5 historical sites to visit in Derbyshire and Staffordshire

As the summer holidays approach, you may be looking for ideas for family days out in the local area.

Derbyshire and Staffordshire boast several sites of historical significance, but that doesn’t mean they’re just for the grown-ups.

Most also have activities for the kids, as well as offering accessibility features and wheelchair hire, so you can make it a proper day out for all generations.

Discover five of our favourite places to visit with your family and friends in Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

1. The Children’s Country House at Sudbury Hall

Main Road, Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 5HT

Free for National Trust members, £55 for non-member family tickets

This beautiful National Trust property is great for bridging the generation gap, so it is perfect for a family day out.

The Museum of Childhood offers a nostalgic blast from the past, with an array of toys, games, schoolrooms, and displays from bygone eras. It’s lovely for older people to reminisce, while kids love to lap up the “old” toys, which are so different to today’s tech.

The extensive gardens feature lakeside walks, plenty of benches for resting, and, in the spring and summer, they burst with colourful blooms. Meanwhile, the garden woodlands offer a more shaded area, but are nonetheless colourful, showcasing more than 15 types of daffodil.

There are plenty of picnic spots around the lake, while the Stableyard also offers pretty and peaceful surroundings to enjoy food and drink.

Wheelchair hire and baby changing facilities are on hand, and well-behaved dogs are welcomed on leads in the garden and outdoor areas.

2. Bolsover Castle

Castle Street, Bolsover, Derbyshire, S44 6PR

Free for English Heritage members, £38.59 – £45.40 for non-member family tickets

Initially built in the 17th century as a luxury retreat, the Little Castle features medieval-style turrets, striking replica furnishings, and a labyrinth of sumptuous rooms you can explore with a multimedia guide to bring it to life.

Throughout the summer, the castle grounds run historical events and activities, including re-enactments and cavalry displays. For those seeking a more sedate experience, the Fountain Garden is a beautifully serene space, with 5,000 plants and flowers bringing the whole area to life.

The wall walk offers stunning views of the garden, the surrounding countryside, and the Vale of Scarsdale.

For little ones, the Folktale Creature Trail is included in the entry fee, a magical and enchanting way for children to discover an array of mythical creatures along the way.

3. Chatsworth House

Chatsworth, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP

Free for members during open season (March to October), £35 peak tickets for adults for the house and garden

Dating back to the 17th century, Chatsworth House has been passed down through 17 generations of the Devonshire family. Its 25 magnificent rooms are filled with sumptuous art and sculptures, with luxuriant décor and lavish ceilings.

Outside, you’ll find the Cascade, a stone-stepped waterfall which flows down the hillside, perfect for paddling on sunny days. Meanwhile, the Rockery and gravity-fed fountain present an exciting tangle of giant boulders and hidden paths, loved by adults and kids alike.

Children also love the on-site working farmyard, with animal handling sessions and a huge woodland adventure playground. Plus, dare you enter the maze? Tall hedges block your view, so you must make your way around the winding paths to find the sundial at the centre.

There’s a free shuttle buggy between the car park, house, stables, and farmyard, which helps older and younger legs alike.

4. Stafford Castle and Visitor Centre

Newport Road, Stafford, ST16 1DJ

Free entry, occasional fees charged for special activities and events

Originally built in the Norman period, Stafford Castle features a keep, inner and outer bailey, woodland, and herb garden, and extends across 26 acres.

At the Visitor Centre, you can enjoy an audio-visual display telling the story of the castle, which has been part of the skyline for more than 900 years.

Plus, you can explore an array of hands-on items, such as armour and costumes, try your hand at coin minting and brass rubbing, and visit the exhibitions in the display area.

Meanwhile, the herb garden, which you’ll find just outside the Visitor Centre, gives an insightful glimpse into which herbs were used in the medieval period.

5. Gladstone Pottery Museum

Uttoxeter Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent

Family ticket £27

Gladstone dates all the way back to the 1780s. Its iconic features include giant brick bottle ovens, once a common sight on the Stoke landscape. It is also the filming location for the Channel 4 programme The Great Pottery Throwdown.

There are many hands-on activities for families, including:

• Pot throwing, using a real potter’s wheel
• Ceramic painting and flower making, using pre-made pottery to create bespoke items to take home with you
• Flushed with Pride Gallery, a fun exhibit tracking the social history of the toilet – a huge hit with kids (and big kids!)

You can also find a wide range of ceramics in the shop, which you won’t be able to buy anywhere else, including pieces made and painted at the museum.

Get in touch

Life is all about making memories and spending time with your friends and family, and we can help you plan your finances so you can enjoy these times without worry.

If you’d like to find out more, please email enquiries@integritasfp.co.uk or call 01283 777014. 

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.