Bakewell
Monsal Trail · Photo: Terry Robinson
Hire bikes or a trailer at Hassop Station and ride the traffic-free Monsal Trail through lit tunnels towards the viaduct. After lunch, drive to Chatsworth for the farmyard and woodland adventure playground.
Nature & gardens · 10:00–12:45 (2h45m)
Ride north through the tunnels and back; café at Hassop Station.
An 8.5-mile traffic-free former railway line through limestone dales north of Bakewell, with lit tunnels and the Headstone Viaduct at Monsal Head. Hassop Station has a pay car park, café and bike hire, so families can ride or walk any length.
Photo: Terry Robinson
Historic House · 13:30–17:00 (3h30m)
Farmyard animals then the woodland adventure playground.
An indoor and outdoor historic house in Bakewell.
Photo: Thomas Kelley thkelley
East MidlandsEdwinstowe
Walk out to the thousand-year-old Major Oak and build dens near the visitor centre in the morning. After a picnic, drive a few minutes to Sherwood Pines for story trails, play areas and family bike rides through the pines.
Sherwood Forest Country Park → Sherwood Pines
East MidlandsBuxton
Start in Buxton's Victorian Pavilion Gardens with playgrounds and a miniature railway, then walk or drive up to Poole's Cavern for a guided tour among stalactites and a wander in the woods.
The Pavilion Gardens → Poole's Cavern & Buxton Country Park
East MidlandsNorthampton (south)
Follow the Room on the Broom trail and try the play areas in Salcey's ancient oak forest. After lunch, watch boats work the locks at Stoke Bruerne, visit the free canal museum and peer into the Blisworth Tunnel.
Salcey Forest → The Canal Museum
