Things to do on a rainy Peak District day

It can’t always be bright and sunny – so what things do we suggest for a rainy Peak District day?

Head underground

The Peak District is famous for its underground caves. So, what better way to avoid the rain than head down below ground?

Venture deep below the earth to discover the vast illuminated limestone caverns. The caverns are adorned with incredible crystal stalactite formations. You can also see the beautiful mineral stone Blue John which is unique to the Peak District.

Poole’s Cavern in Buxton is one of our guests’ favourites. Formed millions of years ago, you can learn about the cave’s history and its geological formations. There are regular tours, which take around 45 minutes.

See a film in an independent cinema

The Elite Cinema originally opened in the early 1930s in the small market town of Ashbourne, Derbyshire. It then closed its doors in 1976. Having been dormant as a cinema and performance space for many years, in 2023 the building has been restored back to its original glory.

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the cinema if you wish to extend your day in Ashbourne.

Explore the history of the Peak District

Why not spend a day exploring one of our wonderful museums? You’ll discover everything from the pre-historic treasures found in the area, to the intriguing and sometimes tragic social and industrial history of the Peak District.

The Buxton Museum is a great place to discover more about the archaeology, geology, history and art of Buxton and the Peak District.

Visit the Peak District Lead Mining Museum

The Peak District Lead Mining Museum is located at Matlock Bath. The museum has a mock-up of a lead mine in which children may safely experience and explore how the miners were used in this dangerous aspect of England’s industrial past

There are a number of collections to explore. This includes documents, maps and photographs. In addition, pumping engines and devices that remove water from mines, and items used to move minerals underground and up to the surface. They also have thousands of minerals and rocks to discover in the Howie mineral collection.

The collection includes tools, machinery and other objects that were used to process minerals. There are also personal items which belonged to miners, including shoes, helmets, and even games.

Make sure you check out the Wills Founder Water Pressure Engine, which is the centrepiece of the museum and is an incredible feat of engineering, built in 1819. Kids (large and small) will also not want to miss the three mock mine crawling and climbing tunnels, which are great fun!

Escape the rain at the Deception Escape Rooms

Looking for a new and exciting experience for the whole family? If your children are over 11, Deception Escape Rooms in Matlock is just the thing you need. Feel the thrill of escape, as you battle against the clock to solve all the puzzles in the room and break out. Can you make it out in 60 minutes?

One is certain, you’ll have to work together as a team to have any chance of success. As we all know, two brains are better than one, but if you had six, it would be even better!

Behind each door at Deception Escape Rooms awaits a different threat – unravelling secrets, jilted spirits and a nameless evil mastermind.

Opening hours – Monday to Friday 12:00 – 20:30 and Saturday to Sunday 10:00 – 20:30.

Cosy up in an award-winning cottage

Our award-winning luxury Derbyshire retreat has everything you need for your break away – and now features our bespoke hair and body range!

We offer free EV charging, an honesty shop packed to the brim with goodies, a fantastic games room where you can play pool, air hockey or ping pong and a range of new electric bikes for you to borrow to explore the local area.

In 2023 five of our cottages were rated 5-Star Gold by VisitEngland. The Farmhouse retained its 5-Star Gold rating from 2020. And now Priestley Cottage, Ollerenshaw Cottage, Nadin Cottage and Mycock Cottage join it with top marks. The remaining five cottages – Sheldon, Walker’s Rest, Critchlow, Elliott and Lomas were all rated 4-Star Gold. In addition, TripAdvisor recently named Wheeldon Trees in the top 10% of places to stay in the world. Thanks to our visitors’ amazing reviews, we were delighted to be awarded the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2022. To complete the hat trick, we were also the runner-up in best self-catering accommodation at this year’s Visit Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

You can view our availability and pick your perfect cottage by following this link – view our availability.