Cheshire View

Alton Towers is one of the UK's largest and most popular theme parks, set in over 500 acres of Staffordshire countryside. The rides range from big rollercoasters such as Wicker Man, Nemesis Reborn, The Smiler and Oblivion to gentler family rides, and there are over 40 rides and attractions in all. There's also a waterpark, mini golf and landscaped gardens.

Tip: Pre-book your ticket online before you go, as everyone needs one and sold-out dates can't be bought on the day.

Gulliver's Kingdom is a theme park in Matlock Bath, aimed at children aged 3-13. It sits on a hillside on the edge of the Peak District National Park, so many of the rides come with views over the Derwent Valley. The Crows Nest Quest is there to climb, and the log flume runs high above the valley.

Tip: Leaving the car behind? Matlock Bath station is a 10-15 minute walk away, and a valid public transport ticket can bring a discount on entry.

Chatsworth is a Grade I listed stately home in the Derbyshire Dales, home to the Devonshire family for 17 generations. Inside, over 25 rooms show art and artefacts spanning 4,000 years, including the Painted Hall, the State Rooms and the Sculpture Gallery. Some rooms close for annual conservation, so not every one is always open.

Tip: Book online in advance for free parking. Prams and rucksack-style baby carriers aren't allowed in the house, but there is left luggage near the entrance.

Haddon Hall is an English country house on the River Wye near Bakewell in Derbyshire, and a former seat of the Dukes of Rutland. Its origins go back to the 11th century, with major building carried out between the 13th and 16th centuries. It has been described as "the most complete and most interesting house of [its] period".

Cromford Mills is where Richard Arkwright developed the world's first water-powered cotton spinning mill in 1771. The Grade I listed site is the centrepiece of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is a multi-use visitor centre with shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes.

Blue John Cavern is one of four show caves in Castleton, Derbyshire, alongside Peak Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Speedwell Cavern. It is a series of caverns, and a visit shows clearly how caves form in limestone. The limestone itself was laid down on the floors of great oceans, and the fossilised remains of marine animals help tell that story.

Tip: Browse the Blue John jewellery in the cavern shop before you leave.

Peak Cavern is one of four show caves in Castleton, Derbyshire. Its main entrance, known as The Vestibule, is the largest cave entrance in Britain, and Peakshole Water flows through and out of the cave. Unlike the other show caves nearby, it is almost entirely natural.

Tip: Expect to stoop along Lumbago Walk, as most adults need to duck to get through.

Little Moreton Hall is an iconic Tudor manor house encircled by a moat. Building began around 1504 and carried on in stages until about 1610. The result is a highly irregular half-timbered house with wonky angles and a top-heavy look, thanks to the Long Gallery on the upper floor.

Tip: Head to the Welcome Building first, as all visitors must. Dogs on leads are welcome on the front lawn, car park area and canal path, but only assistance dogs go inside.