Sleepy Hollow Farm

Kids curious about all things fluffy? This small-scale rare breeds farm has a flock of hand-reared sheep that may very well be up for a spot of nuzzling, as well as a rather handsome white horse called Whisper. Sleepy Hollow Farm, in short, is a real gem of a site for families, with a prime Derbyshire location to sweeten the deal.

This spot makes a splendid stomping ground for farm-obsessed tots, but also for hiking fans, who can access the edge of the Peak District National Park in a five-minute drive. What's more, Carsington Water, a hub for watersports with nature trails, is a mere mile away from base.

There's a lot of room for wandering on site, too – 10 whole acres have been put aside for rambling, with views over Carsington Water to reward you if you make it all the way to the upper fields.

When it comes to practicalities, the toilet and shower facilities at Sleepy Hollow Farm prove very handy to have about, as do the washing-up area and wifi.

It's just under a mile by road to the nearby market town of Wirksworth, where there's a handful of independent shops and cafés you can poke your nose into. Make for Matlock (15 minutes’ drive) if you need a big supermarket, or swing by Matlock Bath next door and amble awhile along the river Derwent.