Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>Looking for a Father’s Day gift (Sun 21 June) for the man who has everything? Tick it off your to-do list with our handy guide to the best Dad-friendly days out in Notts &amp; Derbyshire.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-to-the-gorge">Take to the gorge</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/23/2024/06/GORGE-WALKING.jpg" alt="gorge walking in the peak district" class="wp-image-9215" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/GORGE-WALKING.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/GORGE-WALKING-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/GORGE-WALKING-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/GORGE-WALKING-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/GORGE-WALKING-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Scramble up waterfalls, jump into natural pools and swim through the clear water that filters through Kinder Scout’s mountain side on a gorge walking day with <a href="https://www.lostearthadventures.co.uk/gorge-walking-gill-scrambling-peak-district-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lost Earth Adventures.</a> Whether he&#8217;s a complete newbie or an experienced adrenaline junkie, the team will tailor the trip to suit his skills. Gift vouchers from £49.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-a-whisky-tour">Take a whisky tour</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/23/2023/05/White-Peak-tasting-cheers.jpg" alt="People tasting whisy on a tour at White Peak Distillery Derbyshire" class="wp-image-4584" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/White-Peak-tasting-cheers.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/White-Peak-tasting-cheers-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/White-Peak-tasting-cheers-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/05/White-Peak-tasting-cheers-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Whisky and gin tasting? Hell, yeah. Gift him a tour of local craft distillery <a href="https://www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">White Peak Distillery</a> at Shining Cliff Woods next to the River Derwent. Hip, industrial and authentic, the White Peak team are all about provenance and sustainability and the distillery is brimming with quirks and character. After the tour, there&#8217;s a tasting (plus the option to take home if you&#8217;re behind the wheel). Read Muddy&#8217;s review<a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/drink/muddy-reviews-white-peak-distillery-tour-and-tasting-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> here.</a> Oh, and if you&#8217;ve left it &#8217;til the last minute, it&#8217;s not a problem &#8211; tour vouchers are available to buy as&nbsp;postal or E-vouchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-axe-throwing-amp-archery">Axe throwing &amp; archery</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/23/2024/06/axe.jpg" alt="axe throwing" class="wp-image-9242" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/axe.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/axe-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/axe-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/axe-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/axe-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Let him unleash his inner warrior with a spot of axe throwing in the forest, or help him channel Robin Hood by brushing up his archery skills. Can&#8217;t make up your mind? Just plump for a gift experience voucher with <a href="https://www.intotheforestevents.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Into the Forest Events </a>(from £15), head into the woodland just six miles from the city centre and let Dad decide. <a href="https://axedglobal.com/locations/nottingham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Axed</a> in The Cornerhouse in Notts city centre is another good spot, with interactive smart lanes to give you more than a static target to aim at.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-free-wheeling-fun">Free wheeling fun</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/True-North-Peak-image.jpg" alt="mountain biker in Peak District" class="wp-image-4663" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/True-North-Peak-image.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/True-North-Peak-image-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/True-North-Peak-image-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/06/True-North-Peak-image-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Help the man in your life level up, even if he&#8217;s got the skills already. Book a <a href="https://www.truenorthcyclehub.co.uk/mtb-and-ebike-skills-coaching/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skills session</a> with MTB and e-bike specialists True North (from their hub at Bike &amp; Boot  near Bamford) and level up those technical skills and bike handling. From £60pp.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abseil-down-a-viaduct">Abseil down a viaduct</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/23/2024/06/abseil.jpg" alt="man abseils down Miller's Dale viaduct in Derbyshire" class="wp-image-9222" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/abseil.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/abseil-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/abseil-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/abseil-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/abseil-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Adrenaline junkie in the fam? Sign him up for an<a href="https://www.peaksandpaddles.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> abseil down the dramatic Millers Dale Viaduct</a>. The team at Peaks and Paddles offer abseiling tuition for the whole family (er, here’s where I insist I’d better sit it out to take the photos) and can tailor the experience to your family group.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-great-escape">The great escape</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/23/2024/06/laser.jpg" alt="laser escape room" class="wp-image-9243" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/laser.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/laser-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/laser-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/laser-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/laser-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Puzzle-loving papas will appreciate a trip to cunningly-conceived games space <a href="https://cryptologyrooms.co.uk/nottingham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cryptology</a> in Nottingham. With five epic escape rooms packed with head-scratching riddles and challenges, this place consistently garners rave reviews on TripAdvisor. Our pick? Daylight Robbery (pictured), a bank heist in which you&#8217;ll need all your cunning to steal the diamond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-even-higher">Get even higher</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/23/2024/06/goape.jpg" alt="man climbing rope ladder at go ape sherwood" class="wp-image-9244" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/goape.