(Click on the names of the attractions to visit their website!)
The reservoir at Carsington has a variety of activities including cycle hire and bike trails, watersports and a great adventure playground. The walks around the reservoir take in a nature reserve and are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The stepping stones at Dovedale and the beautiful villages of the White Peak are a huge draw for those visiting Ashbourne.
Alton Towers and Splash Landings
For the adventurers and thrill seekers, Alton Towers is a great family day out, and is only a 10 minute drive from The Rose and Crown. Set in 500 acres of beautiful Staffordshire countryside, England’s No 1 theme park is open from March until October.
Trentham is a really special place about a 40 minute drive from the Rose and Crown. 725 acres of spectacular natural beauty and home to award-winning Gardens, glorious ancient Woodland, a unique outdoor shopping village, events galore and so much more.
From the tranquillity of the garden and wildlife walks to the wonder of the Monkey Forest and the thrill of Treetop Adventures, there really is something for everyone.
Stoke-on Trent and The Potteries
Stoke-on-Trent is a fascinating mix of the historic and the contemporary, with museums and heritage combined with unique shopping and cultural experiences.
Learn about the world’s largest-ever find of Anglo-Saxon treasure, the Staffordshire Hoard, at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery or explore the history of the industry which gave the city its nickname, at one of The Potteries’ crown jewels like The Wedgwood Museum, the Gladstone Pottery Museum and Middleport Pottery.
Historic Houses
The Peak District is home to many National Trust properties boasting some stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. Amongst those worth a visit are Calke Abbey, Kedleston Hall, Hardwick Hall, Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood.
Within a 30 minute drive you will also find Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, both of which are historic gems.
Caves of the Peak District
In the Peak District National Park beneath the stunning scenery is a landscape which is entirely different. Crystal formations, historic rope works, an 18th century lead mine and an underground wonderland of stalactites and stalagmites are all hidden in the caves of the Peak District.
Peak Cavern, Castleton (also known as The Devil’s Arse!) www.devilsarse.com
Speedwell Cavern, Castleton www.speedwellcavern.co.uk
Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton www.bluejohnstone.com
Poole’s Cavern, Buxton www.poolescavern.co.uk
Matlock Bath
The old Victorian holiday destination of Matlock Bath is 30 minutes drive from The Rose and Crown. Here you will find Masson Mills, the finest surviving and best preserved example of one of Arkwright’s cotton mills.www.massonmills.co.uk
Also in Matlock is The Heights of Abraham, a cable car ride which allows you to rise high above a dramatic limestone gorge, amid great natural beauty. Visit www.heights-of-abraham.co.uk for more information.
Peak Rail will take you on a journey back in time for a nostalgic train ride between Matlock and Rowsley. The steam services operate throughout the year, with a host of special events. More information can be obtained fromwww.peakrail.co.uk.
… and there’s more
The Peak District itself is the perfect playground for walkers, cyclists, nature lovers and adrenalin junkies. If you are looking for active adventure, there’s a huge range to choose from including walking, cycling, climbing, water sports, and paragliding, plus many activity centres where you can have a taster session or activity break. If you prefer to relax with a round of golf or a spot of fishing, you’ll find plenty of excellent locations to indulge yourself. There’s also a wide choice of arts and craft, wildlife and nature, and other special interest activities on offer. Visit www.peakdistrict.org.
Other places of interest include: Bolsover Castle, Peveril Castle, Tutbury Castle, Wingfield Manor, Bass Museum, Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, Crich Tramway Museum, Denby Visitor Centre, Derwent Valley Visitor Centre, DH Lawrence House Museum, Eyam museum, Peak District Mining Museum.