Peak District Family Attractions: Your Complete Guide
The Peak District is a fantastic destination for families, with a wealth of attractions that cater to children of all ages. From theme parks and heritage railways to caverns and stately homes with adventure playgrounds, there’s something to keep every member of the family entertained.
Whether you’re looking for thrilling rides, underground adventures, or peaceful walks with plenty of kid-friendly distractions, the Peak District delivers.
Quick Links to Family Attractions
| Attraction | Age Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Alton Towers | All ages | Thrill rides, family fun |
| Gulliver’s Kingdom | 2-13 years | Theme park, younger children |
| Heights of Abraham | All ages | Cable car, caverns, playgrounds |
| Crich Tramway Village | All ages | Heritage trams, period village |
| Peak Rail | All ages | Steam trains, family days out |
| Chatsworth House | All ages | Farmyard, playground, gardens |
| Castleton Caverns | All ages | Underground adventures |
| Kids’ Walks | All ages | Outdoor fun, caves, streams |
Theme Parks & Thrill Rides
Alton Towers
Alton Towers is the largest theme park in the UK, covering a whopping 910 acres with more than 40 rides and attractions split across 10 themed areas.
With something to suit guests of all ages, sizes and levels of thrill-seeking, it’s a full day out that will be remembered for years. From the white-knuckle thrills of Nemesis and Oblivion to the family-friendly CBeebies Land, Alton Towers offers an incredible variety of experiences.
The park also features beautiful gardens and a hotel for those wanting to extend their stay. Seasonal events, including Scarefest at Halloween and the Christmas festivities, make it a great destination throughout the year.
Alton Towers Highlights:
- Largest theme park in the UK
- Over 40 rides and attractions
- CBeebies Land for younger children
- Thrilling rollercoasters
- Beautiful gardens
- Seasonal events
Alton Towers is perfect for: families with children of all ages, thrill-seekers, and anyone wanting a full day of entertainment.
Read more about Alton Towers →
Gulliver’s Kingdom
Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath is specially designed for children aged between 2 and 13, with a wide range of rides, attractions and themed areas – from the Western World to Smuggler’s Wharf.
There’s an exciting log flume and drop tower, as well as a log roller coaster and a pirate ship. Aspiring digger drivers will also love the JCB Zone in Lilliput Land.
It’s the perfect size for younger children who might find Alton Towers overwhelming, with rides designed specifically for smaller thrill-seekers.
Gulliver’s Kingdom Highlights:
- Designed for ages 2-13
- Wide range of rides
- Themed areas
- Perfect for younger children
- Matlock Bath location
Gulliver’s Kingdom is perfect for: families with younger children, birthday parties, and anyone wanting a more manageable theme park experience.
Read more about Gulliver’s Kingdom →
Heritage Railways & Transport
Peak Rail
Peak Rail is a heritage steam and diesel railway line that runs for 4 miles between restored railway stations at Matlock and Rowsley South.
Largely staffed by volunteers, it’s always been a very popular Peak District day out. Special events run throughout the year, including the wonderful ‘Santa Special’ train rides for families at Christmas.
The railway also offers dining experiences and themed events that appeal to all ages. The journey takes you through beautiful Derbyshire countryside, with views of the River Derwent and the surrounding hills.
Peak Rail Highlights:
- Heritage steam and diesel trains
- 4-mile journey
- Volunteer-run
- Santa Special at Christmas
- Dining experiences
Peak Rail is perfect for: families, railway enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a nostalgic day out.
Crich Tramway Village Attraction
Crich Tramway Village is home to the National Tramway Museum, which takes you through a hundred years of tramway development from 1860 to 1960.
The site features a beautifully-recreated period village, complete with a vintage pub, cafe and olde-worlde shops. Visitors can ride on historic trams through the village and into the surrounding countryside.
It’s a fascinating day out that appeals to transport enthusiasts of all ages, with plenty to see and do. The period village is a photographer’s dream, and the tram rides are fun for all ages.
Crich Tramway Village Highlights:
- National Tramway Museum
- Beautifully-recreated period village
- Historic tram rides
- Vintage pub
- Great for all ages
Crich Tramway Village is perfect for: families, transport enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone wanting a unique day out.
Read more about Crich Tramway Village →
Stately Homes with Family Activities
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House is the jewel in the Peak District’s crown and offers fantastic family activities alongside its magnificent house and gardens.
The farmyard and adventure playground are huge hits with children, allowing them to meet farm animals, explore adventure play areas, and learn about the estate. Seasonal events and activities ensure there’s always something new to discover.
The gardens are also wonderful for families, with the Maze, the Cascade, and the Emperor Fountain all offering excitement and discovery. The farm shop and restaurant make it easy to keep everyone well-fed.
