Blog

Places to visit during February Half Term

Places to visit during February Half Term

Please find below a list of places that are open during February Half Term for you to visit whilst on holiday. (Please visit their website for opening times & tickets)

Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath – Enjoy a cable car ride and exploring the caverns, indoor exhibitions and playgrounds. 

Matlock Farm Park – This fantastic farm park has lots of undercover and indoor space and lots of animals to meet too.

Chatsworth Farmyard & Playground - Experience daily life on the farm with animal feeding, milking demonstrations and tractor and trailer rides. The playground swings, sandpit and waterplay will be open.

Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock Bath - Find out about Derbyshire’s fascinating mining history and enjoy a cave tour.

Matlock Bath Aquarium and Arcades - Spend a few hours playing on the arcades, visiting the aquarium and enjoy some fish and chips!

Bonkers illuminated indoor Golf - Enjoy playing on this new 9 hole indoor crazy golf course located at Matlock Bath. 

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway - Enjoy a steam train ride through the Derbyshire countryside from Wirksworth.

Peak Rail - Running limited steam trains from Rowsley to Matlock. 

Treak Cavern (Home to the famous Blue John stone) or Speedwell Cavern (Enjoy a guided Cavern tour by boat), Castleton – Weather permitting you can walk up Mam Tor for great views. 

Poole’s Cavern – Natural limestone show cave on the edge of Buxton.  

Go Ape! - located next to Poole's Cavern, enjoy swinging through the trees! 

Deception Escape Rooms, Matlock – Great for families and groups who love problem solving.

Great British Car Journey - Over 100 British Classic cars & the opportunity to drive dad’s car!

The Children’s Country House at Sudbury. Have fun learning about childhood from the past and nostalgic exhibitions. 

Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield – National Trust property used as Malfoy Manor in Harry Potter.

Bolsover Castle, near Chesterfield – English Heritage Castle with events throughout half term.

Eyam Museum – Learn how families sacrificed themselves during the Plague to save the nation 

Cromford Mills – Where the industrial revolution began! Now a World Heritage site you can visit exhibitions, shops or walk along the canal.

Peak Wildlife Park, Winkhill – Meet penguins, lemurs, polar bears, monkeys and lots more animals.

Gulliver’s World, Rother Valley – A theme park especially for children.

Outdoor Adventure Sports 

Many companies are offering caving, climbing and abseiling over half term and will have last minute availability. Fantastic for all ages!  Details at www.darwinforest.co.uk/peak-district/activities


Local Towns & Villages

Chesterfield – Home to the Crooked Spire, market/shops and a bowling and cinema complex

Bakewell – Why not pay a visit to the Bakewell Pudding Shop!

Matlock – Independent shops, a lovely park and cliff top walks to Matlock Bath (High Tor). 

Matlock Bath – Fish & Chip Shops and Amusement Arcades – A seaside town in the country!

Buxton – Home to the Opera House, Pavilion Gardens and the famous water.

Places to walk

There are so many places to enjoy walking in the local area. We have a number of circular walks from the park and details of lots of walks in the local area at www.darwinforest.co.uk/walking

The Trails (Monsal, High Peak and Tissington) offer flat off-road walking and cycling routes. Cycles are available to hire on these trails.

Stanage and Curbar Edge - The famous Gritstone edges offer spectacular views but are easily accessible from Curbar Gap Car Park and are family friendly walks. Postcode S32 3YR.

Ladybower & Derwent Dams – During the winter months you may be able to see the famous Derwent ‘Dambuster’ Dam overflow as well as the Ladybower plugholes in action.

Carsington Water – Enjoy walking or cycling around the reservoir. Onsite restaurant and playground.

Cromford Canal – Walk along the Canal which is part of the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site.

Lumsdale Falls – A steep ravine with steps and beautiful waterfalls (some are closed for safety) You can also visit Bentley Brook Brewery for refreshments or Lumsdale Glass.