3 days in Matlock with the dog

This three-day loop from Matlock, which has its own railway station, mixes grand houses with a dash of adrenaline. Day one pairs Winkburn Hall with Go Ape Sherwood Pines, just 7 miles apart. Day two runs 22.9 miles to Elvaston Castle, then 4.3 miles on to Castle Donington Museum. The finale is the tightest: Haddon Hall, lunch 1.7 miles away at The Bakewell Tart Shop (5/5 food hygiene rating), then 2.9 miles to Chatsworth House.

All four Travelodge stays we list are marked Pet Friendly: Alfreton, Sheffield, Derby Pride Park and Chesterfield. Sheffield sits just 0.1 miles from Meadowhall station if you'd rather leave the car. Our listings don't confirm dog policies for the attractions themselves, so check ahead, especially for Go Ape. Pack a lead and a water bowl, and build in breaks for proper walks between stops.