Campsites in Derbyshire

First doesn't always mean the best but the Peak District - the UK's first national park - truly deserves a spot of fanfare. And if you're not roaming through its dales, uncovering ancient woodland or hiking the trails, there are buzzing urban spots to explore like Derby, and character towns like Chesterfield and more.

If you love a little history and tradition, pay a visit to quintessentially English village and snap a pic of their well dressing - a tradition that dates back centuries - but you'll also never be far from all things modern. One of the nation's family friendly theme parks is here and a host of unique museums.

Our favourite things to do in Derbyshire

Derbyshire's highlights include:

• Exploring the Peak District National Park
• Gathering your nerves for The Heights of Abraham
• Chatsworth House
• Crich Tramway Museum

The UK's most popular national park

Stretching over 200 square miles, the Peaks are heaven for walkers - whether you choose the craggy Dark Peak area or the lush beauty of the White Peaks.

Highlights for outdoors fans include breathtaking views, misty valleys and shy wildlife. There are genuinely hundreds of routes through the national park, each taking you through the picturesque landscape.

Even with the bike you're not short of options, from the traffic free Monsal Trail to the famous Tissington Trail. Or, you might set your pedals for the Kinder Scout and try a little mountain biking. This moorland plateau makes an atmospheric end to your journey, and the views are sensational.

All that and a large stretch of the Pennine Way also runs through the county, to boot. Known as one of England's most spectacular upland walks, it spans an incredible 268 miles.

History and culture worth exploring

Traces of the past can be found all across the county, but a great place to start is with the stately grounds and more than 30 rooms of Chatsworth House. Dabble in its fountain on a hot day, let the kids get lost in its maze and finish it all off with a round of snacks in the tea room. 

You can ride in style at the National Tramway museum and its trams take you through the time warp setting of Crich's period street. The whole family can uncover a spot of history at the Peak District Lead Mining Museum.

Don't miss Haddon Hall, Calke Abbey and Hardwick Hall which are some of the county's best stately halls. The National Trust's Calke Abbey has grounds packed with shy deer and a famous 1200 year old tree, while Haddon Hall is so picturesque it's made the big screen in three different adaptations of Jane Eyre.

Too modern for you? Peveril Castle is one of the oldest Norman Fortresses in the country and its ruined keep has incredible views of the Hope Valley.

Or why not swoop above the scenery in a cable car to the Heights of Abraham, rewarded with the spooky Tinker's Shaft, spooky cavern tours and an adventure play area.

Tour the shire's enchanting towns, nipping in for a cheeky pudding in Bakewell and getting to know the bravery of the village of Eyam - made famous for taking steps to stop the spread of the plague.

Outdoorsy activities for everyone

Derbyshire’s claim to a whopping section of the Peak District is a must for outdoor types to explore on foot, by bike or even with a saddle and bridle. For climbers, there are incredible gritstone facades and popular challenges like Stanage Edge or the Roaches.

Going deeper, explore underground with a spot of caving and check out the stalactites and stalagmites in the Peak and Speedwell Caverns, which are just a short way from Castleton.

Water sports are popular in Derbyshire and Carsington Water reservoir is the place to make a splash, covering over 750 acres. Give sailing, windsurfing and kayaking a try and or just pedal around the water and watch the sunset.

Little monkeys can safely get wild at Go Ape Buxton with its assault course in the tree tops or and the older ones can get a taste for adrenaline with gorge scrambling, abseiling and even a high speed zip wire.

Something for all tastes

Try out the local flavours at local farmers’ markets with tantalising treats like artisan bread, freshly made preserves and home grown produce. Hartington is famous for its cheesy nibbles and as you wander through pretty Derbyshire villages you should definitely try the local oatcakes – they taste better here than anywhere else.

For the adults in the group, a tour around the Derby Brewing Company is popular, where you can chow down on a tasty lunch, learn all about the process and take home an order of real ale.

In Derby city itself a walk along the Derwent’s riverbank makes for a lovely afternoon, but there’s also adventure golf to try, the Bluebell Dairy for its four legged friends and tasty cream teas and the Museum of Childhood at Sudbury Hall is close by.

Who could forget a day trip to Gulliver’s Kingdom –which is sure to be a scream! From log flumes to spooky mine rollercoasters and themed play areas, it’s a fun packed day.