The hills and dales of the White Peak are ideal for walkers, with fields outlined by dry stone walls and criss-crossed with footpaths.

The Dovedale and Manifold Valleys, close by, provide riverside walks at the foot of towering limestone gorges.

In stark contrast, Kinder Scout on the Dark Peak, or the rugged Staffordshire Moorlands offer more adventurous walking or climbing, both within half an hour's drive. The cottages are stocked with local maps and guide books.

For steam train enthusiasts, there are several well preserved railways not far away. Peak Rail at Matlock has a timetable of events through the summer months, as does the Churnet Valley Steam Railway at Froghall. The Midland Railway Centre at Butterley and the newly opened Ecclesbourne Valley Railway at Wirksworth are also within easy reach.

The Peak District is also the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, with the Derwent Valley Mills area (between Matlock and Belper) being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Arkwright Mill at Cromford was the world's first successful water powered cotton spinning mill, opened in 1771 and is definitely worth a visit.

The Tissington Trail passes close by Church Farm Holiday Cottages. The trail, which is the old railway track from Ashbourne to Buxton, makes for easy walking through the spectacular scenery. Or, you can hire bikes and cover quite a distance through the countryside, joining up with the High Peak Trail which takes you west towards Wirksworth.

The Heights of Abraham, in Matlock Bath, are well worth a visit. Children will love the cable car ride to the Heights, exploring the underground caverns and the adventure playground. Since first opening to visitors in 1780 the Heights of Abraham has remained one of the Peak District's most appealing destinations, with picnic spots, cafes and a summit bar all with stunning views in acres of beautiful woodland.

Also in Matlock Bath is Gulliver's Kingdom, a very popular Theme Park for younger children.

Explore the local market towns of Ashbourne, Bakewell, Leek and Matlock. They all have a wealth of interesting buildings, churches and shops. There are factory shops and village craftsmen in abundance, with Ashbourne and Leek also being famed as antique centres.

Visit the Georgian Spa town of Buxton with its' Crescent to rival to Bath's. The Opera House and Pavilion Gardens have an extensive programme of events throughout the year. The surrounding villages of limestone cottages with pubs and village greens are charming, and keep a look out for the Well Dressings!

Carsington Water and visitor centre, just 5 miles away, is a great source of outdoor activities. Sailing, windsurfing, kayak and canoeing courses are run throughout the year. There's also fishing, mountain biking and a newly built climbing wall - and great childrens' playgrounds. You can hire cycles here too.

The northern part of the Peak District National Park becomes the Dark Peak, due to the grit stone rock deposits and moorland. Here you will find the ‘Derwent Dams’ namely Ladybower, Derwent and Howden. Two villages, Derwent and Ashopton, were lost when the valley was flooded after the construction of the Dams. The Derwent Dam became famous after being used by the Dambuster Squadron for bombing practice before their famous raid on the dams of the Ruhr during the Second World War.