Peake's Retreats

Amble with alpacas beside the River Trent or cruise along the water in a canoe; the site’s knowledgeable staff can divulge the details on how to go about either. You can also get the kids go-karting at the National Forest Adventure Farm, five minutes’ drive away, or bouncing around in the soft play area. Hark back to your own younger days at Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood, a 15-minute drive, for an educational expedition in a country manor. For teenage kicks instead, Drayton Manor Theme Park is half an hour away, while the Nemesis and Oblivion rides at Alton Towers can be reached in 35 minutes. The Go Ape high-ropes course in Stoke, balancing above the treetops, is a 35-minute drive away and should appeal to intrepid types of all ages with its zipwires and climbing nets. To get your lactic acid flowing even more, set out to cycle the Tissington Trail, setting off from the car park at Ashbourne (30 minutes away by car).