There is nothing quite like a proper fresh-air runaround to burn off some of that endless kid energy. If you are staying with us at Hope Valley Holidays, you already know how stunning our scenery is—but if you have little ones in tow, you are probably on the lookout for the best swings, slides, and space to kick a ball.

To save you the guesswork, we have put together a local parent’s guide to the very best playgrounds and children’s play areas right on our doorstep, starting right here in our home village of Bamford.

1. On Our Doorstep: Bamford Recreation Ground

Location: Water Lane, Bamford

Best for: A quick, easy trip with plenty of space for everyone (including the family dog).

You don’t have to travel far for a great morning out. Bamford’s own Recreation Ground is the largest sports field in the area. It features a fantastic, fully enclosed play area packed with equipment to keep toddlers and older children safely entertained.

www.bamfordvillage.co.uk

• The Vibe: Broad, open, and classic Peak District.
• Dog Friendly? Yes! While dogs aren’t allowed inside the fenced children’s playground, they are completely welcome on the massive surrounding sports field.
• Parking: Plenty of free parking on site.

2. Hope Sports Ground

Location: Castleton Road, Hope (Just a few minutes down the road)

Best for: BMX riders, ball games, and snack-loving parents.

The Hope Sports Ground is an absolute treasure for families with children of mixed ages. Alongside a brilliant standard playground, it boasts a massive sports field and its very own BMX track—perfect if your kids like to bring their bikes or scooters along.

• Our Pro-Tip: Stop off in the village of Hope first to grab a takeaway coffee, hot chocolate, or a scoop of ice cream. Drive up to the sports ground, utilise the ample free parking, and you can comfortably sit back and enjoy your treats while the kids play.
• Dog Friendly? Please note that dogs are not allowed at this ground.

3. The “Hidden Gem”: Hathersage Playground

Location: Oddfellows Road, Hathersage (A 5-minute drive from Bamford)

peakdistrictkids.co.uk

Best for: Inside knowledge and coupling up with a swim.

Tucked away quietly behind the famous Hathersage open-air heated swimming pool, you would never know this great little park was here unless a local told you! It has a wonderful wooden play train, a dedicated toddler section, a larger climbing frame, and even a small skatepark area for older kids.

• Parking: Use the pay-and-display car park directly opposite the swimming pool.

4. The Cafe & Stream Combo: Brook Cafe and Playground

Location: Brookside, Bradwell (S33 9HF) – A 5-minute drive from Bamford

Best for: A relaxing morning with a great brew.

If your ideal playground trip involves a beautifully crafted latte, this is the spot for you. This lovely village playground is situated right next to a locally run, independent cafe. You can let the kids explore the play equipment while you relax by the gentle, bubbling stream.

• Handy to know: There is a Co-Op just around the corner for any last-minute essentials or picnic snacks.
• Parking: On-street parking.
• Important: The Brook Cafe is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan your treats accordingly!

5. The Beautiful Backdrop: Bradwell Park

Location: Main Road, Bradwell – A 5-minute drive

Best for: A peaceful, traditional park setting.

If you want a simpler, scenic spot to let the kids stretch their legs, keep driving down the main road through Bradwell. Surrounded by beautiful traditional Derbyshire stone walls and lush, mature trees, this expansive green space features a children’s play area, football posts, and a basketball hoop.

• The Vibe: There isn’t a cafe here, but there are plenty of benches positioned around the edge, making it the perfect place to sit back and watch the world go by.

6. The Day Tripper: Thornbridge Estate

Location: Near Ashford in the Water (A scenic 20-minute drive away)

Best for: A full family day out with a quirky twist.

If you fancy making a proper outing of it, head over to the historic Thornbridge Estate. It is a wonderfully unique and quirky location that goes way beyond your average park. They have a fantastic playground, a brilliant on-site cafe, formal gardens to explore, and even resident farm animals for the kids to meet!

• Dog Friendly? Absolutely. Dogs are very welcome to join the fun.
• Find out more: Check out their opening times and garden entry details on the Thornbridge Estate Website.

Packing Tip from Hope Valley Holidays:

The Peak District weather loves to surprise us! Even on a sunny day, we always recommend throwing a towel in the boot of the car—perfect for wiping down damp slides or drying off wet toes after paddling in the Bradwell stream.

Don’t let a bit of Peak District drizzle dampen your spirits! While we love a sunny hike, a wet day is the perfect excuse to discover the hidden gems, underground wonders, and cozy creative spots that make this area so special.

Based at Hope Valley Holidays (S33 0AL), you’re perfectly positioned. Many of these activities are within a 30-minute drive, and thanks to the 272 bus and the seasonal Peak Sightseer (Blue Route), you can often leave the car behind.

Here are our top 10 picks for keeping the kids entertained when the clouds roll in:

1. Speedwell Cavern (The Underground Boat Ride!)

Located in Castleton (just 10 minutes away), this is a rainy day classic. You’ll descend 106 steps to an underground canal where a boat takes you deep into the limestone caverns to see the “Bottomless Pit”. It’s entirely undercover, and you even get a free guidebook if you show a valid bus ticket!

2. Chatsworth House

Just a 25-minute drive (or a scenic hop on the Peak Sightseer bus), Chatsworth is magnificent in any weather. While the gardens are famous, the House itself offers plenty of indoor exploration for kids with their Young Explorers Trail. The Farmyard also has covered areas, so you can still meet the animals.

