Things to Do with Kids Near Bakewell (Within 30 Minutes)
Your go-to guide for a great family day in the Peak District
Abbie Coleman is a Derbyshire-based mum of two and the founder of MMB Magazine and Ey-Up. She creates easy-to-read guides covering what’s on for families in Derbyshire, sharing local events, free activities and tried-and-tested ideas that make planning days out simpler for busy mums. Contact us to work with Ey-UP as a business or as a new blogger.
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If you’re looking for things to do with kids near Bakewell, you’re honestly spoilt for choice. This is one of those areas where you can easily turn a quick visit into a full day or even a weekend.
Bakewell sits right in the heart of the Peak District National Park – the UK’s oldest national park – making it the perfect place for family-friendly activities, whether you’re visiting in term time, half term, or during the school holidays.
Below are the best fun things to do within a short drive, all tried, tested, and genuinely good with kids.
🚶♀️ Monsal Trail & The Old Dairy (5–15 mins)
📍 Monsal Head / Bakewell access points
The Monsal Trail is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the great outdoors with kids.
It’s flat, safe, and ideal for bikes, scooters, or a gentle stroll with little legs.
- Beautiful riverside walk sections along the River Wye
- Stunning riverside views and viaduct scenery
- Easy access for pushchairs and wheelchair users
After your walk, stop at The Old Dairy at Monsal Head – a brilliant cozy café and a great spot for a drink, snack, or ice cream.
This is a good way to balance fresh air with a relaxed break, especially on busy school holidays days.
🏰 Haddon Hall (5 mins)
📍 Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1LA
If you want something a little different, Haddon Hall is full of rich history and feels walking into a bygone age.
- One of the best-preserved historic stately homes
- Woodland walk and riverside paths nearby
- Regular family-friendly events and special events
It’s a surprisingly great place for young kids, especially if you mix it with outdoor exploring.
🧸 Soft Play at Peak Village (5–10 mins)
📍 Peak Village, Rowsley, Matlock DE4 2JE
If you need something quick, easy, and weather-proof, the soft play at Peak Village is a really handy option — especially for young children.
Safe, contained indoor play area, multi level. Separate baby section
Great for toddlers and pre-schoolers
Located right in the shopping village (so you can grab a coffee after)
If you need something quick, easy, and weather-proof, the soft play at Peak Village is a really handy option — especially for young children.
Our experience:
This is one of those places we’ll use when we don’t want a big, full-on day out but still need something to keep the kids entertained. Its big enough with multi levels to keep them entertained.
💡 Best for: under 6s
🌿 Thornbridge Hall & Gardens (10 mins)
📍 Ashford-in-the-Water, Bakewell DE45 1NZ
A bit of a hidden gem and one of our favourite places near Bakewell.
Thornbridge Hall offers:
- Stunning beautiful gardens and extensive gardens
- Relaxed, safe space for kids to explore
- Seasonal family-friendly activities and special events
It’s a quieter alternative to bigger attractions and perfect if you want a calmer great family day.
Why we like it:
Thornbridge is a really nice option if you want something a bit calmer than the bigger attractions.
They often put on great summer activities for the kids, and if you go for the annual ticket option it can make it really good value. It’s a perfect place for a slower-paced day where kids can just explore and you can sit and watch them play. They even put out some sun tents last years to keep the kids out the sun.
🛝 Chatsworth House & Adventure Playground (10 mins)
📍 Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1PP
If you’re planning a great family day, Chatsworth House is always a popular choice.
This is one of the most impressive stately homes in the UK, but for families, it’s all about the adventure playground and farmyard.
- Huge outdoor play areas for kids of all ages
- Animal encounters and seasonal family-friendly events
- Beautiful gardens and extensive gardens to explore
- Regular special events during school holidays
It’s a great place for a big day out, especially if you want a mix of outdoor activities and space to run around.
💡 Top tip: Book a family ticket online and arrive early.
Our experience:
Chatsworth House can be great value if you invest in the annual family ticket — especially if you visit more than once across the year.
If you’re paying for a single visit, it is on the pricier side, but it still makes a really lovely afternoon or full day, especially for the playground and open space. It’s one of those places where everything is done properly.
💡 Best for: all ages
🥾 Chee Dale & Stepping Stones (15–20 mins)
📍 Near Buxton, Derbyshire
If your kids love a bit of adventure, Chee Dale is such a fun option.
- Famous stepping stones
- Limestone valley scenery and scenic beauty
- A mix of paths, bridges, and rocky trails
Our experience:
This feels a bit more like the wild side of the Peak District. It’s not a pushchair-friendly route, but older kids absolutely love it.
It’s one of those great places where the journey itself is the fun.
💡 Best for: school-age kids and up
🐐 Matlock Farm Park (20 mins)
📍 Jaggers Lane, Matlock DE4 5LH
If you’re visiting with young children, Matlock Farm Park is a real popular choice and one of those places that’s a guaranteed great time.
