3 days in Matlock with the kids

This three-day family plan starts from Matlock, which has its own station, but it spreads well beyond the town. Expect a 54.9-mile drive between day one and day two, and 63.1 miles before day three. Within each day, though, the hops are short, never more than 13 miles between stops. Both lunch pubs, New Florence and The Stag, hold a 5/5 food hygiene rating, so you can feed hungry children without worrying.

Each day pairs a calmer morning at a stately home or castle with an afternoon for burning off energy: Amerton Farm and Craft Centre, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, then Go Ape Cannock Chase. For big family groups, Clusters Chapel in Belper sleeps 20 and is just 0.1 miles from Belper station. The Barn near Ashbourne sleeps 10. If the dog is coming, Travelodge Alfreton is pet friendly, with disabled access and Alfreton station 1.4 miles away.