Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-take-flight-in-a-cable-car">1/ Take flight in a cable car</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>It’s not often you get to ride a cable car in the UK and this one is a real thrill for kids (dogs can go too). <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/heights-of-abraham-matlock-bath-derbyshire/">The Heights of Abraham</a> is a Full Day Out and this season there&#8217;s stacks to keep you busy at the top – from new woodlands walks, cool light shows through illuminated caverns (opening, fossil hunting, adventure playgrounds and of course the brilliant views. </p>



<p><strong>INSIDER TIP:</strong>&nbsp;Get there early. It’s well worth getting a jump on the day and being among the first to ride the cable car because it can get seriously busy here during weekends and holidays – even off-season. Parking is limited too – when you smugly return to your car later on and witness the queues, you’ll thank me for getting you out of bed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-take-part-in-a-mock-trial">2/ Take part in a mock trial</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/National-Justice-Museum.jpg" alt="mock trial at national justice museum nottingham" class="wp-image-4564" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/National-Justice-Museum.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/National-Justice-Museum-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/National-Justice-Museum-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/National-Justice-Museum-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/National-Justice-Museum-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/National-Justice-Museum-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Hands-on, interactive fun? Enter the rainy-day-friendly<a href="https://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/museum/whats-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;National Justice Museum</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;Nottingham&nbsp;&#8211; a brilliant day out, especially for older kids. Actors bring the gaol, dungeons and court room to life (there’s even a fun mock trial) and on entry you’ll be given a convict number and only learn what heinous crime you’ve committed when you get to the cells. Lots of fun and educational to boot.</p>



<p><strong>Insider tip:</strong> Encourage the kids to unleash their acting skills during the mock trail. I&#8217;ve been a few times and it&#8217;s so much more fun when the &#8216;jury&#8217; ham it up with belligerent, bawdy antics. It is actively encouraged &#8211; no danger of contempt of court here.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-farmyard-frolics-and-adventure-play">3/ Farmyard frolics and adventure play</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/23/2023/03/Chatsworth-x.jpg" alt="Young boy looks at lamb at Chatsworth Farmyard" class="wp-image-3719" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/03/Chatsworth-x.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/03/Chatsworth-x-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/03/Chatsworth-x-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/03/Chatsworth-x-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>No trip to the Peaks is quite complete without a visit to&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/family-fun-best-things-to-do-with-kids-peak-district-derbyshire/Festive%20events">Chatsworth</a>&nbsp;and the brilliant farmyard and impressive woodland adventure play is fantastic for kids. Even allergic-to-country-houses-teens will love exploring the maze and maybe getting crafty in one of the many cool creative <a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/">workshops</a>. There&#8217;s also stacks of space to explore for a yomp on the wider estate or &#8211; if it&#8217;s warm enough &#8211; picnics by the river.</p>



<p><strong>Insider tip:&nbsp;</strong>Check out the&nbsp;workshops and book in advance &#8211; there are some super-cool ones (for kids and grown-ups). Think willow weaving, print-making and crafting macramé plant hangers.</p>



<p><strong>Insider tip:</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-explore-the-city-underground">4/ Explore the city underground</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="970" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/02/notts-caves-1024x970.jpg" alt="nottingham city of caves" class="wp-image-8079" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/02/notts-caves-1024x970.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/02/notts-caves-300x284.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/02/notts-caves-768x728.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/02/notts-caves.jpg 1125w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Nottingham&nbsp;has the UK&#8217;s largest network of&nbsp;caves&nbsp;which more than 800 hidden beneath the city streets. And immersing yourself in this subterranean world is quite an eye-opener. The <a href="https://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/cityofcaves/visit">City of Caves</a> tours tell the tales of the people who found themselves living and working in this extraordinary sandstone environment.</p>



