Gateham Grange Camping

You might not be able to p-p-pick up a penguin at Peak Wildlife Park (15 minutes’ drive), but you can sure get up close and personal with one and help at feeding times. This conservation-focused wildlife park also houses otters, meerkats and giant rabbits, and there are outdoor and indoor play areas. If it’s a hot day, and the only place you want to be is near/in the water, head to Tittesworth Reservoir (25 minutes), where you can hire a canoe or paddleboard, stroll along the wildflower-dotted shore, or have a picnic with views of herons and curlews. If the kids demand adrenaline-fuelled rides, take them to Alton Towers theme park (half an hour), where they can let rip on roller coasters (including one with a staggering 14 loops) and drop towers. Younger children can try the gentler attractions in CBeebies Land, and everybody can wind down at the end of the day with a stroll through the peaceful gardens.