5 brilliant things to do in Derbyshire with kids

From active adventures in the Peak District National Park to tours of amazing stately homes, Derbyshire has loads to keep adult visitors amused - but what about the little ones? Don’t worry, there is plenty to keep children entertained in this county too. Here we have picked 5 brilliant things to do in Derbyshire with kids…

1. Gulliver’s Kingdom

Gulliver’s Kingdom is a fun theme park that is sure to thrill the kids. Aimed at children aged 2-13, the park has over 60 rides ranging from the slow and gentle for younger children to the fast and thrilling for older kids. There are roller coasters and log flumes, a dinosaur maze, a fossil digging experience, a double decker carousel, a pirate ship and a number of indoor rides and attractions too. The park is situated on a hillside that offers wonderful views of the surrounding Derbyshire landscape and various events are held here throughout the year. Tickets are around £20 per person but you can get a discount if you book your tickets online.

2. Carsington Water

Carsington Water is a large reservoir set in a country park and is the perfect place to take children for a bit of outdoors adventure. Older kids can get up to all sorts here assisted by friendly and knowledgeable staff. Activities include horse riding, cycling, fishing, kayaking and canoeing and sailing. The park that surrounds the reservoir is an ideal place to enjoy a family picnic and take a walk or bike ride. There is also a visitor centre with a restaurant upstairs serving excellent food. Trying out some fun activities in Carsington Water is a great way to get the kids outside for some fresh air. Entry to the park is free and activity prices vary.

3. Matlock Farm Park

Matlock Farm Park is a great little open farm perfect for younger children. Here, the kids can see animals such as peacocks, goats, deer, rabbits and llama and have the chance to cuddle and feed some of them too. The farm is a 600 acre site that is also home to a go-karting track (for the older kids to enjoy!) and also offers pony-trekking. There are picnic areas, an outdoor adventure playground, a good café and a gift shop. A family ticket costs £22.50.

4. Crich Tramway Village

Crich Tramway Village is a superb attraction set in a period village near Matlock. Seeing all kinds of vintage vehicles and riding on the old trams is something children will really enjoy, and the village is full of quaint features. You can wander the interesting exhibitions and there are excellent walks in the nearby woodlands. Don’t miss Bluebells Ice Cream Parlour and Barnett’s Sweet Shop for some tasty treats the kids will love. This is a lovely place to visit as a family with something to suit everyone. A family ticket costs around £35.

5. Poole’s Cavern and Country Park

Poole’s Cavern is located in the spa town of Buxton and is perfect for a rainy day! You can go deep underground lead by the expert tour guides who will help you discover the wonders of these limestone caverns. Kids will be amazed at the size of the sparkling stalactites and stalagmites that have been inside these vast chambers for millions of years. With new LED lighting effects that have been newly added, the caverns offer a real visual treat. Outside of the caverns there is a fantastic country park with stunning woodlands to explore as well as a Go Ape tree top adventure -another way to keep the kids entertained!

This county offers plenty of different things to see and do that will keep children happy, whether it be exploring the outdoors, having fun with watersports, meeting farmyard animals or discovering underground caverns. Derbyshire is a really good option if you’re planning a holiday in the UK with kids.