Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.
Accessible things to do on a rainy day in the Peak District
November 6, 2024Archives
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Rainy day activities in the Derbyshire Peak District
A wet day on holiday doesn't have to put a damper on your plans! There are plenty of indoor, accessible things to do on a rainy day in the Peak District, even when the British weather hasn't delivered on the sunshine you ordered.
As a multi award-winning accessible holiday business, we at Hoe Grange Holidays are dedicated to making sure everyone can experience the best of the Peak District, rain or shine.
Here are our top recommendations for accessible days out to keep you and your loved ones entertained on a wet day.
Top 8 rain-safe accessible days out in the Peak District
1. Step into another world at Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House is an absolute must-visit, whatever the weather! The house itself is a sumptuous treasure trove combining beautiful period designs with the current Duke and Duchess' contemporary art collection. There's plenty to explore, and there are quieter spaces if you want to take a moment to yourself.
If the rain eases up, you can also explore the gorgeous gardens. The shops, Carriage House and Cavendish restaurants are also accessible.
Accessible features:
- Assistance dogs welcome throughout
- A lift in the house allowing access to the entire visitor route
- Accessible toilets and a Changing Places bathroom
- Touch tours and large print house guides available
- Induction loops and multi-media guide
- Visual story to help you prepare
- Sensory bags for use in the house
2. Unlock nostalgia at the Great British Car Journey

Whether you're a car enthusiast or just like a good story, The Great British Car Journey is a fascinating place to while away a wet afternoon. Showcasing Britain's automotive history from the first cars to today, there's plenty to tickle your nostalgia and spark your intrigue (look out for the car that might have been owned by a spy).
Accessible features:
- Level access throughout the exhibition, with a ramp to access the main entrance
- Seating throughout
- Bluetooth hearing loop available for use with audio visual guide
- Accessible toilets
- Assistance dogs welcome throughout
- Cafe and gift shop on the same floor as the exhibition, with a view over the cars
3. Delve into our industrial heritage at Cromford Mills

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cromford Mills is an excellent choice for history buffs and anyone interested in the Industrial Revolution. There's plenty to explore indoors, including the visitor centre's immersive displays.
Accessible features:
- Assistance dogs welcome throughout
- Accessible toilets, and a Changing Places toilet at Cromford Wharf across the road
- Seating throughout
- Tramper motorised scooter available for hire
- Audio guides
- Tactile model of the heritage site
- Queue fast-tracking available, and sounds can be turned off
- Staff and volunteers have received Dementia Friends training
Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
4. Dig for fossils at the National Stone Centre

Near the charming town of Wirksworth, the National Stone Centre is a great choice for families and geology lovers alike. It celebrates the area's rich quarrying and mining history and you can learn about fossils, rock formations and local geology in an engaging way. For families, there's a kid-friendly fossil dig activity indoors, perfect for entertaining young ones on a rainy day.
If the weather cheers up, explore the rest of the site to learn about the natural landscape and local industrial heritage. The main path has a flat surface but may be tricky to navigate after lots of recent wet weather.
Accessible features:
- Accessible parking
- Level access in the visitor centre
- Accessible toilet
5. Explore the power of community at Eyam Museum

Discover the fascinating history of the Plague Village, a remarkable story of community resilience and sacrifice, in Eyam Museum. Learn about the 17th century villagers who chose to isolate themselves to prevent the spread of the dreaded Plague - what were their motivations, what were their challenges, and what is their legacy today.
If the rain stops, explore the rest of the village to see some of the places mentioned in the museum in real life!
Accessible features:
- The story of the Plague display on the ground floor is fully accessible to wheelchairs
- There is a stair-lift for access to the small temporary exhibition gallery on the first floor
- Assistance dogs are welcome throughout
- Parking is available in the public car park directly opposite the museum
- There are public accessible toilet facilities operated by RADAR key across the road from the museum
- Seating throughout
6. Find your peaceful haven at Buxton Pavilion Gardens

In the center of Buxton, the Pavilion Gardens are a calming, peaceful place to pass the time. While partly outdoors, the gardens include a beautifully restored Victorian conservatory, tropical greenhouse, and an accessible indoor café overlooking the outside areas —perfect for a cosy escape from the rain.
Accessible features:
- Accessible parking
- Wheelchair accessible lift from ground floor foyer to the Pavilion Arts Centre
- Accessible toilets and a Changing Places bathroom
7. Cosy up for the afternoon in the pub

Who says you have to have a jam-packed itinerary full of activities when you're on holiday? One of our favourite rainy day activities is to cosy up in one of the many excellent local pubs.
The Miners' Arms at Carsington is one of our top choices, with an excellent menu and plenty of local beers and spirits to sample.
Accessible features (The Miners' Arms at Carsington):
- Level access
- All dogs welcome
- Accessible bathroom
- Family-friendly
8. Snuggle up in your log cabin

If you don't fancy getting out and about at all, there's plenty to keep you occupied in our cosy log cabins. With a stash of board games, a DVD player (available on request), and plenty of books to borrow, there's something for everyone.
If you book Pinder or Daisybank, you can even take a dip in the outdoor hot tub - we promise that you don't notice the rain when you're wet already!
Accessible features:
- Wheelchair wetrooms
- Level access throughout
- All dogs and pets welcome
- Mobile hoists
- Hydraulic hoist for the hot tub (Daisybank only)
- Rise and recline armchairs
- Electric profile beds
- Hearing loop and wake and shake alarms
- High contrast doorframes and Braille on taps
- Sensory activities box
- Dementia signage and aids
- Over 40 other pieces of additional access equipment to help make your stay comfortable
For more information, visit our accessible holidays webpage.
Why stay at Hoe Grange Holidays?

If you're looking for a cosy and accessible place to stay, Hoe Grange is the ideal base for exploring the Derbyshire Peak District. Our award-winning accessible log cabins are suitable for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, people with visual and/or hearing impairments, and we're accredited as autism-friendly and dementia-inclusive too!
With hundreds of 5-star reviews, our log cabins offer a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, whatever the weather. We make it our mission to make sure everyone feels at home and you have everything you need to relax and enjoy your holiday!
Rainy days can be wonderful days

Don't let a bit of rain hold you back from enjoying the Peak District. From historic houses to hands-on experiences, there's still something for everyone indoors. With these accessible options, you'll find plenty of ways to make the most of your stay, no matter what the forecast brings. And if you're travelling without a car, we've got you covered with even more ideas too!
So pack a raincoat, bring your sense of adventure, and enjoy the delights of the Peak District on a rainy day!
-Caroline







