Landmark · 10:00–13:30 (3h30m)
The Heights of Abraham
Cable car up, caverns and play areas at the top, lunch with a view.
An outdoor show cave in Matlock Bath.
Check pricesOutdoors
- Café on site
- Accessibility
- Parking
Photo: Chris Thomas-Atkin
Ride the cable cars up to the Heights of Abraham for show caves, woodland play and views down the gorge. In the afternoon, step into the story of the first factory at Cromford Mills, free to explore.
One dayAges 8–12Cost ££10:00–15:302 stops
The plan
- 10:001
- 14:002
Landmark · 14:00–15:30 (1h30m)
Cromford Mills
Free mill yard; small charge for the Arkwright Experience.
Richard Arkwright's 1771 cotton mill complex, the first water-powered factory and part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The yard, shops and café are free to wander; a small charge applies for the Arkwright Experience.
Free / PaidIndoors & out- Café on site
Photo: Ian Taylor
More days out in East Midlands
East MidlandsRainy day in Nottingham: castle, caves and a windmill
Nottingham city centre
Spend the morning at Nottingham Castle, where the Robin Hood gallery and optional cave tour keep children busy under cover. After lunch, head beneath the streets on a guided caves tour, then finish with hands-on science experiments at a free windmill museum in Sneinton.
Nottingham Castle → City of Caves → Green's Mill and Science Centre
One dayAges 8–12Rainy dayCost ££
East MidlandsCastleton caves and hills: two days in the Hope Valley
Castleton
Day one goes underground: a boat ride through a flooded mine, Blue John caverns and a hike up to a Norman castle. Day two heads up Mam Tor for big views, then out to the Derwent dams for an easy lakeside cycle or walk.
Peveril Castle → Treak Cliff Cavern → Speedwell Cavern → Mam Tor + 1 more
WeekendAges 8–12Cost ££
East MidlandsSpace, Egypt and dinosaurs: a rainy day in Leicester
Leicester
The National Space Centre fills a morning with rockets, astronaut kit and a planetarium show. Afterwards, swap space for dinosaurs and mummies at the free museum on New Walk.
National Space Centre → Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
One dayAges 8–12Rainy dayCost ££