Things to do
On site and off site
The Derbyshire Dales and The Peak District National Park has an abundance of places to visit, charming countryside walks and local attractions.
Chatsworth House
Located within the Peak District National Park, Chatsworth comprises a Grade I listed house and stables, a 105-acre garden, a 1,822-acre park, a farmyard and adventure playground, and one of Europe’s most significant private art collections. It has been home to the Dukes of Devonshire and their ancestors since the mid-16th century. It is one of the finest country houses in the Peak District.
Matlock Farm Park
Matlock Farm Park is an award winning, family friendly attraction, providing a great day out with varied activities for all the family. The park has a large selection of animals to see including llamas, goats, meerkats, chickens, pigs, alpacas, ducks and deer to name a few. Daily activities
include Small Animal Petting, Meet the Lambs (seasonal) Wallaby Encounter and Meerkat Talk & Feed. There is the enchanted hamlet play zone, the rainforest playcentre and the UK’s largest jumping pillow!
Carsington Water
Located between Wirksworth and Kniveton, Carsington Water has everything you need for a great day out, with plenty of activities and things to do such as walking, cycling, bird watching and water sports.
Peak Rail
Discover the magic of steam & diesel and experience a fantastic day out for the whole family. Whether you’re revisiting the golden age of rail or experiencing the sights and sounds of heritage locomotives for the first time, Peak Rail offers a memorable journey through the heart of the beautiful Derwent Valley.
Step aboard a lovingly preserved section of the former Midland Railway line, once connecting Manchester Central and London St Pancras. Closed in 1968, this historic route now operates a 4-mile stretch between Rowsley South Station and Matlock Platform 2—a charming ride the whole family will enjoy.
Haddon Hall
Haddon Hall, the private residence of Lord and Lady Edward Manners, is set in the Peak District in the valley of the River Wye. With nine hundred years of history, it is one of the oldest houses in the country and moreover one of the only houses in England to have remained in one family’s ownership for its entire existence.
Haddon is unique as it remained empty for nearly two hundred years. This extraordinary period, when time stood still in the Hall, allowed it to remain unaltered during the modernising period of the Georgians and Victorians. So, venturing into Haddon is like stepping back in time.
Thornbridge Hall
Thornbridge Hall is a Grade II listed stately home nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Peak District. It is set in 80 acres of stunning parkland. The Hall and its 10 acres of formal gardens have been lovingly restored and is now recognised as one of the most beautiful, quirky stately homes in the U.K.
Stroll around the formal gardens and take in the breathtaking views of the Peak District. Book a tour of the hall and gain insight into the fascinating history of Thornbridge. Children can enjoy the duck fountain and garden trail and the new, Meet the Animals area.
Carsington Water
Located between Wirksworth and Kniveton, Carsington Water has everything you need for a great day out, with plenty of activities and things to do such as walking, cycling, bird watching and water sports.
Heights of Abraham
Board the iconic cable cars and take a flight across the picturesque Derwent Valley to a fascinating 60-acre historic hilltop park. Discover underground tours; stroll through ancient woodlands; uncover untold history and enjoy an award-winning day out. Your cable car flight brings you to the summit of Masson Hill, where you have free access to our attractions, exhibitions, and cavern tours.
Village of Eyam
Eyam is known as The Plague village and has a remarkable history.
In Autumn 1665 the plague arrived in the village in a bale of cloth infested with plague ridden fleas. Over the next few months dozens of villagers died. William Mompesson the village Rector came up with a plan to stop the plague from spreading. He managed to persuade the villagers to stay within the village and practise what we know as ‘social distancing’. In August 1666 the plague reached its height with six villagers a day dying. After 14 months Eyam’s self-imposed quarantine had worked. It is estimated that from a population of 350-500 people 260 villagers from 80 families died.
The entire village is a living history museum where a few hours walk on the Plague Trail unpacks its remarkable story.
Treak Cliff Cavern
Castleton’s Treak Cliff Cavern has a unique history. Originally a working mine 300 years ago, it’s now a major visitor attraction in the Hope Valley area of Derbyshire. It’s also still a working mine. Castleton is the only place in the world where the beautiful Blue John stone can be found; a rare, semiprecious mineral. Learn about the geological formation of caves and meet the family who have cared for and looked after the mine for generations.
Idyllic walks
Ladygrove and Halldale wood loop - This 7.7km trail is popular for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. This charming trail takes you through Halldale Wood and Ladygrove, offering wonderful scenery to enjoy along the way. Halldale brook is a 15-minute walk from Valley View Glamping across our fields.
Stanton Moor Walk – This short circular 3.1km walk has it all – unusual stones to explore, rocks to climb, woodland, open moorland views, a trig point and muddy puddles! A family favourite, and it’s a flat Peak District walk, which makes it easier on little legs and a good option for those with mobility issues (there are no stiles too). Halfway round this loop is the nine ladies circle. A small early Bronze Age stone circle traditionally believed to depict nine ladies turned to stone as a penalty for dancing on Sunday. It is part of a complex of prehistoric circles and standing stones on Stanton Moor.
The white Peak loop - This lovely 8.2 km walk starts and ends in the centre of bustling Matlock, yet very quickly takes you out into the surrounding peaceful countryside. You follow part of the White Peak Loop to reach the pretty village of Darley Bridge, then take field paths and country lanes to Oker, before following the Derwent Valley Heritage Way footpath back to Matlock.
Things to do on site
Our honesty shop stocks a range of everyday essentials such as milk, bread and butter. There is bacon, sausage and black pudding from our local butchers as well as ice cream and ice lollies to enjoy on a warm summers’ day. All produce is locally sourced where possible.
There is a large selection of jigsaws and games which you are welcome to borrow during your stay.
The honesty shop also has a range of leaflets showcasing places to visit and attractions in our local area.
In the centre of the site is an area where family and friends can come together. There are several outdoor garden games for you to entertain yourselves such as Connect 4, swing ball and Giant Jenga.
