Snowdonia or Peak District?

[k2p2k2tog]

We're hoping to combine a family wedding in Liverpool in the summer with a week's holiday afterwards, probably either Snowdonia or the Peak District.

I am not familiar with either of these areas and struggling to choose! We have two DC aged 12 and 14, not interested in things like arcades or wall to wall fast food joints but kids like visiting castles, doing outdoorsy things and so on. Any recommendations??

[Ricekrispie22]

I'd definitely choose the Peak District
Underground boat trip into Speedwell Cavern speedwellcavern.co.uk
Go Ape Buxton goape.co.uk/days-out/midlands/buxton
Spend a whole day at Heights of Abraham www.heightsofabraham.com/see-and-do/
Crunch Tram village
Donnington Park Grand Prix collection
Go sphering/zorbing or do archery, Segway etc... at Madrenaline www.madrenaline.co.uk/activities.php
Alton Towers!
Rapid Horizons white water rafting at Matlock

[SunnySomer]

If they like castles and outdoors I’d definitely go to Snowdonia. And it’s closer to Liverpool.
I think teenagers might not be thrilled about Crich or Heights of Abraham- and the walking is more adventurous in Wales (in my opinion).
The coast is gorgeous there too.

[heron98]

Snowdonia for sure. It's far more visually impressive. The PD is quite dull and boggy.

[Birdbath99]

Snowdonia! But i live here so very biased!

[gleegeek]

Snowdonia! We took dd (14) and she had a fantastic time. Lots of castles, beaches, mountains to climb, steam trains, waters ports, go ape type stuff and underground trampolines, zip wire etc, caves, Anglesey is gorgeous, visit a power station etc etc etc. Loved it! Did have some very Welsh weather though

[AgathaF]

The Peak District is dull and boggy? Really?? I think you haven't seen that much of it.

[ReinettePompadour]

@Ricekrispie22 I think you will find its Crich Tramway Museum although the car park is very crunchy under foot

I'd say the Peak District too but I'm biased as I can see it from my window.

Theres loads of castles/stately homes. Bolsover Castle is lovely along with Hardwick Hall, Chatsworth House. Alton Towers is usually popular with teenagers.

If you follow peak district online on Facebook theres loads of last minute deals on accommodation and places to stay that only advertise via that page.

[BackforGood]

Snowdonia if they like castles and walking, without a doubt.

If you want to go somewhere to spend money, they have the longest zipwire up there now, too.

[MrsJoshDun]

Snowdonia has better mountains and walking and better castles. Maybe less wet weather stuff? Electric mountain was good and a copper mine. Small sea zoo at Anglesey. Is that new big zip wire near there? Or the Big Bounce? Not sure how far away they are?

Peak District has nice walks, different caves at castleton, nice otter and owl place near castleton, old train tracks for cycling along, chatsworth house and gardens, Alton towers.

[MrsJoshDun]

Some great mountain biking round snowdonia as well.

[AnnabelleLecter]

I agree with the Peak District and the things mentioned. It is not dull!

Check out Peak llamas for llama trekking.
Dovedale - stepping stones over the river.
Eyam plague village
Peveril castle and Mam tor.
Chatsworth is beautiful has a really good adventure playground and maze in the garden.
Haddon hall
Bakewell pudding
Cromford canal boat trips
Carsington water for water sports
Tissington trail bike hire

[Follyfoot]

Loads to do in the Peaks, but wouldn't bother with the Heights of Abraham for teenagers - they might like one of the cavern tours but it's set up for much younger children really. If they dont like amusements and fast food, they arent going to like Matlock Bath! Similarly, I would think Crich would be a bit dull for them.

They might like walking up Mam Tor, and whilst you are there, the Blue John and Speedwell caverns. Agree they might enjoy rafting - you can do it between Darley Dale and Matlock Bath I think. Conkers at Swadlincote has plenty to do too, including karting.

Maybe if they really like castles, Snowdonia might be better (and I live in the Peaks!).

[Serin]

Peak District is ok ish for children but personally I just don't get the attraction. It's all hills and moors as opposed to Snowdonia which has proper wild mountains, beaches (even surfing at Rhosneigr nearby) and tons of stuff more attractive to teenagers (zip wire extreme, bounce below, climbing, mountain biking, sailing).

And MN fav café