Exploring the Peak District: A Family Getaway at Chatsworth Park Campsite

For all the international touring we've done in recent years, there’s something about ‘England’s green and pleasant land’ that always calls us back. And there are few places where it’s more green and pleasant than in the Peak District, the focus of our recent mini-break.

As an active family, we’ve long believed that a campsite is only as good as what it offers in terms of access to activities and the great outdoors. That’s why we chose Chatsworth Park Club Campsite in the first place. Its proximity to some of the Peak District’s best places, as well as to our favourite spots in the UK, made it an obvious choice. Not to mention, several nearby places we had yet to explore, especially everything the Chatsworth Estate has to offer.

But even we were surprised, in the best possible way, by how much there was to see and do in the area surrounding the campsite, and the site itself turned out to be an unexpected gem. Set in the old walled garden of the magnificent Chatsworth Estate, the campsite feels wonderfully secluded from the rest of the world, hidden behind the long approach road from the village of Baslow and the original garden walls.

Unfortunately, our visit didn’t coincide with the local half-term school dates, when the house and adventure park are open for a week outside of their usual winter closure. But that didn’t matter in the slightest. All four of us were content to step through the back gate of the campsite and enjoy long, lazy walks through the grounds. We admired the stunning Chatsworth House from the outside in the late afternoon sunshine and popped up to the nearby farm shop to stock up on local delicacies.

Fortunately we hadn’t planned our entire stay around activities on the estate, for while there’s plenty to do on the estate, the true appeal of the Peak District, for us, has always been the access to some wonderful hikes and bike rides. And one of the best hikes, in our opinion, is a short drive from the campsite. Located just outside the charming village of Hathersage, you’ll find Stanage Edge, offering one of the most dramatic views in the region, and the focal point of a lovely circular walk from the village.

For those of us with small children or anyone looking for a shorter version of the circular walk, you can drive from Hathersage to Hook’s Car Park for a more relaxed walk up onto the ridge. We were blessed with blue skies as we reached the ridge, with panoramic views across Derwent Valley, Mam Tor, and Kinder Scout, creating the perfect backdrop for a morning adventure.

What we love about being up on the ridge is that you don’t need to walk far to experience it. On this occasion, we were perfectly happy to sit on one of the vast rocks that jutted out into thin air, legs dangling over the edge, while the children scrambled over the massive rocks scattered around as if tossed there by a petulant giant. Despite the cold wind, the air felt invigorating, bringing the old familiar feeling of being awake and alive, so often found when we’re out in nature, exposed to the elements.

We’ve been to the Peak District many times, but Bakewell was a first for us. After our time on the ridge and with hungry tummies to feed there was only one place to go and, according to Kim, there was only one thing to try. The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop served a dish combining both a Bakewell Pudding and a Bakewell Tart, perfect for those who can’t decide between the two, like us. We all agreed that the tart was the winner, but we’ll let you make your own mind up.

Of course, the beauty of the Peak District doesn’t stop at what’s above ground. The area is home to some of the most spectacular show caves in England, including Blue John Cavern, which turned out to be a perfect rainy day activity. We didn’t expect to have sunshine every day of our February visit, and so this was a good place to have up our sleeves to keep the kids entertained.

Deep beneath the hills surrounding Castleton a labyrinth of ancient caves winds through the limestone, concealing one of Britain’s rarest and most beautiful minerals; Blue John stone. The journey down into the cavern takes you through a series of amazing chambers, and after descending over 200 steps, you’ll reach the main chamber, around 100 meters below the earth’s surface. It’s here that the veins of Blue John run through the rock, and while the stone isn’t precious, it’s undeniably stunning.

With over two hundred steps back up to the surface, followed by a brisk walk up to the nearby summit of Mam Tor, where there are splendid views back across to Stanage Edge, it was back to the campsite for one of the culinary highlights of the week; the visit of the superb weekly pie van. Clearly a popular addition to the campsite’s offerings judging by the number of people in the queue for their dinner. 

As we packed up the following day we were reminded that adventure doesn’t always require going far. A few days in the Peak District allowed us to discover new spots we hadn’t yet explored, as well as revisiting old ones we love, offering fresh experiences and a new appreciation for what’s right on our doorstep. It’s a testament to the fact that there’s always more to uncover, even in places we think we know well.