See one of the largest public displays of holograms in Europe and a thermal pool full of carp at Matlock Bath Aquarium and Arcade. Discover more about local history, geology and archaeology at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery. Go underground at the Blue John Caverns or Poole’s Cavern, one of the finest show caves in the country.
Catch the best independent movies at Buxton Film or mainstream movies (plus bowling and karaoke) at The Light in Stockport. Come face to face with exotic and endangered species from three continents at the Peak Wildlife Park, including Humboldt penguins and ring-tailed lemurs. Or churn through the Churnet Valley on a nostalgic steam train.
Brave the big rides at Alton Towers and Gulliver’s Kingdom. Watch 140 free-range monkeys at Trentham Monkey Forest. Ride the flumes and slides at Waterworld in Stoke. Walk the play trail at Coombes Valley Nature Reserve. And meet the meerkats, pigs, donkeys and chickens at Beaver Hall Pets Corner.
Cruise along the Caldon Canal on the Joshua Day 35-foot narrowboat. Canoe or stand-up paddleboard at Tittesworth Water Sports Centre. Put your best foot forward climbing local rocks with Peak Climbing School. Try ski and snowboard lessons at Stoke Ski Centre. And don’t miss ice-cream fun at Tagg Lane Farm and Blaze Farm.
Taste the Peak District in a core range of nine beautiful beers at Buxton Brewery but not before trekking the hills with Buxton Riding School. Make sure you’re fully sober before a day blasting clay at Cold Springs Farm Gun Club or trekking through trees at Go Ape Buxton. Or play the ‘inspiration for Augusta’ at Cavendish Golf Club.
Bring your bikes and ride the Monsal Trail and Tissington Trail. Book helicopter rides on site. Admire incredible rock formations at Roaches Ridge. Discover 725 acres of majestic planting at Trentham Gardens. Or reconnect your mind, body and soul at the award-winning Devonshire Spa in Buxton.
Head back in time to see some hunky history at Tideswell Cathedral, Peveril Castle, Haddon Hall and Chatsworth. Discover a well-preserved site of lead-mining at Magpie Mine. Take in dance, comedy, children’s shows, drama, music and opera at Buxton Opera House. Or enjoy a unique, interactive visitor experience at World of Wedgwood.
Invade the 77 timber lodges at Trentham Shopping Village devoted to shops, cafes, restaurants and big brands. Buy the best in British pottery at the Portmeirion Factory Shop, including Portmeirion, Spode and Royal Worcester. Walk around Westport Lake, catch some culture at the Regent Theatre and wrap up with cocktails at Sacro Lounge.
