Peak District with toddlers

[Wallaroo21]

We're thinking of taking our 18 month old and will be 3 year old for her birthday in April to the Peak District for a few days. We haven't been before, where is good to stay. Ideally will be in an Airbnb with a pub or 2 within walking distance will have a car for day activities. Would love to do something fun for the day on her birthday. Any tips?

Matlock Bath right on the edge of the Peak District would be a good base.
The Peak Rail steam trains leave from Matlock and they do special Easter events on certain days.
Matlock Farm Park is a nice half day out, and catching the cable car up Height’s Abraham is also fun. There’s a playground with a gorgeous view at the summit (and another playground further down).
Gulliver’s Kingdom would be a great way to celebrate your 3yo’s birthday, if it’s open (I know it’s not open every day in April).

Chatsworth farm and playground might be an optionfor a birthday treat? I am sure they re-open in March.

Bakewell has a swings and slide type of park. Theres a few decent shops (sure the toy store is still open). You could go on the Monsal Trail (old railway line now for walkers/cyclists - has tunnels and Hassop has a decent coffee/cake shop.

Also check out Crich tram museum and Ecclesbourne steam railway at Wirksworth.

The playground at Chatsworth is fantastic, so I'd definitely do a day there.

Bike ride on the Monsal trail from Hassop station.

Matlock bath for a "seaside" feel with arcade games, fish and chips, etc.

Avoid Gullivers like the plague.

Leek, on the western edge of the Peaks is a nice little market town with good pubs etc to go out to. It has the Peak Wildlife Park nearby which would make a lovely birthday treat, or CBeebies land at Alton Towers.

Peak Wildlife Park near Ashbourne would be a good day out for young children.

Bear in mind that with Easter weekend v late this year, the Easter school holidays will most likely coincide with your visit.

Thank you for all the advice. I hadn't realised about the school holidays that is a shame. Maybe we'll rethink it.

But on the other hand, if you are there anywhere near Easter loads of places will have Easter egg trails and other events for childre. Chatsworth certainly does

Chatsworth farm and playground is great for little kids and feels really Peak Districty. I love Gulliver's which is a kids theme park on a steep hill with great views. Would be lovely if not too busy. Loads of nice walks. Castleton and Liam stepping stones at different ends. Have a great week.

Last time I looked the stepping stones at Ilam (my phone wanted to change it to Liam too!) were still closed. They are a pain to get across anyway on a busy day and probably not suitable for ac3vyear old