Urgently need indoor things to do today nr Ashbourne derbyshire

[popgoestheweezel]

We at renting Hams hall near waterhouses this weekend for a family get together, 11 adults and 5 children (3m, 3, 4, 6 & 8). The weather is dreadful today so we can't get outside and the house we are in is disappointingly cramped and has only a very, very limited collection of toys which the children have now exhausted.
So, please please find us something we can do today- a child friendly attraction, ideally something we can all do together maybe a good museum or similar, or failing that indoor play centre.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sudbury-hall-and-museum-of-childhood/
Haven't been there myself buy it looks good

How far are you wanting to travel?

You've got Derby not far away, the Heights of Abraham (not sure if the weather is too grim for this) and the Matlock Bath Aquarium. Further afield, I can really recommend the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, but I'm guessing if you've travelled to the Peaks you aren't crazy about the idea of driving on as far as Manchester?

Sudbury museum is good, been a couple of times when I was a teen.

I think Bass breweries in Burton might have a museum.

Chucklebutties is an indoor playcentre in Belper. There is also The Play Mill at Via Gellia.

Pickfords house museum in Derby is free, and has parking, on the road in from Ashbourne.

Matlock has a good swimming pool.

If the weather is just showery, Crich Tramway museum could be an option, some is outside but there's things to duck inside if needed.

You could take them to Matlock Bath. Go up in the cable cars and then do the cave tours which are really interesting (and you will be perfectly dry!). If the weather dries up at all, there are a couple of outdoor play areas.

Or how about a steam train trip here ?

There are some events at Bolsover castle tomorrow if you are still around?

There are some more ideas here

Or you could go a wee bit further to Clumber Park (nearer Nottingham but not too far), wrap them up well and they can do the activities that are on today (find the golden gnome and do magic spells!), then go to the children's indoor play area with paints, sand and water tables.

Thanks for suggestions so far.
We don't really want to drive more than 30 mins.
Sudbury hall sounds good as there'll be interest for the grandparents too. An indoor play area would mean splitting the group which is a bit pointless as we've all travelled to be together.
The weather is improving now but more rain forecast later so will def need indoor option.

lots of suggestions with 20 miles

Chatsworth might be a bit outside your zone as well, but Matlock is well within it. And nothing says 'August bank holiday in the pissing rain' like a trip to Matlock Bath!