Sleepy Hollow Farm

So, you've eyed up Carsington Water from the heights of Sleepy Hollow Farm and now you're ready to take the plunge… Head down to the outdoor activities centre (10 minutes' drive) for a chance to set sail in a dinghy or canoe, or, if you're keen to keep things firmly on dry land, hire a bike instead and take the troops for a spin. You certainly won't find yourself short of family-friendly options around these parts – Matlock Bath (15 minutes) has old-school arcades and an aquarium-cum-hologram affair that's just as colourful as it sounds. Just outside town, the Heights of Abraham cable car and caves presents another tiddler-pleasing combo, with the bigger rides of Alton Towers (30 minutes) just a little further afield. Prefer some peaceful Peak District times? Ashbourne and the start of the Tissington Trail is 15 minutes' drive away, while dawdling at Dovedale stepping stones (half an hour) is also pretty sure to bring about some inner calm.