Holiday Parks in Derbyshire

Prepare to be swept away by the enchanting beauty of the Peak District and Derbyshire on your next UK getaway. Imagine stepping into a world where wild peaks and lush valleys create a backdrop for adventure, relaxation, and exploration. Here, every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered, from the historical wonders of Chatsworth to the serene ambience of Bolehill Farm Cottages.

Embrace the thrill of the outdoors at Shipley Country Park, where nature's playground offers endless fun for all ages. Indulge in the local flavours at Amber Valley Wines and find the perfect scoop of happiness at Tagg Lane Dairy's luxury ice cream bar. With family-friendly attractions and hidden gems around every corner, this destination promises a holiday park experience like no other.

Experience the heart of Britain’s original National Park, where each day brings new stories to tell and memories to cherish. Your family adventure awaits, filled with exploration, laughter, and the magic of the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Have You Discovered UK Holiday Parks?

These self-contained resorts offer caravans, lodges, and sometimes tents or glamping pods. You can enjoy a range of facilities including swimming pools, entertainment venues, kids' clubs, and restaurants. They're designed for families looking for a break where everything is on your doorstep!

Holiday parks offer more space and freedom than hotels, such as separate bedrooms, living areas, and your own outdoor space. With the added bonus of on-site amenities and entertainment. They're self-catering too, saving money on dining out.

Going for a UK holiday park means you can forget about stressful airports, and luggage restrictions, and you can pack the car with as many of your home comforts as you like. Plus, you're contributing to the local economy and reducing your carbon footprint.

Visiting Derbyshire with kids

Absolutely, Derbyshire is a playground for children. They can explore caverns, visit theme parks like Gulliver's Kingdom, or get hands-on at the Heights of Abraham.

Why a holiday park? It's a safe, enclosed environment where kids can make friends and enjoy activities, giving you a break too.

1. Weather-appropriate clothing
2. Sturdy walking shoes
3. Sunscreen and hats
4. Swimwear and towels
5. Favourite toys or games
6. First aid kit
7. Reusable water bottles

Pet-Friendly Getaways

Derbyshire is a treat for pets, with walking trails galore. Pubs like The Old Poets' Corner in Ashover welcome pets.

Tips? Bring a lead, water bowl, and check pet policies at attractions in advance.

Dog walking ideas in Derbyshire

Route	Distance (miles)	Scenery	Postcode
Bakewell Loop	5	River and town	DE45 1BT
Dovedale	3	Valley and stepping stones	DE6 2AY
Chatsworth Estate	Varies	Historic parkland	DE45 1PP
High Peak Trail	17.5	Rural landscapes	SK17 9TE
Castleton	Varies	Peaks and caves	S33 8WN

Dining at the park, or heading out

Many holiday parks have on-site dining, convenient for families. Derbyshire's local cuisine includes the famous Bakewell Pudding.

Family-friendly? Try The Shalimar in Matlock for Indian cuisine. For couples, The Peacock at Rowsley offers a romantic setting.

Outdoor Family Adventures

Derbyshire's activity centres like Carsington Water offer sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking.

Prices? Vary, but expect around £20-£40 for watersports sessions. Check seasonal times before visiting.

Nearby shopping

Name	Type	On Offer	Postcode
Intu Derby	Shopping Centre	High-street brands	DE1 2PL
Masson Mills	Shopping Village	Designer outlets	DE4 3PY
Bakewell Market	Traditional Market	Local crafts and food	DE45 1DS
Chatsworth Farm Shop	Specialty Shop	Artisan products	DE45 1UF
Haddon Hall Artisan Market	Artisan Market	Handmade goods	DE45 1LA

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Top Parks for 2024 in Derbyshire

Norfolk Woods Resort and Spa, Norfolk

Driving Distance: About 2 hours and 24 minutes | Sleeps: Up to 4 | Pet friendly? Yes

About this park: Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa, a part of the Go Active Breaks Collection, is a sanctuary of relaxation and adventure nestled in Norfolk's countryside, just a short drive from King’s Lynn, offering a variety of on-site activities and nearby attractions.

For the kids - Children are spoilt for choice with activities such as archery, bodyzorbs, sea scooters, and an outdoor adventure play area. The Go Juniors programme caters to the little ones aged 3-7, ensuring they're entertained throughout their stay.

What's on-site? Guests can indulge in the on-site spa with a range of treatments, steam room, and a bistro bar and restaurant offering a takeaway option. There's also a Costa Coffee for your caffeine fix, an indoor heated pool, and a handy shop on-site.

What's nearby? Explore the historic town of King’s Lynn (20 minutes drive), visit the sandy beaches, or discover local heritage at ancient churches. For a family day out, the Sandringham Estate is about 30 minutes away, offering a peek into royal history and beautiful gardens.

Accommodation options: Accommodation ranges from romantic lodges perfect for couples to family-friendly options. The Bircham and Bircham Premier lodges offer luxury for two with en-suite bathrooms and open-plan living, while the Oxburgh and Oxburgh Premier lodges sleep up to four with modern amenities and the option of a hot tub. All accommodations are pet-friendly, allowing for two pets.