<p><strong>Insider tip</strong>: Bring your own headphones to enjoy the audio guides, as well as comfortable shoes (leave the stilettos at home!).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-stand-on-top-of-the-world">5/ Stand on top of the world</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/Mam-Tor-NT-by-Trevor-Ray-HArt.jpg" alt="walking on top of Mam Tor, Peak District Derbyshire" class="wp-image-4772" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Mam-Tor-NT-by-Trevor-Ray-HArt.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Mam-Tor-NT-by-Trevor-Ray-HArt-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Mam-Tor-NT-by-Trevor-Ray-HArt-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Mam-Tor-NT-by-Trevor-Ray-HArt-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NT Images by Trevor Ray Hart</figcaption></figure>



<p>Get the big views in with a hike up to the top of&nbsp;<a href="https://peakdistrictkids.co.uk/mam-tor-easy-route/">Mam Tor</a>, a Peak classic that can be adapted to any ability. Great on clear days but equally dramatic in mists and rain. If you’re tight on time, or have a band of toddlers in tow, the quickest route up (and a really easy win for photo-opp views) is to park at the NT car park and hotfoot it 20 minutes to the trig point at the top. Prefer a proper day’s hike? </p>



<p><strong>Insider tip:</strong> Got bigger kids up for a challenge? Pack a picnic and start from pretty Edale and do a stunning&nbsp;<a href="https://letsgopeakdistrict.co.uk/edale-to-mam-tor-walk-7-5-miles/">circular eight miles</a>&nbsp;that showcases the best of the Hope Valley.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-become-an-outlaw">6/ Become an outlaw</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/Robin-Hood-festival.jpg" alt="Robin Hood Festival at Sherwood Forest" class="wp-image-4993" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Robin-Hood-festival.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Robin-Hood-festival-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Robin-Hood-festival-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Robin-Hood-festival-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Looking for a day of outdoor adventures that will really tire them out? Head to <a href="https://www.visitsherwood.co.uk/plan-your-visit/">Sherwood Forest</a> where they can take a Robin Hood tour, visit the famous Major Oak, take a <a href="https://www.visitsherwood.co.uk/event/myths-and-legends-with-the-master-at-arms-3/">Myths &amp; Legends</a> walk or join a <a href="https://www.visitsherwood.co.uk/event/have-a-go-archery/">have-a-go archery</a> session.</p>



<p><strong>Insider tip:</strong> Plan a summer visit on one of the 14 days of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitsherwood.co.uk/home/robin-hood-festival-2023/">Robin Hood Festival</a>&nbsp;taking place across five weekends. Last year featured outdoor cinema, a thrilling outlaw hunt through the forest, medieval jousting, outdoor comedy shows, a knight weekend, and a grand finale of an all-action outlaw show.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-freewheel-through-the-peak-district">7/ Freewheel through the Peak District</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-Cycling-v2-PDNP.jpg" alt="A family bike ride on The Monsal Trail, Bakewell" class="wp-image-4924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail-Cycling-v2-PDNP.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail-Cycling-v2-PDNP-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail-Cycling-v2-PDNP-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/Monsal-Trail-Cycling-v2-PDNP-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image / The Mondal Trail by Peak District National Park</figcaption></figure>



<p>The Peaks it may be, but thankfully not everywhere is peppered with lung-busting hills. There are a few flat former railways that have been helpfully converted into freewheeling, family-friendly cycle paths. Arguably the best views are from the <a href="https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/trails/monsaltrail">Monsal Trail</a> which runs between Hassop and Bakewell and has the added excitement of a very, long dark tunnel. The <a href="https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/2303/hptisstrails.pdf">Tissington Trail</a> stretches for a traffic-free 13-mile&nbsp; between Ashbourne and Parsely Hay.</p>