- Animal feeding and hands-on experiences
- Indoor and outdoor play areas
- Regular family-friendly events during school holidays
Our experience:
This has always been a big hit with us over the years. When Kimi was younger, it was one of our go-to places and we’d easily spend hours here.
Now he’s getting closer to 12, he’s not always as keen to go – but when we do, he still ends up having loads of fun. That said, it’s definitely a huge hit for younger children, especially toddlers and primary school age.
It’s one of those great places where everything is simple, safe, and easy, which makes it ideal if you just want a stress-free great family day.
💡 Best for: toddlers to around age 10
🏊♀️ Arc Leisure Matlock (20 mins)
📍 Bakewell Road, Matlock DE4 3AZ
A really handy option, especially in school holidays or when you need a backup for rainy days.
- Swimming pool with family sessions
- Gym and soft play style areas nearby
- Close to Matlock Bath for combining with other fun things
Great for breaking up the day if the weather turns.
🚡 Heights of Abraham & Cable Car Ride (20 mins – Matlock Bath)
📍 Matlock Bath, Derbyshire DE4 3NT
This is one of those places that feels like a proper adventure.
e cable car ride up to the Heights of Abraham is always a highlight, especially for young children.
- Incredible views over the River Derwent
- Caverns including links to local lead ore mining history
- Adventure playground and walking routes
A really popular spot and a brilliant option for a full day.
🍦 Tagg Lane Dairy, Monyash Ice Cream Stop (20 Mins)
📍 Tagg Lane, Monyash, Derbyshire
If you want a proper hidden gem near Bakewell, Tagg Lane Dairy in Monyash is one of those places you’ll end up returning to again and again.
It’s the perfect stop after a great walk or a morning exploring the Monsal Trail, especially if you’ve got young children who need a little reward at the end.
- Fresh, locally made ice cream (honestly one of the best in the local area)
- Peaceful village setting away from the busier popular spots
- Open space for kids to stretch their legs safely
It’s a simple addition to your day, but it turns a walk into a proper great family day.
💡 Top tip: Pair this with a trip to Hartington or a walk round Bakewell.
⛏️ Peak Mining Museum Matlock Bath (25 mins)
📍 The Pavilion, South Parade, Matlock Bath DE4 3NR
This is one of those underrated places that kids actually find interesting.
- Learn about lead ore mining in the Peak District
- Interactive exhibits and hands-on displays which are always a greta hit with kids.
- Links to local limestone cavern history
It’s a nice educational stop that still feels like part of a great family day.
🚋 Crich Tramway Museum (25 mins)
📍 Crich, Matlock DE4 5DP
A really unique day out and one that works surprisingly well for kids of all ages.
- Ride vintage trams through the countryside
- Interactive exhibits and interactive displays
- Beautiful woodland and open space to explore
- Regular seasonal events and family-friendly events
Our experience:
We recently got the annual ticket here, which lets you come back throughout the year – and it’s honestly great value if you plan more than one visit.
The woodland walk is such a highlight. It’s perfect for letting kids run around, and we always take a picnic and even a football so it turns into a full great family day rather than just a quick visit.
There’s loads of space, so it never feels too busy, even in the school holidays, and the seasonal events give you a reason to keep coming back.
💡 Top tip: Take a picnic and plan to stay a few hours – it’s one of those places that’s much better when you don’t rush it.
🎢 Gulliver’s Kingdom (25 mins – Matlock Bath)
📍 Temple Walk, Matlock Bath DE4 3PG
If you’re after a theme park that actually works for younger children, Gulliver’s Kingdom is a brilliant option.
Set on a hillside above Matlock Bath, it’s a really fun full day out with:
- Rides designed for young kids and primary age
- Indoor areas for rainy days
- Play zones and outdoor activities
It’s not as overwhelming as somewhere like Alton Towers, which makes it a popular choice for families, but its up a very steep hill.
How we do it:
We always take the cable car ride to the top first, then work our way down. It just makes the day feel much easier with kids (and avoids tired legs on the way back up!).
It’s a really good way to turn it into a smooth great family day, especially if you’ve got little legs with you.
Read our full review of Gullivers Matlock for a day out.
🚴♀️ Tissington Trail (20–25 mins)
📍 Parsley Hay / Ashbourne access points
The Tissington Trail is another brilliant option if you loved the Monsal Trail, but want somewhere a bit quieter.
- Flat, traffic-free route (perfect for bikes and scooters)
- Ideal for little legs and young children
- Beautiful countryside and scenic beauty
Our experience:
This is a really good option when you want a more relaxed great walk without the crowds. It’s easy to dip in and out, so you don’t have to commit to a full route.
A great alternative during busy school holidays.
🌊 Ladybower Reservoir (25–30 mins)
📍 Hope Valley, Derbyshire
If you want that proper “wow” moment, Ladybower Reservoir is one of the most iconic spots in the Peak District National Park.