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Heacham Beach, Norfolk

Driving Distance: About 2 hours and 36 minutes | Sleeps: Up to 8 | Pet friendly? Yes

About this park: Heacham Beach is a stone's throw from the sea, offering a traditional seaside holiday experience with a heated indoor pool, sports court, adventure playground, and live entertainment, all within easy reach of Norfolk's stunning natural reserves and gardens.

For the kids - The park boasts a heated indoor pool with a slide, a multi-sports court, an adventure playground, and an amusement arcade, ensuring endless fun for the younger guests.

What's on-site? The Boathouse Tavern caters to your dining needs and hosts evening entertainment. There's also Wi-Fi access, a convenience store, and a launderette for practical needs.

What's nearby? The Walsham National Nature Reserve and Norfolk Lavender Gardens are just minutes away, offering beautiful natural sights and activities. Hunstanton, known for its lively atmosphere and seaside attractions, is also close by.

Accommodation options: The park offers a range of superior caravans, from the Petrel sleeping 6 with double glazing and central heating, to the Grebe, refurbished in 2023 for a fresh and comfortable stay. All accommodations are pet-friendly and some include a hot tub.

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Manor Park Holiday Village, Norfolk

Driving Distance: About 2 hours and 38 minutes | Sleeps: Up to 8 | Pet friendly? Yes

About this park: Manor Park Holiday Village is a family favourite with its proximity to Hunstanton Beach and Sandringham Estate, complemented by on-site heated indoor and outdoor pools, sports activities, and evening entertainment in a natural beauty hotspot.

For the kids - Children can enjoy the pools, amusement arcade, and adventure playground, as well as a range of sports activities to keep them active.

What's on-site? The park features The Boathouse Bar and Restaurant for dining, an entertainment centre for nightly shows, Wi-Fi access, and a launderette. The indoor pool is seasonally open, and the outdoor toddler pool operates during the summer.

What's nearby? The famous 'Sunny Hunny' Hunstanton Beach is within easy reach, as is the Sandringham Estate with its formal gardens. Nature reserves and adventure parks are also a short drive away.

Accommodation options: Accommodation includes a variety of caravans such as the Bunting and Goosander, both sleeping 8 and featuring double glazing and central heating. The Shelduck Chalet offers a cosier option for 4. All accommodations are pet-friendly.

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Searles Leisure Resort, Norfolk

Driving Distance: About 2 hours and 38 minutes | Sleeps: Up to 6 | Pet friendly? No

About this park: Searles Leisure Resort is an all-encompassing family destination on the north Norfolk coast, offering a plethora of activities, entertainment, and dining options, with the added bonus of being a short walk from Hunstanton and its attractions.

For the kids - The resort is a paradise for children with indoor and outdoor pools, a children's pool, an indoor splash zone, a soft play area, and an adventure playground.

What's on-site? Guests can enjoy a gym, sauna, beauty salon, show bar with entertainment, themed bars and restaurants, a coffee shop, and a supermarket. There's also a range of sports facilities including golf, tennis, and fishing.

What's nearby? Hunstanton's sandy beaches and sea life centre are just a stroll away, while the majestic Sandringham House and Holkham Hall are within a short drive. Nature reserves and adventure parks offer additional family fun.

Accommodation options: The Classic Rio range offers comfortable static caravans for families, with options for four to six guests, featuring modern amenities and outdoor patio areas. Deluxe options like the Oakdale 4 provide an ensuite shower room and a decked veranda. Note that this park does not allow pets.

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Family Days Out In Derbyshire

Chatsworth House

• Opening Times: Varies seasonally, check the website
• Prices: Different rates for house, garden, and farmyard; family tickets available
• Postcode: DE45 1PP
• Est. time required: Half to full day
• Nearest parking: On-site parking available

Chatsworth House is a stunner, perfect for families who love a bit of grandeur and open space. The house itself is a treasure trove of art and history, while the gardens are a masterpiece of landscaping. Kids will adore the farmyard and adventure playground. There's always something new with seasonal events and exhibitions. To beat the crowds, aim for a weekday visit or early mornings on weekends.

Our Tip: Book online to save a bit on tickets.

Phone number: 01246 565300 | Web: www.chatsworth.org

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Gulliver's Kingdom

• Opening Times: Generally 10:30 am - 5 pm, but check ahead
• Prices: Tiered pricing for adults and children; under 90cm go free
• Postcode: DE4 3PG
• Est. time required: Full day
• Nearest parking: On-site parking available

Gulliver's Kingdom is a family-focused theme park that's ideal for younger kids. It's packed with rides like the Log Flume, Pirate Ship, and the Drop Tower. They've recently added a few new attractions, so even if you've been before, it's worth another trip. To get the most out of your visit, check the show times on arrival and plan your day around them.

Our Tip: Visit outside of school holidays to dodge the long queues.

