What to do and see in Peak District, England: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

Contemporary Art Gallery - selling fine art & ceramics. Opened July 2017. The Old Lock Up Gallery is situated within a beautiful stone building, built in the 1700’s, in the beautiful and historic Derbyshire village of Cromford. The building itself is steeped in history – as it was owned by Sir Richard Arkwright and used as the village jail, one of the first of it’s kind in the country.

UK's Premier Trials School - Fun, thrilling and challenging trial bike training in the beautiful Peak District. Experience Days, Corporate Days 1to1 Training with professional tuition. Bikes, kit and refreshments provided. No motorcycle licence required.

Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is set in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, on the banks of the river Derwent. Explore the historic house for fascinating stories and one of Europe's most significant art collections. In the garden, discover water features, giant sculptures and beautiful flowers set in Britain's most stunning and surprising country estate. Or come face to face with our farm animals in our working farmyard and enjoy adventurous fun in the playground. Furthermore, with holiday cottages and hotels, shops and restaurants, including Britain's best farm shop, you can really make the most of your time with us.

Find out about Bubonic Plague in the Peak District village where it killed over a third of the population in 1665- 1666. Learn about the black rats, the fleas that carried the disease, and see the stories of the families it affected. Understand how the village recovered afterwards.

Started as a Blue John mine over 300 years ago, Treak Cliff Cavern continues to mine, process and manufacture ornamental items and jewellery from Blue John Stone today. On the 40 minute guided tour visitors can see the most abundant veins of Blue John Stone in the world and some of the 'finest stalactites' in the Peak District. We also have a shop with a vast array of rocks and minerals from around the world. Visit our free to enter museum and read about the history of the mine and see some beautiful antique Blue John ornaments, after which you can enjoy a slice of Blue John cake and refreshments from our on site cafe while admiring the view down the valley.

Poole’s Cavern is the most spectacular natural cavern in the Peak District. The cavern is famous for the spectacular and unique crystal formations including the longest stalactite formation in the region. Your expert guide will accompany you on a 45 minute journey through chambers once used as shelter and worship by prehistoric to roman visitors. See the cathedral sized main chamber carved from Limestone by an ancient river and follow safe and accessible walkways through beautifully illuminated passages on a journey deep underground. Back above ground browse through our rock and gem shop and view the archaeological discoveries from the cavern in the exhibition. Due to Covid restrictions we have a reduced cafe with take away drinks and snacks for 2020, lots of picnic tables for visitors. Complete your day with a stroll on our country park woodland trails with animal sculptures to find which lead to Solomon's Temple viewpoint at 439m above sea level and views of the Peak District.

Currently closed due lockdown - hope to be open every day from the 3rd December. Find out about the lead mining heritage of Derbyshire from Roman Times to the present. Interactive exhibits, mock tunnels and shafts to climb, moving models. The new Matlock Bath Through Time exhibition tells the story of a village that was one of the top Georgian Spas in the country. Then visit Temple Mine and find out what it was really like working underground followed by a try at gold panning. Suitable for all ages. Family ticket £28 (2A and 3C)

The Churnet Valley Railway takes you on a journey back to the 1950s and 1960s. Take a break from busy urban life and hop on board a steam train to ride in a heritage carriage behind one of our beautifully restored heritage steam or diesel locomotives. Pass through delightful countryside with riverside views and The Cauldon Canal. You can learn more about the history of Churnet Valley Railway and the North Staffordshire Railway Company in our small museum based at Cheddleton Station, which houses a wealth of information and memorabilia. Fancy a bite to eat during your day out? Then enjoy the traditional atmosphere in our Signals Tea Room at Froghall Station, The Tea Room offers freshly brewed coffee, cooked breakfast, lunch including hot and cold sandwiches, cream teas and a delicious selection of cakes. On a cold day bask in the warmth of an open fire and listen to some music on the wireless. Signals Tea Room is wheelchair accessible and child-friendly.