Family attractions, museums and galleries
(a selection of the many attractions available to visitors with approximate distances from Swainsley Farm) . Click on ‘Website’ for link.
Alton Towers
World famous theme park with wonderful gardens and ruins of a stately home.
Tel: Tickets - 0871 2223330
Gullivers World
Theme park for small children
Peak Wildlife Park
A zoological park with lots of fun for kids. Merrcats, Penguins, Artic Foxes, Red squirrels, Giant dutch rabbits, Lemurs, Wallabies and much much more.
New this season - 2024: Polar Bears, and new children's climbing frame, Cafe.
Tel: 01538 308880
Foxfield Steam Railway
Would you like to drive a full size steam loco ?
Tel: 01782 396210
Rudyard Steam Railway
Take a trip alongside Rudyard Lake on a narrow gauge steam railway.
01538 306704
Churnet Valley Railway
Take a journey back to the classic days of railway travel on a rural line passing through beautiful countryside known as Staffordshire's "Little Switzerland".
Tel: 01538 750755
Froghall Wharf Boat Trips
Cannel boat trips on the Churnet Valley canal.
01538 266486
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Discover the geology, archaeology and history of the Peak District in the 'Wonders of the Peak time tunnel'.
The Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery, Leek
Home to a collection of impressive oil paintings, ceramics, local history and a fine selection of the famous Leek Embroideries. Walk in the footsteps of William Morris, D.H. Lawrence, Oscar Wilde and John Betjeman.
Bakewell Old House Museum
Explore five hundred years of history.
Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
Take a cable car to the summit with FREE ACCESS to caverns, mining exhibition and hilltop park.
Peak District Mining Museum, Matlock Bath
Explore the world of the Derbyshire Lead miner. Lots of things for kids to do.
The Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
A great day out for all the family. Explore the wonders of the universe and learn more about the workings of the giant Lovell Telescope.
Cinebowl Uttoxeter
Cinema, bowling and ice skating.
Go Ape, Buxton
Set in the heart of the beautiful Peak District and within walking distance of the historic Spa town. Climb up in the tree tops and enjoy high ropes, a zip wire and much more.
Chatsworth farmyard & adventure playground
A working farmyard and adventure playground - fun for all ages - with animal handling, milking demonstrations and daily activities, plus a woodland adventure playground with slides, trampolines and more.
Crich Tramway Museum
The National Tramway Museum offers rides on vintage trams through cobbled streets set in an era of Victorian and Edwardian England.
Pooles Cavern
Take a Journey underground with expert guides and explore vast limestone caverns 2 million years old.
01298 26978
Tittesworth Water
Interesting walks, fishing, wildlife, children's play area, visitor centre and restaurant.
Caverns, Castleton
There are four show caves open to the public in and around Castleton: Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and the Blue John Mine.
Denby Visitor Centre
Pottery museum and factory shop
01773 740799
The Potteries Museum & Gallery
Includes the world’s greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics, a World War II Spitfire and items from the Staffordshire Hoard.
01782 232323
Carsington Water
Water sports, fishing, cycling, chlldrens' play area and visitor centre
Tatton Park
Home to a Tudor Old Hall, Neo-Classical Mansion, 50 acres of landscaped gardens, a rare-breeds farm, 1,000 acres of deer park, speciality shops, restaurant, tea room and adventure playground.
Sudbury Museum of Childhood (National Trust)
Watch your children discovering something new, or relive nostalgic memories by exploring the childhoods of times gone by, play with toys, be a chimney sweep, a scullion or a Victorian pupil.
Shugborough
Georgian Mansion House and servants quarters. Stunning riverside gardens, working farm and walled garden. Lots of activities for children.
National Stone Centre
The National Stone Centre is a 50 acre site of Special Geological Scientific Interest offering a wealth of outdoor and indoor activities for all the family including;
• Outdoor fossil trail around the quarries & Millenium Wall
• Visitor Centre with shop, café and “Building Britain” Exhibition
• Activities for children including gem panning.
Free admission, cars £1.