Phone number: 01629 580540 | Web: www.gulliversfun.co.uk/gullivers-kingdom-matlock-bath

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The Heights of Abraham

• Opening Times: 10 am - 4:30 pm, but can vary
• Prices: Tickets include cable car, caves, and exhibitions
• Postcode: DE4 3NT
• Est. time required: 3-4 hours
• Nearest parking: Matlock Bath Railway Station car park

The Heights of Abraham is not just a cable car ride – it's a full-on experience with stunning views of the Derwent Valley. Once at the top, explore the caverns and learn about the area's mining history. There's also a play area for the kids and walking trails for the whole family. The best time to visit is on a clear day to make the most of the views.

Our Tip: Wear comfy shoes, as there's plenty of walking involved.

Phone number: 01629 582365 | Web: www.heightsofabraham.com

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Crich Tramway Village

• Opening Times: Varies, but usually 10 am - 5:30 pm
• Prices: Annual tickets available; discounts for booking online
• Postcode: DE4 5DP
• Est. time required: 3-5 hours
• Nearest parking: Free on-site parking

Crich Tramway Village is a hit for families who dig vintage vibes. Ride on restored trams, explore the recreated period street, and check out the exhibitions. They've got a new play area for kids and often host special events.

Our Tip: To save some cash, grab your tickets online.

Check the event calendar before you go to catch any extra special happenings.

Phone number: 01773 854321 | Web: www.tramway.co.uk

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Peak Wildlife Park

• Opening Times: 10 am - 5 pm, but can vary
• Prices: Different rates for adults and children; under 2s go free
• Postcode: ST13 7QR
• Est. time required: 2-3 hours
• Nearest parking: Free on-site parking

Peak Wildlife Park is a gem for animal lovers. Walk amongst free-roaming animals, get up close with the lemurs, and even feed some of the critters. They've recently introduced new animal experiences, so there's always something fresh to see. To get the most out of your visit, check feeding times and talks when you arrive.

Our Tip: It gets busy on school holidays so try to get there early to avoid the rush.

Phone number: 01538 308880 | Web: www.peakwildlifepark.co.uk

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Hardwick Hall

• Opening Times: Check the National Trust website as times vary
• Prices: Free for National Trust members; otherwise, a fee for adults and children
• Postcode: S44 5QJ
• Est. time required: 3-4 hours
• Nearest parking: On-site parking (charge for non-members)

Hardwick Hall is a must-see for families who appreciate Elizabethan architecture and sprawling estates. The hall is packed with history, and the gardens are perfect for a picnic. They've got a new outdoor trail that's great for kids. Visit on a weekday if you can to avoid the weekend bustle.

Our Tip: Don't forget to check out the second-hand bookshop – it's a little treasure trove.

Phone number: 01246 850430 | Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick-hall

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When planning your next family getaway, consider the variety of holiday parks in Derbyshire as a base to explore these fantastic attractions. With comfortable accommodations and family-friendly amenities, these parks provide the perfect setting to rest and recharge after a day of adventure.

FAQs

What should I pack when visiting Derbyshire?

Pack for the unpredictable British weather – include waterproofs and layers. Don't forget walking boots for exploring the Peak District.

Is Derbyshire a good place to visit ‘off-season’?

Absolutely, Derbyshire's charm isn't just a summer fling. Off-season means fewer crowds at attractions like Chatsworth House. Plus, holiday parks offer a cosy escape with the chance to enjoy the crisp air and autumnal colours or the frost-kissed landscapes in winter.

Will my hot tub be cleaned before we arrive?

Yes, hot tubs are cleaned and maintained between guests. Parks with hot tub facilities ensure strict hygiene standards. They balance the water chemistry to ensure it's ready for you to hop in and relax as soon as you arrive.

Can we bring our pets to the holiday park?

Many holiday parks in Derbyshire are pet-friendly. They understand that pets are part of the family. Just check the park's pet policy before booking, as some may charge a small fee or have specific pet-friendly accommodations.

How do we book activities, and do they need to be booked in advance?

It's wise to book in advance, especially during peak times. Parks like Landall Sandybrook often have online booking systems for activities. For local attractions, check their websites. Some activities can be booked upon arrival, but pre-booking secures your spot.

What's the best way to explore the local area?

Grab a map and hit the trails – walking or cycling is a treat here. Check out bike hire options at places like Parsley Hay or Carsington Water. For a unique view, consider a ride on the Heights of Abraham cable car.

Are there any discounts available for local attractions?

Yes, some holiday parks offer discount vouchers for local attractions. Always ask at reception. For example, guests at Hoe Grange Holidays might get deals for nearby activities. Also, look for online vouchers or family passes that can save you a few quid.

What dining options will we find at the holiday park?

Dining varies by park. Some, like Peak Gateway, might have a restaurant or café on-site. Others may offer a shop for essentials and local produce. For a broader taste of Derbyshire, venture out to nearby pubs and restaurants – staff usually have the best recommendations.

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