3 days in the Peak District with the kids
3 days For families Built from visitor-rated places
This three-day Peak District plan for families puts the longer drives at the start of days two and three, so once you arrive the kids get short hops between stops. Day one pairs Tatton Park with Gauntlet Birds of Prey, just 0.7 miles apart, so little legs barely notice the move. Day two opens with the big drive, 45.5 miles to Stainsby Mill, then lunch at The Smithy Pond, which holds a 5/5 food hygiene rating, before Hardwick Hall 5.6 miles on. Day three winds down gently with Nether Alderley Mill and Quarry Bank Mill, only 4.2 miles apart.
For a base, Winhill Cottage in Hope Valley sleeps 4, has parking and EV charging, and is 0.8 miles from Bamford station. Clover Fields Touring Caravan Park in Buxton offers toilets, disabled access and a laundrette. Travelodge Macclesfield Central sits just 0.1 miles from Macclesfield station. Coming by train? Edale is the nearest station to the Peak District.
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Day 1
An easy first day: spend the morning at Tatton Park, then make the short 0.7-mile hop to Gauntlet Birds of Prey for the afternoon.
Day 2
Allow plenty of time and a bag of car snacks for the 45.5-mile drive to Stainsby Mill. From there it is 4.9 miles to The Smithy Pond (food hygiene rating 5/5) for lunch, then 5.6 miles on to Hardwick Hall for the afternoon.
Day 3
Another longer start, at 39.2 miles to Nether Alderley Mill, so build in a break to let the kids stretch their legs. The afternoon hop to Quarry Bank Mill is just 4.2 miles.
🛏️ Where to base yourself
Stays in Peak District that put this whole plan within easy reach.
Winhill Cottage
✓ Ideal for a romantic break or family holiday with spectacular views
Hope Valley, Central England
Sleeps 4
£357 per break
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🎪 What's on in Peak District
Events from
Skiddle
🗺️ Getting to Peak District
Plan the drive with service stations, food stops and fuel or charging costs along the way.
Plan my journey →🚆 Or come by train
- Edale 1.2 miles
- Hope (Derbyshire) 2.9 miles
- Bamford 4.6 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page