Peak district with kids close to Macclesfield/Buxton area

[Speccybibliophile]

Hello everyone,

We are travelling with extended family to the Peak District next week, closest towns are Macclesfield and Buxton. Range of ages from 1 year old to 75. There are some preschool-aged kids ranging from 3-5, kids aged 6-9 and then teens aged 13-19 plus adults.

So far, we have booked a day at Chatsworth House and Gardens. This is a little far from where we are staying so would like closer attractions for the rest of the visit. We have also already planned an outing to Macclesfield Forest and a pool day where we are staying. We have one unfilled day to plan for.

Does anyone have experience visiting this area with kids, considering the logistics of using a pushchair/stroller, having toilet/baby change facilities etc and trying to accommodate the range of ages?

Some other possibilities we have considered are the following (however, one of them is quite far from where we are staying and expensive so would appreciate personal experiences to justify an outing there) -

• Heights of Abraham
• Pavilion Gardens Buxton
• Tegg's Nose Country Park
• Castleton
• Three Shires Head for the teens/adults
• Go Ape Buxton for the teens
• any other suggestions would be much appreciated

It is a little daunting planning this kind of holiday, when we usually stick with city breaks and beach trips.

Thank you so much.

Cromford?

Crich Trams is there. Get to ride on trams, family friendly.

Hardwick Hall? Macclesfield Silk museum. Haddon Hall. Kelham Island in Sheffield. A bit further but very good. Look for special events at many of these places.

Thank you @Pancakeflipper @TizerorFizz , will look into those suggestions now

This is a nice short walk near Matlock:

As for walks, try the trails (Monsall trail, Tissington trail, High Peak trail), buggy friendly for tinies and plenty of cafés for oldies to rest and find loos for nappy changes. Also cycle friendly and level. Bikes can usually be hired there.
Have been to Heights of Abraham and Crich Tram Museum, both worth a visit and family friendly.
Buxton Pavilion Gardens are not wildly exciting!
Have you considered any of the caverns? Could be interesting for the tees and adults.
Three Shires Head is a lovely walk.
Wetton Mill tea room is worth considering, it’s by the river so the oldies can chill at the tea room and the tinies can play in the river (take water shoes and a change of clothes, it’s a little rocky and very shallow and has lots of ducks. It was fine to take my 2 year old granddaughter in as long as she had an adult to hold her hand) and the teens and adults can walk up the hill behind - access the path from the tea room car park. Lovely cakes too. You may be able to guess it’s a regular haunt for us.

Also consider The Peak Wildlife Park. Great for the younger end. Polar bears to watch and wallabies and giant rabbits to feed. The lemur enclosure is fun as well.

Castleton and Bakewell are lovely to Potter around. You could do a circular trip to break up the drive. Whist your at Chatsworth I would fo ans take a look at Matlock Bath.

I wouldn't recommend the Heighrs of Abraham with children as they will be able to see Gulivers Vallwy theme park

So much useful information! Especially the feedback about Pavilion Gardens, might be one to swerve. Thank you to everyone, really do appreciate it 💕