Everything you need to know about the Peak District with toddlers – where to stay, what to do, and most importantly – where you can get a good Bakewell Tart!

The Peak District is located more or less in the middle of England, at the bottom of the Pennine Hills. No one knows exactly how it got its name, but the Peak District was England’s first national park founded in 1951, and today it is one of Europe’s busiest national parks.  Contrary to its name, there is no Peak but the national park is characterized by lush green hills, stately homes, wild moorland and spa towns like Buxton. At 555 square miles, there is plenty to explore in the Peak District.

Reasons To Go To The Peak District With A Toddler

#1. Easy to get to – The Peak District is almost slap bang in the middle of England, so it is easy to get to from most places. The M1 runs close to the Peak District (but isn’t close enough to disturb the peace)

#2. There Is Loads To Do – From the Chatsworth House Farmyard, to the Heights of Abraham, Crich Tramway Village and Gullivers Kingdom there is loads to do in the Peak District with toddlers. You definitely won’t get bored.

#3. Beautiful Scenery – The Peak District is a stunning part of the world with lush green scenery, rolling hills and majestic stately homes. Here are some photos to show you how beautiful it is.

#4. Bakewell Tart – Need I say more? Seeking out the best Bakewell Tart is an essential part of a holiday in the Peak District.

#5. Lots Of Outdoorsy Things To Do – If you love walking, biking, and generally being outside, then the Peak District is the place for you. And, it is really well set up for toddlers too. There are loads of disused railway lines which have been turned into traffic free cycle trails with bike hire shops and cafes along the way, as well as plenty of walks which are suitable for little legs.  For a fantastic family friendly walk, take a look at this dovedale walk on the Peak District Kids website.

#6. Easy To Get Around – The Peak District is relatively small so you can get around it quite easily. Stay somewhere central and you can be anywhere in the Peak District in less than an hour.

Best Places To Stay In The Peak District With Babies & Toddlers

#1. Hall Farm Holiday Cottages

Welcome to Hall Farm Cottages in the Peak District! Run by parents Emily and Tom, this collection of family friendly cottages has all the key ingredients for an amazing holiday. There’s loads for babies and toddlers at Hall Farm including a brand new playbarn, outdoor play area and loads of wide open space and friendly 

Learn More – Hall Farm Holiday Cottages

#2. Darwin Forest Lodges, The Peak District

Darwin Forest Lodges is a 5* holiday park set in a forest in the Peak District. Some of the holiday homes even have their own hot tub. There is an indoor swimming pool, indoor soft play and outdoor adventure playground for babies and toddlers. Cycle hire is available and there are plenty of bike trails to explore the forest using your own steam.


More Info – Darwin Forest Lodges

Read More – 9 Places To Stay With Babies & Toddlers In The Peak District

 

Things To Do In the Peak District With Toddlers

#1. Chatsworth Gardens and Playground

Adult Tickets to the Gardens, Farmyard and Playground cost £15.90

https://www.chatsworth.org

#2. Crich Tramway Village

Adults – £16.50. Children under the age of 4 – free

http://www.tramway.co.uk/

#3. The Heights Of Abraham

Adults – £15, under 4’s Free

http://www.heightsofabraham.com/

#4. Gulliver’s Kingdom – Matlock Bath

Gulliver’s Kingdom is is a theme park specially designed for children aged 2 – 13. There are loads of rides for toddlers in Adventure Land, Dinosaur Kingdom, Liliput Land and a special Under 5’s indoor play area in Toyland.

https://www.gulliversfun.co.uk/

#5. CBeebies Land At Alton Towers

CBeebies Land at Alton Towers is a must for Cbeebies Fans. There are 14 rides and attractions including the Furchester Hotel Live show and the Go Jetters Zoom Ride. Other rides include the Octonauts Rollercoaster and Postman Pat’s Parcel Post.

Adults – £32, Under 3’s are free.

https://www.altontowers.com/

Off The Beaten Track

The Peak District isn’t just about theme parks and busy days out. It is the perfect place to get outdoors and explore the natural beauty of the national park. These are my top tips on things not to miss in the Peak District.

#1. Going Swimming Outside

Not wide swimming, but a nice relaxing dip outside in Hathersage Swimming Pool in the North East of the Peak District. This heated outdoor swimming pool is open from April to November and is heated to 28 degrees – toddlers will love it!

#2. Go On A Bike Ride

#3. Play Pooh Sticks At Ilam Park

The National Trust’s Ilam Park is a great spot to play pooh sticks and do some den building in the woods. Older toddlers will also love fossil hunting at neighbouring Dovedale.  There are usually loads of extra family events taking place at Ilam Park in the busy summer months, so check out the National Trust website beforehand to see what is going on.