
