Things To Do On A Rainy Day
The sun does not always shine on a camping holiday. If a rainy day catches you out, there is plenty nearby to keep everyone happy.
Plenty to do under cover
From caverns carved deep into the hillside and indoor waterparks to pottery painting, classic cars and a spa afternoon, a wet day in the Peak District is no reason to stay in.
Some indoor attractions get busy when the weather turns, so it is worth booking ahead where you can.
- Elite Cinema in Ashbourne market place, a couple of minutes drive
- Ashbourne Leisure Centre pool, kids sessions in the school holidays
- Play Mill soft play at Bonsall, about 20 minutes drive
- Pop into reception and we will help you plan a day out
Big days out, whatever the weather
Three of the best wet-weather days out within easy reach of the park.
Waterparks
Alton Towers Waterpark
Spend the day splashing around at Alton Towers Waterpark, or at Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent, which also has a tiki-themed mini-golf centre.
Going underground
Poole's Cavern
Venture deep beneath the earth on a cavern tour at Poole’s Cavern in Buxton, or at Treak Cliff and Blue John Caverns in Castleton.
Culture vulture
Chatsworth House
Everyone has to visit Chatsworth at least once. Nearby Haddon Hall dates back to Tudor times and is full of atmosphere and history.
More rainy day ideas
Indoor play
Role play at the Play Village in Ashbourne, or soft play at the Play Mill at Bonsall, about 20 minutes drive. A little further are Hickory Dickory’s in Derby and Jangala in Hilton, both about 30 minutes.
Paint a pot
Unleash your artistic side at the Emma Bridgewater Factory in Stoke-on-Trent to paint a pot or take a factory tour.
Watch a film
Three independent cinemas are close by. The Elite is a restored 1930s cinema in Ashbourne market place. The Northern Light at Wirksworth and the Ritz at Belper, which has a bar, are both about 20 minutes away. For bigger multiscreen cinemas, try Showcase in Derby or CineBowl in Uttoxeter.
Drive back into the past
At the Great British Car Journey you can travel back to the golden age of British car manufacturing, with over 130 classic cars from the Austin Seven to the Ford Escort.
Shop til you drop
Credit cards at the ready. Derbion in Derby has all the usual high street stores, plus restaurants, bowling and a cinema.
Revisit your youth
At The Children’s Country House in Sudbury you can perform your own story, see toys through the ages, go back in time in the Victorian school room or climb the chimney. There is a tour of the 17th century hall too.
Relax and indulge
Feel your tension drift away with a spa treatment at Hoar Cross Hall. Between treatments there is a relaxation room, hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and sauna.
Swim indoors
The Leisure Centre at Ashbourne holds kids sessions at its swimming pool during the school holidays.
A free afternoon
Derby Museum and Art Gallery is free, with exhibits from creepy crawlies to Roman artefacts found in Derbyshire and the paintings of Joseph Wright. Plenty for children to do too.
Some indoor attractions get busy on wet days, so it is worth booking ahead where you can. Pop into reception and we will help you plan a great day.
Rain or shine, you are sorted
Base yourself at Callow Top and make the most of the Peaks in any weather.