Peak District

[LaDiDaDi]

I've booked a cottage in the Peak District for four nights in June and was after some ideas for things to do.

Thanks

whereabours in the Peak. Have you got kids, if so how old?

I would recommend cycling along the trails (cycle hire with child seats/trailers etc available). Peak District covers a large area, so activities depend on where you will be.

Matlock Bath/cable car
Poole's Cavern near Buxton

Go Ape is good, but you have to go on it to supervise your DCs up to the age of 18 - it is not easy to "supervise" fit teenagers who are much stronger and faster than you! No such requirement in France, where we shall be this summer - yu can just stand below and catch them when they drop.

Littlelapin - when in July? Have you been before?

DS1 will be 10 in July (just old enough) and is desperate to go. He needs an adult with him, but the thing is I'll be so petrified I'll need someone to hold my hand: he'll be fine - has been up those tall poles and things at Center Parks!

Visit Castleton for the Blue John mines - only place in the world where this particular stone exists (caves are spooky). Also see Winnat's Pass nearby, again, v. spooky. Chatsworth is lovely - gorgeous grounds, amazing house.

Why are we talking about Grizedale on a Peak District thread?!

Whereabouts are you going to be LaDiDaDi? Dh comes from round there, so have quite a few ideas.

roisin - we were hoping for a meet up when lapin is around - me and Janh that is - fancy it - nothing definite yet though.

Yes, definite possible from me, depending on dates.

Are you all going on Go Ape then?

We are staying here.

Thanks for your ideas so far, Chatsworth House was on my list, what would be good for dp? The caves? Dd is 13 months

On a visit to Blue John Caves with friend and all our DCs, the youngest - then a toddler - screamed all the time. Chatsworth Gardens are excellent (and there is a good farm shop there). LOts of good short walks in that area (e.g. Carsington to Brassington) suitable for baby carrier, if not a mountain type buggy. High Peak trail nearby for cycle trips.

The Yew Tree at Ednaston dows nice pub food. Its near Ashbourne.

There is an otter and owl sanctuary in the Peak district which is good.

Eyam is quite nice for a look round. Dovedale is gorgeous.

Look here for more ideas

www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3520604.htm

You can cycle on the Tissington trail.

Carsingon is also a great place to visit, they have a soft play there which is supposed to be good.

Ladidadi let me know if you have any questions as this is very close to my house so I know the area really well.
How old are your kids and then I can give age appropriate activities.
do you need soft play etc?

the soft play at carsington has just closed but there is a new outdoor play that is great.
I'd recommend chucklebutties at Belper (2o mins) or Cromford playmill for younger children (10 mins).
For cycling I prefer the manifold trail, starting at waterhouses near leek.There is a large cave to visit and several nice cafes along the way. If you go on the Tissington trail stop off in Tissingtn it is a pretty estate village with pond, cafe and shop.
Matock has a lovely park with paddling pool and play area. In the centre of town so you can wander round the shops and let the kids burn off energy in the park.

I'd second the Manifold Trail as the best cycle trail with children. It is tarmac most of the way, with nice water splash in the middle. I have "done" it with toddler in bike seat and with 7 year old cycling all the way (about 16 miles round trip).