Looking for new memories to make with your crew? From a cable car flight and a log flume with a view to wild walks and country house fun, roll up for the top family-friendly things to do in the Peak District.

Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath

Cable cars at the Heights of Abraham Matlock

It’s not often you get to ride a cable car in the UK and this one is a real thrill for kids (dogs can go too). There’s stacks to keep you busy at the top – from woodlands walks, cool tours through illuminated caverns, fossil hunting, adventure playgrounds and of course the brilliant views. Family tickets from £71.

INSIDER TIP: Get there early. It’s well worth getting a jump on the day and being among the first to ride the cable car because it can get seriously busy here during the summer months. Parking is limited too – when you smugly return to your car later on and witness the queues, you’ll thank me for getting you out of bed.

Chatsworth, near Bakewell

Four young children sit with arms around each other facing Chatsworth House — Image / Chatsworth House Trust, Simon Broadhead

No trip to the Peaks is quite complete without a visit to Chatsworth and this country house is fantastic for kids. Can’t talk them into going into the house? There’s a separate entry fee to the farmyard and gardens (although teens might be tempted by the cool exhibition with fashion designer Erdem Moralıoğlu, on until 20 October). You can easily spend a whole morning on the farm and in the brilliant adventure playground next to it, before hitting the gardens for a picnic and a stroll in the afternoon.

Insider tip: Check out the events scheduled for the summer holidays before you travel – there are some super-cool ones if you pre-book (for kids and grown-ups). Think kids’ gardening clubs, art sessions, nocturnal walks and tree climbing. Oh, and goat yoga anyone?

Hathersage Lido, Hathersage

Do the classic circular walk from Hathersage to the gritstone heights of Stanage Edge, then return to the village to take a dip in the lovely Hathersage Lido. There are monthly night swims with live music from 6.30pm-9pm if you’ve got older kids (the next ones are Fri 19 July and Fri 16 August). Just watch what shapes you throw in the water! Family swims cost £21 for two adults and two kids.

INSIDER TIP: Head to Hathersage Kitchen and dry off in the afternoon sun with something long, cold and refreshing. The lovely courtyard is an idyllic spot to grab a bite to eat too – the roast beef sarnies should do the trick.

Abseil from a viaduct, Millers Dale

Abseiling from Millers Dale viaduct Peak District

Adrenaline junkie in the fam? Children as young as five can abseil the 80ft drop from the dramatic Millers Dale Viaduct. The team at Peaks and Paddles offer abseiling tuition for the whole family (er, here’s where I insist I’d better sit it out to take the photos) and can tailor the experience to your family group.

Insider tip: If you need a drink to calm your nerves, hotfoot it to Hassop Station Café afterwards where you’ll find a lovely terrace to sit in the sun on, locally-sourced drinks and food and a great kids’ play area.

Peak Cavern, Castleton

Deep in the cliffs you’ll find the spectacular entrance (the largest cave entrance in the UK actually) to this natural cave, carved out by melting glacier waters. It’s dark, mysterious and exciting, full of weird and wonderful rock formations and the guided tour is choc full of fascinating facts. It’s also known as – cue the giggles and sniggers from the kids – The Devil’s Arse because of the fart-like noises from inside the cave when flood water drains away. Got kids over 14 who enjoy a gig? Book in for one of the summer concerts. It’s standing room only but is a one-off experience packed with atmosphere.

Insider tip: Take a coat – it’s a chilly 9c inside. Oh, and go to the toilet before you arrive at the cavern as there are no facilities.

Thornbridge Hall, Ashford-in-the-Water

Rubber ducks in the fountains at Thornbridge Hall Peak District

Not your run-of-the-mill country garden experience, Thornbridge Hall is quirky, fun and adored by kids. Hidden amid the formal gardens, the off-the-wall hit is always the fountain full of giant rubber ducks that children can fish out with nets (honestly, this keeps them entertained for hours!). If it’s a hot day, they can even hop in and paddle amongst them. There’s also a smallholding where they can meet and feed the animals, plus treasure hunts around the gardens, a sandpit, mud kitchen and willow tunnels.

Insider tip: Look out for the secret library (hidden in a tranquil spot in the gardens) where you can steal a quiet five minutes reading a book or two.

Gulliver’s Kingdom, Matlock Bath

Alton Towers ain’t far away, but this theme park’s aimed at little kids aged 3 to 13. Less chance of overwhelm here too, with 17 rides across six themed areas including a water slide, a drop tower, dino explorer cars, JCB diggers and a cycle monorail. Ride the log flume high above the hills for breath-taking views of Matlock Bath – just be ready for the giant splash on the way back down.

Insider tip: Pre-book your tickets as you can’t turn up on the day. Change of plans? Fret not, you can cancel up to three days before. It’s worth getting the tap measure our before you book too. There are height restrictions on the rides, but no height markers at the start of the queue. There could be tears when you get the front and the staff say your hyped-up kid is a tad too small.

Exploring at The Roaches, Upper Hulme

You can’t come to the Peak District without doing at least one iconic walk (and there are gazillions). If I had to pick just one to do with kids, it would be The Roaches – a natural adventure playground. Easy to tailor the distance to tots or teens, the best place to start at the southern end near Hen Cloud in the brilliant, big boulder field where kids can clamber and climb to their heart’s content. From there, it’s a short hike to the top of the ridge, where you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views (and amazing photos). Up for a family challenge? Turn it into a circular walk (almost seven miles) by heading all the way along the ridge, then dropping down into Lud’s Chruch, a fantastical, deep mossy gorge, before heading back along more open moorland with gorgeous views of Tittesworth Reservoir.

Insider tip: Keep the kids entertained with tall tales as you walk by genning up on the myths and legends surrounding The Roaches before you go. There’s the sinister story of Doxey Pool, the tale of Robin Hood hiding in the chasm of Lud’s Church and keep an eye out for wallabies.

Peaks fun for all ages: 8 things to do with the kids

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