Heritage steam trains, woodland trails and farmyard encounters await families staying on the estate. Getting out in the Peak District is a great way to feel closer to nature and make memories together.
Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground
Step into rural life at Chatsworth Farmyard. Families can visit goats, guinea pigs, and rare-breed horses, and watch feeding and milking demonstrations. Beyond the Farmyard, a secret tunnel leads to the woodland playground, where towers, zip wires, racing slides, and a giant sandpit promise hours of outdoor adventure.
Peak Rail Train Ride
Peak Rail offers family-friendly trips through the heart of the Derbyshire countryside. Heritage steam and diesel trains, complete with whistles and wide open views, bring the golden age of rail travel back to life. Trains run between Rowsley South and Matlock for a nostalgic countryside experience.
Linacre Reservoirs
Tucked into a wooded valley near Chesterfield, the Linacre Reservoirs offer a peaceful setting for a family day outdoors. Trails wind through woodland, and a boardwalk section along the upper reservoir gives open views across the water. Rich in wildlife, the site is home to woodpeckers, flycatchers, and nuthatches. Watch out for kingfishers by the water’s edge.
Bakewell
A visit to the historic market town of Bakewell is a fun and varied way to spend a day in the Derbyshire Dales. Walk the scenic Bakewell to Chatsworth trail or simply explore the town’s courtyards and cafes, making sure to stop for a slice of proper Bakewell pudding. On the riverside, there’s a recently upgraded playground with climbing frames, swings, and summer splash pads (open from April to September), perfect for warmer afternoons.
Baslow Edge
A circular trail, Baslow Edge walk is a steady, family-friendly ramble. The route is mostly level and easy underfoot, perfect for young adventurers looking to reach one of the Peak District’s greatest panoramic views. Walking along the edge, you’ll have highland cattle on one side and views over the Derwent Valley and Chatsworth in the distance on the other.
Matlock Farm Park
Interactive animal encounters and playtime fun await at Matlock Farm Park. Families can meet, feed, and pet a range of friendly animals, from meerkats and wallabies to Highland cattle and alpacas. Little ones can enjoy short pony rides at weekends and during school holidays, and there’s guided activities that run throughout the day. Finish your visit at the calming on site café.