3. Buxton Pottery Painting

For a relaxing and creative morning, head to Buxton Pottery Painting in the historic Cavendish Arcade (approx. 30 mins drive). It’s a family-run studio where kids can choose a piece of pottery to personalize while you enjoy a coffee and cake from their cafe.

4. Buxton Fitness & Wellness Centre (Indoor Swimming)

If the kids have energy to burn, a trip to the pool is always a winner. Buxton’s leisure center features a great indoor pool perfect for a rainy afternoon splash. It’s about 25-30 minutes from the campsite.

5. Eyam Museum

Only 15-20 minutes away, this local museum tells the incredible story of the “Plague Village”. It’s educational, interactive, and just the right size for a morning visit. You can catch the 257 bus directly from Bamford to Eyam.

6. Poole’s Cavern

Another subterranean marvel in Buxton! Poole’s Cavern is a spectacular natural limestone cavern with some of the best stalactite formations in the UK. The guided tours are great for kids, and pushchairs are even welcome in some areas.

7. The Adventure Hub (Brough)

Literally 5 minutes down the road in Brough, The Adventure Hub is a fantastic local spot for indoor bouldering and climbing activities. It’s the perfect place for active kids to stay dry while scaling some walls.

8. Planet Ice Sheffield

Just 25-30 minutes away on the edge of Sheffield, you’ll find Planet Ice. Whether they are pros or total beginners, an ice skating session is a brilliant way to spend a wet afternoon. You can even take the train from Bamford to Sheffield (22 mins) and hop on a local tram or bus.

9. Mini Buxton Museum & Art Gallery

Currently located temporarily at Buxton Library, the “mini” museum is free to enter and offers a fascinating look at local geology and archaeology. It often hosts family-friendly workshops and craft sessions during the school holidays.

10. Buxton Cinema & Opera House

Sometimes, the best wet-weather plan is a big bucket of popcorn and a movie. Buxton Cinema (at the Pavilion Arts Centre) often shows the latest family releases. Alternatively, check the Buxton Opera House schedule for a matinee performance or family show.

🚌 A Quick Transport Tip

The 272 Bus is your best friend for trips to Castleton, while the 257 Bus is perfect for Eyam and Sheffield. If you’re visiting between May and September, look out for the Peak Sightseer—it’s an open-top bus, but the bottom deck is dry, and it’s a brilliant way to reach Chatsworth and Castleton from the site.

No matter the weather, there’s always an adventure waiting just around the corner from Hope Valley Holidays!

The May Bank Holiday is almost here, and if you’re joining us at Hope Valley Holidays, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy the very best of the Peak District. Located in the heart of Bamford, we are just a stone’s throw from some of the region’s most iconic attractions.

The best part? You can leave the car at the campsite! We have a bus stop just 100 meters from our entrance and two train stations within a mile, making it easy to explore without the hassle of parking.

Here is our guide to what’s happening locally this bank holiday weekend:

💦 Take a Dip or a Paddle

Whether you want a serious swim or just to cool off your toes, there are some fantastic spots nearby:

• Hathersage Pool: This famous open-air heated pool is a local favourite. Because it’s so popular, we highly recommend booking your slot in advance on their website.
• Wild Swimming: For a more natural experience, head to Slippery Stones in the Derwent Valley for a wild swim.
• Paddling: If you prefer to stay mostly dry, the Hathersage Stepping Stones are perfect for a gentle paddle.

🚲 Thrill-Seeking Adventures

If you’re looking to push yourself this weekend, our partners at Pure Outdoor are ready to help. They offer a huge range of guided activities, including mountain biking, caving, hiking, and route planning. Get in touch with their team to book your next adventure.

🚌 See the Sights (from the Top Deck!)

The new Peak Sightseer open-top bus tour is a fantastic way to see the valley. It runs daily and passes right by the site on its way to Castleton. It’s a hop-on, hop-off service, giving you the flexibility to explore beautiful local villages at your own pace. The bus conveniently stops at both Hope and Bamford train stations.

🎡 Festivals and Local Events

There is plenty of entertainment happening just a short distance away:

• Chatsworth Family Festival: A 30-minute scenic drive will take you to the stunning Chatsworth Estate. Their late May Bank Holiday Family Festival is famous for being a fun-packed day, with entertainment included in your Garden Access ticket.
• Hope Beer and Cider Festival: For a local favorite, head to the Old Hall pub in Hope. Running all weekend, you can expect live bands, great food, and a brilliant atmosphere. It’s an easy 30-minute walk from the campsite or a quick 5-minute ride on the 272 bus.

🧺 Picnic Spots & Local Pubs

Nothing says a camping holiday like a picnic in the hills. We recommend stopping by Watsons Farm Shop in Hope to pick up some delicious local treats. Some of our favourite nearby picnic spots include:

• Surprise View: Perfect for breathtaking vistas.
• Longshaw Estate: A beautiful National Trust site.
• Chatsworth: The grounds offer plenty of space to relax.

If you’d rather someone else did the cooking, our two neighboring pubs—Bike & Boot and The Traveller’s Rest—are both just a short walk away. Over the bank holiday, The Traveller’s Rest will also be showing live sport for those who don’t want to miss the big games.

🏕️ We’re Here to Help!

As always, the team at Hope Valley Holidays is on hand to help you plan your day and share our top tips for the area.

We wish you all a wonderful, adventure-filled Bank Holiday!