Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>The humble day trip is back with a bang this summer thanks to the new Great British Summer VAT reduction. It may not apply to all of these dreamy days out, but they all have one thing in common – they’ll leave you with that ‘just-back-from-holiday’ feeling. Whether you fancy a full family day out or a grown-up escape, set your alarm; these days out are worth getting up early for.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-grown-up-day-out-with-the-girls">The grown-up day out with the girls</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/07/Hoar-X-1024x683.jpg" alt="Hoar Cross hall spa garden" class="wp-image-18759" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/07/Hoar-X-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/07/Hoar-X-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/07/Hoar-X-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/07/Hoar-X.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>I promise you this one will make you feel like you’ve had a Proper holiday, yet it’s only a county away. <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/wellness-travel-spa/review-hoar-cross-hall-notts-derbyshire-muddy-stilettos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hoar Cross Hall</a> in rural Staffordshire is one of the best spa hotels in the UK (especially now it boasts a dreamy outdoor Spa Garden) and the <a href="https://hiddenwell.com/hoar-cross-hall/day-spa-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">day spa offers</a> (from £129) are a pretty good deal for this level of luxe relaxation.</p>



<p><strong>INSIDER TIP: </strong>Part of the joy of a day spa is exploring at your own pace, but it&#8217;s worth getting a jump on your day by heading straight for the 8.30am Tabata class, leaving the rest of your day to chill.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-full-family-fun-day">The full family fun day</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Heights-of-Abraham.jpg" alt="heights of abraham cable car matlock bath derbyshire" class="wp-image-5125" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Heights-of-Abraham.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Heights-of-Abraham-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Heights-of-Abraham-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Heights-of-Abraham-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Treat the kids to a cable car ride they don&#8217;t need to head abroad for.&nbsp;<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/heights-of-abraham-matlock-bath-derbyshire/">The Heights of Abraham</a>&nbsp;is a Full Day Out and a real thrill for kids (dogs can go too).&nbsp;This summer there’s stacks to keep you busy at the top – from woodlands walks, cool light shows through illuminated caverns, fossil hunting, adventure playgrounds and jaw-dropping views.  Tickets are a steal this summer as the Heights is in the Great British Summer Savings scheme. Adults from £23.70, kids £7.</p>



<p><strong>INSIDER TIP:</strong> Arrive early to bag a parking spot and jump on the cable car before the tourists arrive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-country-escape">The country escape</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Chatsworth-by-India-Hobson.jpg" alt="Chatsworth House in summer" class="wp-image-9583" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Chatsworth-by-India-Hobson.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Chatsworth-by-India-Hobson-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Chatsworth-by-India-Hobson-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Image / Chatsworth House Trust</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>A Peak District classic, a day out at <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chatsworth House</a> and its glorious estate is hard to beat. But you need insider tips to make the most of your visit. Kick things off early with a trip to nearby <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/visit-chatsworth/shop-dine-stay/farm-shop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chatsworth Farm Shop</a> and pick up some picnic goodies. Then be among the first to explore the house at 10am before the crowds arrive. For lunch, swerve the on-site options and unpack your picnic by the river. Kids in tow? Spend the avo on the farm and the awesome adventure playground. Or explore Stand Wood and the gorgeous walks that start here. Finish your day with cocktails on the sun terrace and dinner in the Garden Room restaurant at <a href="https://cavendishhotelbaslow.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cavendish</a>, a short walk across the grassy estate towards Baslow.</p>



<p><strong>INSIDER TIP: </strong>Chatsworth’s cafés are cute but it&#8217;s well worth walking across the road to Muddy Awards-winning <a href="https://www.edensorteacottage.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edensor Tea Cottage</a> for your cuppa and cake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-day-at-the-seaside">The day at the &#8216;seaside&#8217;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/07/fARMARAMA-LANDSCAPE-1024x683.jpg" alt="farmarama paddling pools at the national forest adventure farm" class="wp-image-18772" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/07/fARMARAMA-LANDSCAPE-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/07/fARMARAMA-LANDSCAPE-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/07/fARMARAMA-LANDSCAPE-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/07/fARMARAMA-LANDSCAPE.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Landlocked we may be, but this summer the <a href="https://www.adventurefarm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Forest Adventure Farm</a> is doing a fabulous job of making us all feel like we live by the sea. With five giant paddling pools, 250+ tonnes of golden sand, and even foam parties, the Summer Beach Bonanza from 18 July to 1 Sept sounds like a whole lot of fun. It&#8217;s just a short hop over the border in Tatenhill, Staffordshire and is a brilliant, jam-packed day out that never fails to please kids of all ages. This is another one that&#8217;s part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme so tickets cost £17.45.</p>



<p><strong>Insider tip: </strong>Visit between 18 July and 23 August, and you can double your fun and return for free&nbsp;up until 1 September.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fresh-air-day-out">The  fresh air day out</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail.jpg" alt="Monsal Head viaduct" class="wp-image-4775" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fancy a family fresh air fix? This one should do it. Head for <a href="https://hassopstation.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hassop Station</a> and hire bikes before heading out along the beautiful, traffic-free, and flat, Monsal Trail. Fuel up with brunch at Hassop Station Café first (where there&#8217;s also a playground to keep kids happy) and head towards Wyedale. After the thrill of the Headstone Tunnel, tie up your bikes at the Monsal viaduct and walk down to the river &#8211; a great picnic spot and a lovely place to explore, play and seek some shade. The whole trail is 8.5miles long (it&#8217;s 1.5miles to Bakewell in the other direction), but you can turn around whenever little legs have had enough.</p>



<p><strong>Top tip:</strong> If you&#8217;re here with kids and pass through Longstone, stop off the trail and visits <a href="https://www.thornbridgehall.co.uk/kids" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thornbridge. </a>This is a fab place for kids where they can paddle, hook a giant rubber duck and explored the gardens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/things-to-do-with-the-kids-summer-holidays-notts-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plot your family fun with our local summer guide</a></p>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on-notts-derbyshire-august-notts-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Awesome August! What’s on near you</a></p>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/cool-kid-friendly-cafe-playground-summer-holidays-notts-derbyshire/">Cool kid-friendly cafe hang-outs for summer</a></p>


Chic local day trips that feel like a mini-holiday

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