Chatsworth House Highlights:
- Farmyard with animals
- Adventure playground
- Family-friendly gardens
- Seasonal events
- Excellent cafe and farm shop
Chatsworth House is perfect for: families, children of all ages, and anyone wanting a combination of history and fun.
Read more about Chatsworth House →
Heights of Abraham Attraction
The Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath offers a thrilling cable car ride to the top of Masson Hill.
Once at the top, the 60-acre estate boasts two beautiful show caverns with regular guided tours, fascinating exhibitions, a fossil museum, a lookout tower, and great adventure playgrounds. The estate also features miles of wonderful woodland walks, and there are cafes and restaurants to keep everyone well-fed.
Dogs are welcome too, making it a great day out for the whole family, including the four-legged members.
Heights of Abraham Highlights:
- Thrilling cable car ride
- Show caverns with guided tours
- Fossil museum and exhibitions
- Adventure playgrounds
- Woodland walks
- Dog-friendly
The Heights of Abraham is perfect for: families, children of all ages, and anyone wanting a combination of adventure and education.
Read more about The Heights of Abraham →
Underground Adventures
The Castleton Caverns
The Castleton Caverns offer fascinating underground experiences that children will never forget.
Treak Cliff Cavern is home to Blue John stone, Britain’s rarest mineral. Children will love seeing the colourful stone in its natural setting and learning about how it’s mined.
Speedwell Cavern offers an unforgettable underground boat trip along a subterranean river – a truly unique experience that children will talk about for years.
Blue John Cavern takes visitors deep underground to see the famous Blue John stone in its natural setting, with huge caverns up to 200 feet high.
Peak Cavern boasts the largest cave entrance in Britain and spectacular illuminated chambers that children will find awe-inspiring.
Castleton Caverns Highlights:
- Four different cavern experiences
- Blue John stone
- Underground boat trip
- Largest cave entrance in Britain
- Suitable for all ages
The Castleton Caverns are perfect for: families, children fascinated by geology, and anyone wanting an unforgettable underground adventure.
Honourable mention: Poole’s Cavern in Buxton is another spectacular limestone cavern with beautifully illuminated chambers and underground streams.
Kid-Friendly Walks
Kids’ Walks
Kids’ Walks are specially designed with children in mind, with shorter routes for little legs and plenty of kid-friendly distractions along the way.
Routes include caves to explore, trees to climb, streams to paddle and rope swings to play on. We believe that it’s hugely important to get the younger generation enjoying the great outdoors, and the Peak District offers fantastic opportunities to spark their interest.
The more that children can learn to appreciate and love the countryside, the better it is for all of us – a connection with nature not only improves their physical and mental health but also paves the way for a lifetime of respect and responsibility for the environment.
Kids’ Walk Highlights:
- Shorter routes for little legs
- Caves to explore
- Streams to paddle
- Rope swings to play on
- Trees to climb
Kids’ Walks are perfect for: families with young children, schools, and anyone wanting to introduce children to the joys of walking.
Pub Walks
Pub Walks combine a family-friendly walk with the promise of a hearty meal at the end – perfect for motivating tired children!
The Peak District has many marvellous pubs, from cosy, two-roomed country inns to luxury gastro pubs, all welcoming families.
Pub Walk Highlights:
- Family-friendly walks
- Hearty pub meals
- Cosy country inns
- Motivating for children
- Great for all ages
Pub Walks are perfect for: families, groups, and anyone who enjoys a walk followed by a good meal.
Plan Your Family Day Out
Arrive Early: Many family attractions get busy during school holidays and weekends. Arriving early ensures you get parking and can make the most of your day.
Book Tickets in Advance: Some attractions offer discounts for advance booking. Check websites before you go.
Pack a Picnic: While many attractions have cafes, bringing a picnic can save money and give you more flexibility.
Dress for the Weather: The Peak District weather can be changeable – bring waterproofs even on sunny days.
Check Opening Times: Opening times vary seasonally, so check before you travel.
Explore More Peak District Guides
Looking for more inspiration? Visit our other guides:
- Castleton Visitor Guide
- Dovedale & White Peak Villages Guide
- Peak District Walking Trails Guide
- Stately Homes & Castles Guide
- Peak District Family Attractions Guide
- Peak District Ancient Sites Guide
Family Days Out in the Peak District: Memories That Last a Lifetime
The Peak District offers some of the best family days out in the UK. From the thrills of Alton Towers to the adventure of the Castleton caverns, from the nostalgia of Crich Tramway Village to the fun of Chatsworth’s farmyard, there’s something to suit every family.
Whether you’re looking for a full day of excitement or a gentle walk with a pub lunch at the end, the Peak District delivers. Plan your family day out today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
