Chatsworth House
Located within the Peak District National Park, Chatsworth is the stately home of the Devonshire family. It comprises a Grade 1 listed house and stables, a 105-acre garden, a 1822-acre park, a farmyard and adventure playground. It also boasts one of Europe's most significant private art collections. Visitors can enjoy all of this and the many events organised throughout the year including the Chatsworth Country Fair and Christmas at Chatsworth.
Matlock
Matlock is the county town of Derbyshire, which runs alongside the River Derwent. Matlock is home to the Heights of Abraham, consisting of two famous show caverns with guided tours, cable cars to the summit, a 60 acre hilltop park with woodland walks and an adventure playground.
Matlock Farm Park is also a great day out with activities for all the family, including play areas, go-karting and a petting zoo.
Matlock Bath
Matlock Bath lies to the south of Matlock within a limestone gorge. The town has a long row of shops, cafes, amusement arcades and places of interest, including an aquarium and photographic museum. There are a number of riverside walks and a children’s playground.
During the Autumn weeks, Matlock Bath Illuminations is a fun-packed family event featuring a spectacular parade of illuminated and decorated boats along the River Derwent.
Bakewell
Bakewell is situated on the banks of the river Wye, the biggest town in the Peak District National Park. It is a beautiful town full of stone buildings, a medieval five-arched bridge and quaint courtyards.
Bakewell also has specialist shops selling everything from high fashion and outdoor clothing to handmade chocolates and rare whiskies. There is also a large selection of cafés, restaurants, pubs and tea rooms. You can also take the opportunity to sample world-beating craft beers at Thornbridge Brewery.
Carsington Water
Located between Wirksworth and Kniveton, Carsington Water is a reservoir used to store the water supplying homes in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
It's a great day out for all the family with its hire centre offering a range of water sports such as rowing, canoeing and windsurfing. Lessons can also be booked.
It also has a number of walking and cycling trails, a wildlife centre ideal for bird watching and a fishery open from March until November.
Local Walks
Bee Cottage is surrounded by countryside with many beautiful walks in and around Blackbrook on the doorstep. Nearby popular destinations to explore on foot include: Carsington Water, Cromford Canal, Black Rocks and The Tissington and High Peak Trail. The cottage has lots of books and guides to help plan your adventures.
For the Family
It's the perfect location for families, as the property is only a short drive away from Gulliver's Kingdom at Matlock Bath, Little Monkey's Play Area at Darwin Forest near Matlock, Matlock Park Farm and The Play Mill at Cromford. Slightly further afield are Alton Towers and Peak Wildlife Park.
Rainy days are also covered with a Showcase Cinema De Lux, Hollywood Bowl, Paradise Island Adventure Golf and Clip and Climb to enjoy in nearby Derby only 25 minutes away.