<p><strong>Insider tip: </strong>Can&#8217;t be faffed with lugging your own wheels up here? Both the trails above are bookended by brilliant bike hire shops where you ca pick up everything from tandems to e-bikes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-combine-art-and-nature-on-an-historic-estate">8/ Combine art and nature on an historic estate</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/Welbeck-Deer-Park.jpg" alt="Welbeck Deer Park" class="wp-image-5443" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Welbeck-Deer-Park.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Welbeck-Deer-Park-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Welbeck-Deer-Park-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Welbeck-Deer-Park-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Historic rural&nbsp;<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/reasons-we-love-the-welbeck-estate-notts/">Welbeck Estate</a>&nbsp;in the heart of Sherwood Forest offers that rare cross-generational combo that keeps everyone happy. Take a woodland or river nature walk, explore the fabulous farm shop, or get a hit of culture at the award-winning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.welbeck.co.uk/experience/visit/harley-gallery">Harley Gallery</a>&nbsp;showing ever-changing exhibitions by leading modern artists, or the impressive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.welbeck.co.uk/experience/visit/the-portland-collection">Portland Collection</a>&nbsp;displaying the historic art.</p>



<p><strong>Insider tip: </strong>The leafy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.welbeck.co.uk/experience/visit/walks-at-welbeck/the-harley-art-trail">Harley Art Trail</a>&nbsp;is especially lovely, taking in everything from cave art to contemporary art. Start from The Courtyard at Welbeck and head up to archaeological park <a href="https://www.creswell-crags.org.uk/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxd_5kcylhAMVs5JoCR0sBAFYEAAYASAAEgKFy_D_BwE">Creswell Crags</a> (which also has free entry and lots of children&#8217;s activities during the school holidays).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-make-a-splash">9/ Make a splash</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/23/2023/12/spring-lakes-aqua-park.jpg" alt="Spring lakes Derbyshire aqua park" class="wp-image-7522" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/spring-lakes-aqua-park.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/spring-lakes-aqua-park-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/spring-lakes-aqua-park-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/12/spring-lakes-aqua-park-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>One for the thrill-seekers. If you’re up for a family adventure, there’s lots to pick from – both on and off the water – at leafy <a href="https://www.nwscnotts.com/hpcp/">Holme Pierrepont Park</a>, home to the National Watersports Centre. From the rapids and fun Lagoon Wipeout course to high ropes and combat archery, plump for an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nwscnotts.com/hpcp/activities/activity-day-pass/">activity day pass</a>&nbsp;an you can try the lot. Not far away on the Notts/Derbyshire border, you&#8217;ll find the sensational <a href="https://springlakes.co.uk/">Spring Lakes</a> &#8211; a watersports mecca that&#8217;s catnip for bigger kids.  Wakeboarding, paddleboarding, wild swimming and a brilliant inflatable aqua park, it&#8217;s all here.</p>



<p><strong>Insider tip</strong>: Rather kick back and live vicariously watching the action unfold? Bag a seat in the quite lovely chilled beach bar at Spring Lakes, or pack a picnic and spread out your picnic blanket in the 270 acres of beautiful parkland&nbsp;at Holme Pierrepont.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-school-of-rock">10/ School of rock</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/Peak-Cavern-dark.jpg" alt="peak cavern peak district derbyshire" class="wp-image-5128" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Peak-Cavern-dark.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Peak-Cavern-dark-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Peak-Cavern-dark-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/Peak-Cavern-dark-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Deep in the cliffs you’ll find the spectacular entrance (the largest cave entrance in the UK actually) to <a href="https://peakcavern.co.uk/">Peak Cavern</a>, a natural cave carved out by melting glacier waters. It’s dark, mysterious and exciting, full of weird and wonderful rock formations and the guided tour is choc full of fascinating facts. It’s also known as – cue the giggles and sniggers from the kids – The Devil’s Arse because of the fart-like noises from inside the cave when flood water drains away. Got kids over 14 who enjoy a gig? Book in for a festive concert. It’s standing room only but is a one-off experience packed with atmosphere.</p>



<p><strong>Insider tip</strong>: Take a coat – it’s chilly inside. Oh, and go to the toilet before you arrive at the cavern as there are no facilities.</p>


10 family-friendly things to do in Notts & Derbyshire

You may also like