Shenton Cottage

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

Speedwell Cavern is a show cave in Castleton, set at the foot of Winnats Pass in the Peak District National Park. It began as a lead mine in the 1770s. You go down a long staircase to a flooded adit, about 200 metres below ground, then travel the rest of the way by boat, now powered by an electric motor.

Tip: Tickets can be bought online ahead, and the site lists best prices there. Check the website for closures after heavy rain, as flooding has shut the cavern before.

Peveril Castle is a ruined 11th-century castle standing on a limestone outcrop above the village of Castleton in Derbyshire. It was founded by William Peveril and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Unlike most early Norman castles, it seems to have been designed to be built in stone rather than timber.