Derbyshire's gorgeous reservoir boasts a country park with plenty of space for family games and picnics. And that's not all, visit the sports centre to explore the water on canoes, paddleboards, rowing boats and dinghys. Little sailors will love the free adventure playground, or watching the bobbing of kingfishers on the deep blue water. Finish off all that freespirited fun with an outdoor stay at one of these campsites near Carsington Water.
Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire (12.1 miles)
Family friendly pods set a stone's throw from all the park, with breakfast included and early access to some rides.
Cotton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire (12.2 miles)
Touring, camping and safari tents open to non members, set by the superb Peak District and lovely Chatsworth House.
Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire (12.6 miles)
Located at the heart of Alton Towers Resort, the Enchanted Village is how to visit the theme park in style.
Blackshaw Moor, Leek, Staffordshire (16.4 miles)
In the Staffordshire Moorlands, this dog friendly site is perfect for walking or exploring in the Peaks.
Hognaston, Ashbourne, Derbyshire (0.9 miles)
Back to basics camping on large pitches, very close to Carsington Water and just a 10 minute drive from the Peaks.
Hulland Ward, Derbyshire (2.9 miles)
A peaceful family friendly and dog friendly touring park in the Peak District, ten minutes from Ashbourne.
Brassington, Matlock, Derbyshire (3.5 miles)
Luxury en-suite glamping pods and a vintage gypsy caravan with a fire pit, set in the Peak District. Adult only.
Sandybrook, Ashbourne, Derbyshire (5.1 miles)
Perfectly located for exploring the Peak District. Coarse fishing lake and direct access to the Tissington Trail.
Biggin, Buxton, Derbyshire (7 miles)
A small, welcoming site in the Peaks set between Ashbourne and Buxton on the Tissington Trail.
Matlock, Derbyshire (7.1 miles)
Welcoming site with wonderful views and excellent surrounding walks to Bakewell and Chatsworth House.
Newhaven, Buxton, Derbyshire (7.5 miles)
In the heart of the Peak District National Park, this is a beautifully maintained, well equipped family campsite.
Tansley, Matlock, Derbyshire (7.6 miles)
Long stay 8-month seasonal pitches set in pleasant woodland close to Matlock, close to the Heights of Abraham.
Ashbourne, Derbyshire (9.2 miles)
A small yet spacious campsite, perfect for the whole family with countryside views and friendly farm animals.
Bakewell, Derbyshire (9.8 miles)
Back to basics wild camping with incredible countryside views, set in the idyllic Peak District.
Buxton, Derbyshire (10.2 miles)
A stylish collection of yurts and tipis in the heart of the Peak District, each with its own woodfired hot tub.
Prestwood, Denstone, Staffordshire (10.8 miles)
A true back to nature experience in Ecopods set in an orchard with views over the Weaver Hills
Waterhouses, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire (11 miles)
Fully serviced pitches and glamping in the Staffordshire Moorlands, close to the Manifold Valley and Peak District.
Prestwood, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire (11 miles)
A secluded back to basics site which suits small groups, just two miles from Alton Towers and close to Dovedale.
Golden Valley, Alfreton, Derbyshire (11.1 miles)
A family owned and pet friendly park with segwaying, set in 26 acres of historic woodland near the Peak District.
Monyash, Bakewell, Derbyshire (11.1 miles)
Ideally located deep in the Peak District National Park, a peaceful setting, secluded pitches and a village pub.
Marston Montgomery, Ashbourne, Derbyshire (11.2 miles)
Glamping and Campsite on the edge of the beautiful Derbyshire village of Marston Montgomery, near Ashbourne.
Leek, Staffordshire (11.3 miles)
Secluded camping barn and one bunk barn set overlooking the Manifold Valley welcoming families and groups.
Bakewell, Derbyshire (11.3 miles)
Family-friendly site situated by idyllic Derbyshire village Bakewell, surrounded by the slopes of the Wye Valley.
Monyash, Bakewell, Derbyshire (11.3 miles)
A peaceful and back to basics haven for walkers in the Peaks, set on a scenic farm. Dog friendly with pubs nearby.
Cauldon, Leek, Staffordshire (11.5 miles)
Dog friendly touring edging the Peak District National Park and in easy reach of Alton Towers - members only.
Monyash, Bakewell, Derbyshire (11.6 miles)
A family-friendly touring site set on a working dairy farm with a cafe and shop, just ten minutes from Bakewell.
Riddings, Alfreton, Derbyshire (11.8 miles)
Eco-friendly caravan and camping park in 11 acres of woodland in the tranquil and idyllic Derbyshire countryside.
Cauldon, Staffordshire (12 miles)
Luxury glamping yurts with hot tubs and a sauna set by the Peak District, looking out over Staffordshire Moorlands.
Buxton, Derbyshire (12 miles)
Traditional county pub campsite adjacent to High Peak and Tissington trails, allowing tents and small campervans.
Uttoxeter, Staffordshire (12.4 miles)
An award-winning park, ideal for exploring the Staffordshire Moorlands, Peak District and visiting Alton Towers.