Staycations in Derbyshire

Located in the East Midlands, Derbyshire is a beautiful county and home to a large part of the Peak District National Park. Here you’ll find pretty villages, craggy peaks, sweeping dales, mysterious henges and dense woodland. It’s the perfect staycation destination to explore the great outdoors.

If you fancy mixing things up with a city break, visit Derby. Here you can climb the cathedral tower, or visit museums which dive into the history of the county. Read on to discover more about staycations in Derbyshire.

Types of accommodation

Looking for accommodation in Derbyshire? Not to worry – there’s plenty of choice when it comes to places to stay, from campsites and B&Bs, to the most luxurious hotels.

Being in the far south, Hampshire benefits from a milder climate compared to the rest of the country. This makes it a great place for camping and glamping. You’ll find a whole range of campsites and glampsites around Hampshire, ranging from basic to luxury. If you’re looking for something a little different, glamping is always a fun option as many sites offer unique accommodation like shepherds’ huts and Mongolian yurts.

Hampshire has a fantastic choice of B&Bs and hotels. Whether you want a countryside escape or an oceanview room, there’s not a shortage of options.

Self-catering holiday cottages are always a popular option for staycations. They offer much more space, privacy and flexibility, especially if you’re travelling with family. Whether it’s a luxurious cottage in one of the national parks, or a cosy seaside cottage, it’s not difficult to find the perfect accommodation.

Different attractions

If you’re looking for a fun family day out, Crich Tramway Village is a unique attraction set in the heart of Derbyshire countryside. Travel back in time to a world of vintage trams. Home to the National Tramway Museum, discover over 60 trams dating as far back as 1873. There’s a recreated period village with trams running through, passing original buildings which have been rescued and restored from around the UK.

Another popular attraction is the Heights of Abraham. This is a hilltop park which stretches across 60 acres, and has been around since Victorian times. The park is accessible via a cable car journey over the Derwent Valley, and your ticket includes access to all the park’s attractions. There are guided tours underground through two famous caverns: the Great Masson Cavern and the Rutland Cavern & Nestus Mine which were both mined for lead ore and fluorspar in the 17th century. You can also visit Tinker’s Shaft, once the main access point to the Great Masson Cavern and now a viewing point. The park is also home to the Victoria Prospect Tower, the Fossil Factory, children’s playgrounds, exhibitions, restaurant, terrace and ice cream parlour.

A fan of historic houses? Chatsworth House is a magnificent stately home on the banks of the River Derwent. It has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549, and is the seat of the Duke of Devonshire. The house has over 30 rooms to explore, from the luxurious Painted Hall to the elegant Sculpture Gallery. Chatsworth House is also home to works of art which span 4,000 years, from ancient Roman and Egyptian sculptures, to pieces by Rembrandt and Reynolds. Outside, you’ll find 105 acres of stunning gardens which are filled with water features and frequent outdoor exhibitions.

Another great spot is Haddon Hall Manor House & Gardens. You may recognise the building from the films Pride and Prejudice (2005) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008). This Medieval and Tudor manor house has plenty to explore, including a medieval kitchen and Elizabethan long gallery. Outside, the walls are covered with climbing roses and there is a lovely terraced garden.

Places of interest

On the edge of the spa town of Buxton you’ll find Poole’s Cavern, a two million year old natural limestone cave. There are guided tours on offer, which take you deep underground to explore the extensive caverns. Hear about prehistoric finds and learn how crystal stalactites and stalagmites have formed over time. Poole’s Cavern is also one of the main entries to Buxton Country Park, an area of beautiful woodlands with shady pathways that lead to open grasslands. The park is home to Grin Low and Solomno’s Temple, viewpoints where you can see the surrounding countryside for miles.

Dovedale is a beautiful valley in the Peak District. It attracts millions of visitors each year who come to see the picturesque limestone ravines and charming stepping stones dotted across the River Dove. From the valley, you have an excellent view of Thorpe Cloud, a limestone hill that reaches up to 287 metres. If you fancy a workout, you can climb the hill for some panoramic views across Derbyshire and Staffordshire. There are also scenic woodland walks along the river.

At 636 metres above sea level, Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District and Derbyshire. A word of warning – it’s not for the faint hearted. Kinder Scout offers some of the most challenging (but rewarding) walks in the Peaks, with some of the most incredible views around. You’ll come across gentle streams, gritstone and steep rocks, and the impressive Kinder Downfall waterfall. Kinder Scout is most commonly accessed via the village of Edale, and Hayfield in the High Peak. In general, the eastern and northern parts of the plateau are less accessible and so are less busy.