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/goape-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/goape-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/goape-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/goape-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>He&#8217;ll need a decent head for heights and plenty of grit for this one. The newest and most extreme dialled-up high ropes adventure at Go Ape in Sherwood Forest is <a href="https://goape.co.uk/locations/sherwood-pines/challenge-plus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Challenge Plus</a> (from £41.95). Bullseye for Dads who relish a physical challenge (ooh, and there&#8217;s a super-speedy, extra-long zip wire to transport him back to base at the end of it all). There&#8217;s also the standard treetop challenge on offer at <a href="https://goape.co.uk/locations/buxton" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buxton Go Ape</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mush-take-a-sled-dog-ride">Mush! Take a sled dog ride</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/23/2024/06/husky.jpg" alt="husky dog" class="wp-image-9219" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/husky.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/husky-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/husky-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/husky-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/husky-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Book up a bucket list sled dog adventure, where wheels replace runners and he can experience the thrill of a <a href="https://www.uk9dogsportscentre.co.uk/husky-rides" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ride with Siberian huskies</a>. UK9 Dog Sport Centre, a hop over the border in Leicestershire, can teach him how to become a fully-fledged musher. Expect to get fully hands on with the team and learn about harnessing and handling the dogs, before enjoying a meal over the campfire with a hot drink. From £90.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canoe-down-the-derwent">Canoe down the Derwent</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/23/2024/06/canoe-derwent-1.jpg" alt="a couple canoe down the river derwent derbyshire" class="wp-image-9223" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/canoe-derwent-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/canoe-derwent-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/canoe-derwent-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/canoe-derwent-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/canoe-derwent-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Looking for a gentler thrill? A lazy paddle on a <a href="https://www.peaksandpaddles.org/canoeing-river-trip.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">River Derwent Canoe trip</a> should fit the bill. There&#8217;s two people to a canoe and the trip meanders through some of Derbyshire&#8217;s most stunning scenery &#8211;&nbsp;from&nbsp;Darley Bridge to Matlock Bath. From £63pp.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-motor-mania">Motor mania</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/23/2025/05/GB-Car-Journey.jpg" alt="man looking at vintage cars" class="wp-image-13316" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/GB-Car-Journey.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/GB-Car-Journey-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/GB-Car-Journey-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/GB-Car-Journey-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2025/05/GB-Car-Journey-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image<a href="https://www.instagram.com/gbcarjourney/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> @gbcarjourney</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Petrolhead papa? An interactive day out at the <a href="https://greatbritishcarjourney.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great British Car Journey </a>in Ambergate should fit the bill. It&#8217;s a real journey through time, is genuinely family-friendly (the Hot Wheels tracks should keep littlies entertained) and you can even drive the cars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-help-him-reach-his-peak">Help him reach his peak</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/23/2024/06/man-climbing.jpg" alt="man rock climbing at pure outdoor peak district" class="wp-image-9224" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/man-climbing.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/man-climbing-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/man-climbing-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/man-climbing-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/man-climbing-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>How about a family rock climbing taster? Pure Outdoor run private <a href="https://www.pureoutdoor.co.uk/activities/peak-district-climbing-courses" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Family Taster Sessions</a> in the Peak District where you&#8217;ll learn the basics, from harnessing up to how to belay and climb some stunning routes in half a day. If he already knows his ropes, bag him a more advanced course in sport climbing or bouldering to skill up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-wet-and-wild">Get wet and wild</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/23/2024/06/white-water-rafting.jpg" alt="men in raft white water rafting at national watersports centre nottingham" class="wp-image-9233" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/white-water-rafting.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/white-water-rafting-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/06/white-water-rafting-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If the man in your life is a bit of a water bay, a spin on the <a href="https://www.nwscnotts.com/hpcp/activities/rapids/wwr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white wa</a><a href="https://www.nwscnotts.com/country-park-activities/rapids/wwr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ter rapids</a> at the National Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont is a must. Who needs to wait til your holidays to raft the rapids when we have a 700m world-class facility on our doorstep? From £50.50.</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/eat-out/restaurants/the-chicest-cheese-wine-spots-in-notts-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chic cheese &amp; wine spots in Notts and Derbyshire</a></p>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/whats-on-june-notts-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jam-packed June! What&#8217;s on near you this month</a></p>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/best-beer-gardens-champagne-terraces-garden-rooms-notts-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beautiful beer gardens for summer sundowners</a></p>


Daddy cool! 12 local adventures to gift this Father’s day

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