FIVE Family Friendly Campsites in the Peak District
Stunning views all around, wide open spaces, nature on your doorstep, peace and quiet, open fires and toasted marshmallows - nothing beats a camping adventure! If you're planning a stay in the great outdoors, here's my round-up of some of the best family friendly campsites in the Peak District.
Greenacres is a very natural, basic campsite based in the picturesque Hamlet of Nether Booth, on the outskirts of the Village of Edale in Derbyshire's Peak District (the starting point of the famous Pennine Way Hiking Trail). While there is no formal playground for children, there is plenty of green space to run, play and explore.
Facilities are limited but the site offers an unrivaled position in the heart of the stunning Hope Valley and should not be missed. Noted for it's beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere, the campsite will be one you will want to return to over and over again. There is plenty of open space for little legs to run and play and the site offers a relaxed family-friendly vibe. A lovely village pub is within walking distance and the owners are very helpful, assisting you with advice for local walks etc. At night, it is the perfect place for star spotting.
This is an eco-friendly, family-run site that is surrounded by hills and is close to the picture-postcard village of Hartington. Located in an elevated position with 360° panoramic views, the site offers camping, caravanning and glamping options. When staying here, you will find yourselves at the heart of beautiful Beresford Dale, famed for its clear waters, and the picturesque Manifold Valley. The site and its facilities are accessible to all, and the amenity block benefits from the welcome addition of under floor heating. There is a family and dog-friendly pub within walking distance and the sunsets are unlike anything I have ever seen. Truly spectacular and a campsite not to be missed when visiting the Peak District.
Knotlow Farm is a welcoming family-run campsite, set in the tranquil, picturesque landscape of the Peak District National Park, halfway between Bakewell and Buxton. The camping fields are part of a typical Derbyshire farmyard setting, and cater for both, campervans and caravan campers, with electric hook-ups, pot washing facilities, toilets and hot showers. There is a small shop onsite, where you can get basic groceries and sweets and the campsite runs a home-made pizza service every evening. It is also possible to hire fire pits and logs.
Chatsworth House is only 10 minutes drive way. Bakewell is just over seven miles over the green, rolling hills, and the stately Victorian spa town of Buxton seven miles in the opposite direction along the nearby A515. Buxton is rather like a miniature Bath, dominated by the splendid architecture of the Palace Hotel, Devonshire Dome and the Opera House.
Located between Buxton and Bakewell, this charming campsite occupies a glorious spot in the tiny hamlet of Blackwell in the Peak. The Monsal Trail is just ¾ of a mile along the Pennine Bridleway from the entrance. The views from the Monsal Viaduct are some of the most famous in the area. Alongside stunning scenery, you will find a wealth of historic houses, quaint villages, busy market towns and countryside pursuits within easy reach.
Bankhouse Farm campsite has a very relaxed family-friendly vibe. When we visited, it was the height of summer and the site was dominated mostly by larger groups of families. (Maybe one to avoid, if that isn’t you thing.) The campsite is right next to the Manifold Trail, a short drive from Thor’s Cave and there is a stream running adjacent to the site, which is perfect for children to play/splash/swim/go fishing etc. The facilities are modern and immaculately clean. There is plenty of space for children to play and for the adults, there is pub just outside the campsite.
Dale Farm is the perfect place to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the peace and tranquility the Peak District has to offer. It is a quiet, understated, rustic, calm campsite on a working farm. There is an onsite Farm Shop which sells: meat - burgers, steaks, jams, local eggs, cakes and treats, plus chopped wood, fire pits and kindling. There are four pubs within walking distance of the campsite - The White Lion and Crispin are in the village, and behind The White Lion is a big playground, a cricket pitch, and tennis courts. This is a quiet site and the owners are strict with their rule of a quiet site between the hours of 10pm and 7am, where car movement is prohibited during these hours.
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