Childrens Attractions in The Peak District

The Rudyard Lake Steam Railway is a narrow gauge steam railway located 2 miles North of the town of Leek in North Staffordshire. To get there head for Leek or Macclesfield and then take the A523 until you are a mile North of Leek then follow the B5331 for half a mile to the free car park at Rudyard Station.

The present railway is 15 years old and is 10 1/4 inch gauge and is equivalent to about half of a full scale narrow gauge railway. Trains are normally steam hauled and run most weekends from Easter to late October. Website

Peak Rail, Matlock Station,

Matlock.

- preserved steam railway operating on

4 1/2 miles of line between Rowsley South

& Matlock Riverside Stations

Blackbrook Zoological Park,

Nr Leek.

-the zoological park of the moorlands, with rare birds, unusual animals, reptiles, insects, aquarium, children's pets and farm. Under - 5's indoor jungle playroom. Talks, displays and shop.

The Wind in the Willows Attraction - Peak Village, Rowsley Nr Matlock

This brand new attraction brings the classic adventure story to life. Visitors can climb into Toad's Caravan, follow Mole & Ratty on their lazy journey down the river and see Wild World - the story of real moles, voles, toads and badgers

Brindley Mill, Leek.

James Brindley, the famous canal engineer, built this water - powered corn mill in 1752. See corn being ground & visit the museum showing millwrighting skills.

Treak Cavern, Castleton.

Blue John Cavern, Castleton.

Speedwell Cavern, Castleton.

Peak Cavern, Castlton.

More of the Blue John stone, 4 spectacular caverns waiting to be explored.

The Silk Museum & Paradise Mill,

Macclesfield.

- trace the history of silk from China to the garrets of Macclesfield and tour the mill to see handloom weaving demonstrations given by the knowledgeable guides.

National Stone Centre,

Wirksworth.

Story of stone exhibition, trails over

300,000,000 year old fossilized tropical reefs. Activities include gem panning.

Peak District

Mining Museum &

Temple Mine, Matlock Bath

- Britain's most exciting mining &

underground

visit with two floors of displays -

Climbing shafts

Mineral Panning

Working Pumps

Manifold Valley Visitor Centre,

Hulme End.

- an ideal centre for exploring the Manifold Valley. The visitor centre is located in the old ticket office building, once the terminus of the "Leek & Manifold Valley Light Railway".

Rudyard Lake, Leek.

The Lake has the following attractions: walking, angling, sailing, boat hire, bird - watching, picnic area & shops.

Northfield Farm Riding &

Trekking Centre, Flash.

Relive the days of the jaggers of yesteryear. Ride the old packhorse trails & see the countryside in comfort! Horseriding for all standards & ages (8 and over). Groups & disabled people welcome.

Derwent Valley Railway

Cheddleton, Leek.

- a beautiful heritage railway deep in the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands. Steam train rides to the idyllic hamlet of Consall Forge.

The Crooked Spire,

Chesterfield.

The " Crooked Spire " of St. Mary

& All Saints Church is 228' high

and leans 9' 5" from its true

centre. The church is the

largest in Derbyshire & was

dedicated in 1234. Guided trips

up the spire are available.

Poole's Cavern & Country Park,

Buxton.

Magnificent natural cavern. Guided tours through spacious, well lit chambers, spectacular stalagmites, crystal formations & Derbyshire's largest stalactite. Woodland trails to panoramic views, visitor centre.

Riber Castle Wildlife

Park, Matlock

Riber Now CLOSED

Cresswell Craggs,Welbeck,

Worksop.

World famous limestone gorge with caves & lake.

The most northerley place in the world visited by Ice Age hunters 45,000 years ago. Earliest evidence of art in Britain, over 12,000 years old. Cave tours, museum.

The Chestnut Centre,

Chapel - en - le - Frith

Conservation Park,

Otter Haven & Owl Sanctuary - houses Europe's largest

collection of multi

-specied otters & owls

including Britain's

only pair of

giant otters.

Rooke's Pottery,

Hartington.

-see pots in production in the workshop - a spectacular range of Terracotta gardenware.

Tittesworth Visitor

Centre, Meerbrook,

Leek.

Severn Trent Water's

newest visitor centre,

facilities include play

area, bird hides, sensory

garden and short or long

walks around the

reservoir.

The Heights of Abraham

Country Park &

Caverns

Matlock Bath

Visitors can enjoy a cable car ride over the river Derwent valley and limestone gorge to the summit of Abrahams Heights. Guided tours down 2 famous caverns deep underground

The American Adventure,

Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

Family fun with themed attractions, rides & shows

Gulliver's Kingdom,

Matlock Bath.

Fun and attractions for younger

children (age 2 - 13 years), a

theme park built on a beautiful

woodland hillside,spectacular

views of the surrounding valley.

Last of the Summer Wine

Exhibition, Holmfirth.

Located in Compo's house as it

appears on TV. The exhibition

covers the 27 years of the series

with photographs, memorabilia

and a selection of the unusual

inventions dreamed up by the

characters. You can also visit

various locations including

"Syd's Cafe".

Buxton Museum & Art Gallery.

Discover the geology, archaeology & history of the Peak District through 7 time zones. Enjoy the changing programme of exhibitions of local history & photography, a step into a Victorian scientist's study.

The National Tramway

Museum, Crich.

Unlimited vintage tram

rides through Period Street

to open countryside PLUS

indoor attractions, playgrounds

and picnic areas.

Alton Towers

Nr Ashbourne.

Theme Park

Family Fun

Kirklees Light Railway,

Nr Huddersfield.

-Ride on Yorkshire's Great

Little Steam Train which

will carry you through the

lovely South Pennines on

an old country branch line.

A 1/4 mile tunnel adds

to the thrill of this

nostalgic 8 mile

return journey.

Other Recommendations from our Patrons

We welcome your contributions to this page - please email us with any suggestions and additions - Thank You

Places of Interest in The Peak District	Places to take the Kids in The Peak District	Places to Eat and Drink in The Peak District
Homepage	*Other accommodation in The Peak District*	Advertise