- Huge open space and water views
- Great for a riverside walk-style day (even though it’s reservoir-based)
- Ideal for picnics and letting kids explore
Our experience:
This is one of those places that always feels like a bit of an adventure. It’s perfect if you want to get the kids into the great outdoors without it feeling like a long hike.
💡 Top tip: Take snacks and plan to stay a while — it’s easy to turn into a full day.
🐒 Peak Wildlife Park (30 mins)
📍 Winkhill, Leek ST13 7QR
A more relaxed zoo-style experience and a popular choice for families.
- Walk-through animal experiences
- Ideal for young kids and younger children
- Easy to navigate in a half-day visit
🎢 Alton Towers & Water Park (30 mins)
📍 Farley Lane, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DB
If you’re looking for a big day out just outside Bakewell, Alton Towers is an obvious one — and well worth including if you’re planning a longer stay in the area.
- One of the UK’s biggest theme park attractions
- CBeebies Land for younger children
- Thrill rides for older kids and teens
- On-site water park (perfect for rainy days)
Our experience:
Alton Towers is brilliant if you want that full-on, high-energy day, but it’s very different to the more relaxed Peak District days out.
We tend to choose it when we want something bigger and more structured, whereas places like Gulliver’s feel easier and more manageable with younger kids.
The water park is a really good option if the weather isn’t great — it’s warm, indoors, and a nice way to still have a fun day without relying on outdoor plans.
💡 Worth knowing:
- It’s best to plan ahead and book tickets ahead of time.
- Expect queues in school holidays
- Works well as a standalone full day rather than combining with other plans
💡 Best for: mixed age groups (younger children + older kids)
🌊 Rainy Day Ideas Near Bakewell
The Peak District weather can turn quickly, so it’s worth having a backup for rainy days:
- Bakewell Old House Museum – small but interesting with interactive displays
- Eyam Museum – great for local rich history
- Nearby leisure centres with indoor play areas or even a heated outdoor pool
🍰 Don’t Leave Without This…
No visit is complete without trying a traditional Bakewell pudding.
Head to the The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop in the town centre – perfect after a great walk or day exploring.
🧭 Planning Your Day (Mum Tips)
- Pair Monsal Trail + Bakewell town centre for a relaxed day
- Go all in with Chatsworth House for a big day
- Visit early in school holidays – parking fills up fast
- Most locations have easy access for pushchairs
✨ Why Bakewell is an Ideal Base for Families
Bakewell is an ideal base to visit Peak District & Derbyshire with kids.
Within a short drive, you’ve got:
- Outdoor adventures and gentle walks
- Historic stately homes
- Animal parks and outdoor play areas
- Beautiful routes along the River Wye and River Derwent
It’s one of those rare places that works for kids of all ages – whether you’ve got toddlers, school-age children, or a mix of both.
Things to Do with Kids Near Bakewell (Within 30 Minutes)
Real family days out in the Peak District that actually work with kids
If you’re searching for things to do with kids near Bakewell, this is one of the easiest places in the UK to plan a proper great family day.
Right in the heart of the Peak District National Park – the UK’s oldest national park – Bakewell is the perfect place to base yourself. Within a short drive, you’ve got everything from adventure playgrounds and theme parks to riverside walks, animals, and some of the best scenery in the country.
We’ve done this area loads over the years (with kids of different ages), so this guide isn’t just a list — it’s what actually works in real life.
🗺️ Quick Picks (If You Just Want an Easy Plan)
Best for younger kids: Gulliver’s Kingdom
Best for a full day: Chatsworth House
Best outdoor option: Monsal Trail + ice cream stop
Best mix of views + fun: Heights of Abraham
Best relaxed day: Thornbridge Hall
🌧️ Rainy Day Ideas Near Bakewell
- Bakewell Old House Museum
- Eyam Museum
- Local leisure centres and indoor play areas
🍰 Don’t Leave Without This…
No trip is complete without trying a traditional Bakewell pudding.
Head to the The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop in the town centre.
✨ Why Bakewell is Such a Great Base
Bakewell is an ideal base to visit Peak District & Derbyshire.
Within a short drive, you’ve got:
- Outdoor activities and gentle walks
- Historic stately homes
- Animal parks
- Routes along the River Wye and River Derwent
It’s one of those places that just works — whether you’ve got toddlers, school-age kids, or a mix.
⭐ Our Honest Favourites
If we had to choose:
- Best for younger kids: Gulliver’s Kingdom
- Best value long-term: Crich Tramway Museum (annual pass)
- Best outdoor day: Monsal Trail + Tagg Lane Dairy
- Best all-rounder: Chatsworth House
🔗 Plan More Days Out
If you’re exploring further:
- Things to do in Matlock Bath with kids
- Free things to do in Derbyshire
- Best playgrounds in the Derbyshire Dales