5 fantastic family days out in Derbyshire

If you are after great days out in Derbyshire that will appeal to people of all ages, look no further than this list. We’ve chosen 5 fantastic days out in Derbyshire that will appeal to families with younger kids as well as older kids – and to avoid the squabbles we recommend trying them all!

Hardwick Hall

A day out at Hardwick Hall offers an abundance of fun and entertainment for younger and older family members to enjoy. There is plenty to see inside the house including beautiful Elizabethan tapestries as well as eye-catching furniture and portraits. Visitors will also have the opportunity to dress up as well as test their knowledge with history quizzes, while outside the nature trails, woodland play area and a visit to the Hardwick fairy tree will keep minds and bodies active too.

Wild Park Derbyshire

For families who like to be on the go, with a healthy dose of “I’ll try that!” attitude, Wild Park Derbyshire is sure to be a hit. This activity centre is bursting with action and adventure and offers a variety of experiences to choose from including paintballing, laser tag, quad biking and archery. The centre accommodates kids as young as 6 (for laser tag) up to adults, making it a great choice for families with younger children as well as teens.

Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre

Whether you live or are holidaying in Derbyshire, the Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre isn’t difficult to get to. What may be difficult is getting animal-loving family members to come home once they’ve met the captivating array of animal residents here. A leisurely stroll through the butterfly house and lemur enclosure, amazing aerial displays courtesy of the birds of prey and exciting hands-on animal encounters are just some of the fantastic things to see and do here. The play park is also the perfect place for youngsters to burn off excess energy while older kids and adults relax at the picnic tables nearby.

Cycle the Tissington Trail

Free from traffic and full of natural beauty, cycling the Tissington Trail is a great way to combine exercise, seeing the countryside and of course lots of fun! The trail runs between Ashbourne and Parsley Hay and is around 13 miles or 21 kilometres in length. The easy gradient makes the trail suitable for adults, teens and younger children and there are bike hiring facilities at either end of the trail so families don’t need their own bikes in order to enjoy the route. Picnic spots along the trail provide resting places to enjoy a packed lunch but there are also nearby cafes as well.

The Heights of Abraham

Informative, exhilarating and breath-taking are all apt descriptions of the Heights of Abraham. A variety of diverse but equally enticing attractions are on offer here including a cable car ride across the Derwent Valley which provides unforgettable views. A cable car ticket also gives visitors free entry to amazing underground caverns which can be explored courtesy of a guided tour. There are also several great exhibitions covering areas such as aerial photography and fossils, while the play area caters to toddlers as well as older children who love to climb and slide in the outdoors. And there is even more on offer here in the form of wonderful woodland walks that pass through stunning scenery, plus visitors who feel peckish can take a break in the bar and restaurant.

Pick an amazing day out that’s perfect for your family

Not every family is the same. Some love getting active while others love interacting with animals or learning about history or the world around them. These wonderful family days out in Derbyshire are as diverse as the family members who can enjoy them, from gran and granddad to teens and toddlers. However, one thing they all have in common is that they provide excellent entertainment and are sure to contribute to great family memories.