the peak district

[solanum]

Can anyone give their opinion on the merits/demerits of holiday in the Peak District in Spring? Do you think it would be too boring for children ?Is is really miserable if the weather is bad? Are there any really good restaurants? What has Buxton got in it, besides the opera?

If you don't want to go on loads of walks, can it still be relaxing and refreshing?

My DSs were never very keen on walking but were happy to www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/cycle/cycle along one of the many cycle ways in the Peak District - my favourite is the Manifold Way which is less exposed than the Tissington Trail or the High Peak Trail. If your DCs are small you can hire bike seats etc for them.
Primary aged children will enjoy the caves such as Pooles Cavern at Buxton - though it can frighten toddlers.
There is a nice park in the centre of Buxton which had a small ride on railway plus mini golf and a small playground.
If you go over to Chatsworth, there is a children's attraction (farmyard??) but we used to get away with taking ours and friends round the gardens which they enjoyed.
If you do go for a walk there are plenty of interesting places but DS2 climbed his first mountain (aged 2) on Shutlingsloe "the Cheshire Matterhorn" fairly near Buxton.