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Places to go near Landal Sandybrook Lodges

When we stayed in the luxury lodges at Landal Sandybrook it was the perfect base for exploring the Peak District, the local historic town of Ashbourne and an abundance of National Trust buildings situated in the idyllic Derbyshire countryside. We loved strolling around the quiet town with its Instagramable pubs and coffee shops that sell cute baked treats for dogs.

There’s also a variety of vintage clothing and antique furniture stores that you could spend hours looking around. What we loved about Ashbourne is that it's not touristy at all its simply a charmingly picturesque town tucked away in the countryside with plenty of historical buildings and churches to admire.

You can expect rain to dampen your day during any UK Staycation regardless of what month you choose to visit. So, below you’ll find 24 places to visit in Derbyshire that you can enjoy indoors and outdoors. Perfect, if you are staying in Ashbourne as we did. These suggestions are places for inspiration, please do your own research before visiting to avoid disappointment.

Sian Victoria © - The White Swan, Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Sian Victoria © - Ashbourne, Derbyshire countryside

1. Ashbourne

The local town has plenty of pubs, coffee shops and clothing stores. You’ll also find a park and a supermarket to stock up on essentials during your day trip or self-catering holiday. (3-minute drive)

2. Peak District National Park

In the peak district, you’ll find beautiful, lush green views and an array of cycling and walking paths with plenty of vantage points including Thor’s Cave, Black rocks, Mam Tor, Curbar Gap and Monsal Head. (31-minute drive)

3. Dovedale Stepping Stones

Make your way across the popular Dovedale Stepping Stones and soak up the views. (8-minute drive)

Sian Victoria © - Ashbourne Baptist Church

4. Ilam park

Explore the limestone countryside of Ilam Park. (12-minute drive)

5. Tissington Trail

Walk or cycle along a 13-mile dog-friendly trail that was originally a railway line. (5-minute drive)

6. Gullivers Theme Park Resort

Experience the JCB Zone, Blast Arena and Pirate Training Camp at the family adventure park. (24-minute drive)

7. Alton Towers

Dare to visit the UK’s biggest theme park with its thrilling rides. 23-minute drive

8. World of Wedgwood

Enjoy afternoon tea and learn the history and craftsmanship of the Wedgwood brand and have a go at making your own. 43-minute drive

9. Landal Darwin Forest

At Landal Darwin the sister park to Sandybrook you’ll find the Evolution fitness centre, Little Monkeys Play Centre, and Foresters Bar & Restaurant. Beauty treatments can be booked too. 32-minute drive

10. Cinebowl

A perfect place to visit while it’s raining is Cinebowl, an entertainment centre with an ice rink, cinema, and bowling alley.

11. Speedwell Cavern and peak cavern

Experience one of the largest natural cave entrances in the British Isles with a boat trip 450m under the hills of Castleton. 45-minute drive

12. Chatsworth House

Gorgeous stately home with beautiful gardens, a farmyard, and a playground. On the Chatsworth Estate, you’ll also find the Peak Ales visitor centre. 36-minute drive

Sian Victoria © - St Oswald's Church, Ashbourne

13. Monsal Trail

Enjoy 8.5 miles of traffic-free country views, with the option to hire a bike from Blackwell Mill cycle hire. 31-minute drive

14. Go Ape and Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park

Explore a two-million-year-old natural limestone cave on a guided tour. Plus, a treetop adventure challenge at GoApe. 30-minute drive

15. Peak Wildlife Park

Walk with lemurs, penguins, wallabies, and meerkats and enjoy the indoor playground. 21-minute drive

Sian Victoria © - Queen Elizabeth`s Grammar School, Ashbourne

16. Bolsover Castle

There are a lot of castles in Derbyshire and the surrounding area, so have a search to see which one appeals to you most. Bolsover Castle is one of the most popular ones. 56-minute drive

17. Carsington Water

A reservoir for sailing and kayaking or cycling and walking nearby. 20-minute drive

18. Cromford Mills

Visit the world's first water-powered cotton spinning mill in its historic Grade I listed building with shops and learning experiences for all the family. 22-minute drive

19. Haddon Hall

A stunning house from the Middle Ages with an Elizabethan walled garden, homemade lunches and traditional high teas with live music, gift shops and artisan markets. 35-minute drive

20. Ecclesbourne Valley railway

Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea in the West Midlands on board a train which has stops along the old line to Wirksworth. 26-minute drive

21. Peak Shopping Village

A dog-friendly place to shop for all your hiking the peak district needs. 29-minute drive

22. Deception Escape Rooms

A one-hour escape room experience. 27-minute drive

23. Wild Park Derbyshire

Be adventurous with a quad biking experience at Wild Park. 17-minute drive

24. Time for tea

Enjoy afternoon tea at an abundance of places nearby Landal, such as Hassop Station, the Tea Rooms at Lea Gardens, Manifold Tea Rooms, Edensor Tea Rooms, Herberts Fine English Tea Room, and the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop.

To conclude

If exploring the Derbyshire Peak District sounds like the perfect escape, then check out my review of Landal Sandybrook lodges in Ashbourne they have accommodation and on-site activities suitable for all the family and are dog friendly too.

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