Gateham Grange Camping

If you intend to explore the Peak District on your next holiday, Gateham Grange Camping, a family-friendly site between Hartington and Alstonefield (a five-minute drive from either) might just be the accommodation you’re looking for.

You’ll be staying on a working farm (and since cows and dogs don’t always play well together, no canine buddies are allowed), and the large field can be booked for exclusive use by groups. In other words, this is just the place for the annual family gathering.

This is prime walking country, so lace up your boots and start exploring nearby areas like the Manifold Valley (10 minutes’ drive), with sites like the dramatic Thor’s Cave, and the Dove Valley, where highlights include Baley Hill and Wolfscote Dale (both within a 10-minute drive).

On site are three portable toilets, a plumbed outdoor stainless-steel sink and a fresh water supply. Please be aware that there is no hot water available. However, the back-to-basics approach is more than compensated for by splendid, far-reaching views of the surrounding hills and the starry spectacle of the night sky.

There is also good road access, and the local bus service (Moorlands Connect, bookable via telephone or app) arranges doorstep pick-up and return to local towns and villages. It even has room for bikes, so if you cycled too far and cannot face the ride back to base, you’re sorted. There are convenience stores and a local farm shop in Hartington, which also has several pubs.