Another inspire me thread - best place for an October break? Peaks?

[Thurlow]

We normally do the Norfolk coast but I've got a feeling that would be really miserable if the weather is bad, what with the beach just sitting there and tempting us.

I was thinking maybe of the Peak District instead, around Bakewell perhaps? Has anyone been there?

Where would other people go, within a few hours drive of north London, just before the October half-term?

It's me, DP and a 3yo. We'd prefer to be in a village or town where we can wander to shops and restaurants, but have some nice walks or Trust properties nearby, maybe something like a steam train etc to do one day.

Does anyone have any good recommendations?