The ideal base to explore the many attractions of the Derbyshire Dales

Riddings Park Farm is superbly situated - surrounded by quiet and idyllic countryside yet close to a huge range of attractions.

You may find the Farm with its animals, views and swimming pool so relaxing you won't want to venture far! But, situated in excellent walking & outdoor sports country, close to renowned heritage sites and museums, with easy access to theme parks, we think you will want to explore the local area.

Outdoor pursuits

Derbyshire has so much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Riddings Park Farm is set in lush, rolling countryside abundant with wildlife but not far away is the rugged moorland of the Peak District. This means that there is a huge range of pursuits on offer whatever your age or interest.

From gentle strolls to vigorous hill walking and rock climbing, from easy cycle paths to extreme mountain biking, the local area has it all. For example, the Tissington Trail is only a couple of miles away.

Riding and pony trekking, river and still water canoeing, water sports, fishing and golf are all available locally. Carsington Water sports and visitor centre is nearby.

For the young at heart

It's an easy drive to get to many exciting attractions for the young and young at heart. Theme parks including the renowned Alton Towers, Gulliver's Kingdom, the Heights of Abraham with its cable cars, and the largest UK aqua park, Waterworld, are all nearby. Or places like the Chestnut Centre with its otters, owls and wildlife park or the National Forest visitors centre, Conkers, offer outdoor activities for children on a quieter theme.

Heritage

Chatsworth House, historic home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is not to be missed. Surrounded by beautiful gardens with fabulous fountains, this grand stately home contains palatial rooms and famous art treasures. There's plenty for children to do too with a farmyard and adventure playground.

Other famous houses include Haddon Hall, Kedleston Hall, Hardwick Hall and Sudbury Hall with its museum of childhood. Not to be missed is Calke Abbey, with its unique collection of curiosities..

There's a wealth of fascinating industrial history in the area, including Arkwright's Cromford Mill - a world heritage site. In fact the whole area from Wirksworth to Matlock is packed with interesting places to visit, including the Wirksworth Heritage Centre, the National Stone Centre, and the Peak District Mining Museum.

Foe transport enthusiasts the National Tramway Museum at Crich is a great day out, as is the Midland Railway Centre.

Nearby towns & villages worth visiting

Ashbourne, 2 miles away, is an historic market town set on a river at the edge of the Peak District National Park. It boasts many fine listed buildings, plenty of antique and craft shops, and good places to eat out.

Close by is the privately-owned village of Tissington with its historic Hall, famous for well dressings held on Ascension day. Osmaston, a village of quaint thatched cottages and the riverside village of Alsop-en-le-Dale are also worth a visit.

Matlock and its sister spa town, Matlock Bath, are worth a visit in their own right and not just because of the many attractions nearby.

Bakewell is another attractive market town, set on the river, and the home of the famous and very tasty Bakewell Pudding.

Buxton is an historic spa and market town of historic interest where you can still "take the waters". The Pavilion Gardens and Museum & Art Gallery are especially worth a look.

There really is so much in the area to see and do. We are always happy to advise and give more information on this beautiful area when you are here with us.