Peak District with kids help please!

[Illbefinejustbloodyfine]

I really want to take DC this summer, yes it's last minute I know. Clueless though, I'd love some advice on somewhere to stay close to a variety of shortish (up to 5 miles) circular walks with interesting stuff for the kids (waterfalls, pools etc)

Bakewell or Matlock. My preference would be Bakewell.

You could look for accommodation near one of the market towns, e.g. Buxton, Bakewell, Ashbourne, so you have facilities nearby, and take it from there.

Were you thinking self-catering cottage, or camping? There's a nice YHA at Castleton, which has lots of lovely walks nearby, and a castle, but is pretty small facilities-wise.

I have a feeling I've seen an Insta account for Peak District days out with kids - have you tried searching on there? Or maybe it was a blog.

There's an open-air pool/lido at Hathersage - worth a look. Also that's quite near Chatsworth, which has a good river for paddling/swimming, and a big playground/farm park area.

Thank you both. I'm open to camping, we do camp already, also open to a youth hostel I've looked at holiday parks and found a couple of nice ones but worry I'd struggle to get the DC out if there was too much going on onsite

Excellent playgrounds and little water parks at Matlock, Bakewell and Ashbourne for a cheap couple of hours. They do get busy though. Matlock Bath is fun for kids, think a seaside resort but not at the coast for the vibe.

What about Chatsworth Farmyard & adventure playground then a walk round the beautiful park.