• dew pond at Hoe Grange Farm
    hoe grange blog posts

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.

Top 10 things to do on a rainy day in the Peak District

March 25, 2025
March 25, 2025 - Top 10 things to do on a rainy day in the Peak District
-Older

Don’t be down hearted if it’s wet and windy during your holiday - there's no shortage of exciting things to do on a rainy day in the Peak District.

Whether you're a history buff, creative soul, adventure seeker or just fancy a cosy indoor activity, wet weather doesn’t have to put a dampener on your holiday.

Rainy day activities in the Peak District: our top 10 picks

Don’t let a little rain stop play!

From fascinating museums to cosy cafes and underground adventures, here are 10 fun and family-friendly indoor activities in the Peak District to make the most of a rainy day.

1. Go underground!

Treak Cliff Cavern

Rain on the surface? No problem – go below! The Peak District is famous for its show caves and underground adventures, especially in Castleton.

Visit Treak Cliff Cavern or Blue John Cavern, home to the stunning Blue John stone, a rare and colourful mineral unique to Derbyshire. Take a guided tour through the caverns and learn about the geology and history of these ancient caves – and stay perfectly dry while doing it!

2. Discover life as a lead miner at Peak District Lead Mining Museum

Lead mining in Peak District

Did you know lead has been mined in the limestone areas of the Peak District since Roman times? The Romans were the first to exploit lead on an industrial scale. By the 18th and 19th Centuries lead production was at its peak, with Britain the main lead producer of the world.

There were hundreds of small lead mines across the southern Peak District. Mine shafts were often worked by families with the men going underground, whilst the women and children hauled the lead up to the surface to separate it out over an open fire. A dangerous occupation in many ways! Gradually lead mining declined and until the last mine, Magpie mine, was shut down in the 1950’s.

Step back in time and uncover the harsh realities of life as a Derbyshire lead miner at the Peak District Lead Mining Museum in Matlock Bath. With fascinating exhibits and an underground tour of Temple Mine.

3. Stop for a little retail therapy at David Mellor Design Museum

David Mellor Design Museum

When you stop at the traffic lights, I bet you don’t think who designed them? You will after you GO to the David Mellor Design Museum, where you will also recognise a few familiar street items such as bus shelters and post boxes.

However the internationally famous designer David Mellor specialised in metal work and was perhaps best known for his cutlery and silver designs. His son Colin now heads up the business.

Don't miss a tour of the striking Round Building cutlery factory, or browse the gift shop for stylish souvenirs and handcrafted design pieces.

4 Take a brewery tour at Thornbridge Brewery

Thornbridge brewery

If you love your ales then head to Thornbridge Brewery in Bakewell - home of the iconic Jaipur IPA, which is one of David’s favourites! The brewery was originally set up at Thornbridge Hall in 2005 but the beers proved so popular the brewery moved to the state of the art facility at Riverside in Bakewell to meet demand for production.

Join a brewery tour to see the brewing process and sample their delicious craft beers. It's a great adult-friendly indoor activity for a rainy afternoon!

Alternatively during the summer months our really local Aldwalk Artisan Ales open their tap room bar on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, check website for details of times! If it's raining you won't get wet as you can shelter in the brewery tap room.

5. Get crafty at The Clay Rooms or Sticky Fingers

Clay Rooms

Unleash your inner artist with a hands-on creative experience – perfect for rainy days! Visit Sticky Fingers in Ashbourne to paint pottery, make mosaics, or try decoupage. For something a little more sculptural, head to The Clay Rooms, where you can take part in a clay workshop or use their professional facilities to create your own masterpiece.

6. Family Fun at Ashbourne Play Village

A small child playing in a shop at a play village, working at the checkout

Rainy days are no match for the Play Village!

At Ashbourne Play Village, little ones can immerse themselves in imaginative role-play in beautifully themed zones – from a miniature supermarket to a veterinary surgery. It’s a magical experience designed for toddlers and young children, ensuring hours of fun on a wet day.

7. Take a tour of historic houses

Photo courtesy of Chatsworth house

Step back in time and visit one of the amazing historic houses in the Peak District.  Sudbury Hall houses the Museum of Childhood, which is great for a rainy day. There are displays of some of my childhood toys, so I must be getting old!

Other National Trust properties include Kedleston Hall with its iconic Adams interiors and Ilam Park  near Dovedale. Haddon Hall is a beautifully preserved Medieval Manor House which remained untouched over the years, unlike many others.  Chatsworth House is often referred to as the Jewel of the Peak District with it's art collections, impressive state rooms and extensive gardens.

Photo courtesy of Chatsworth House Trust

8. Go car crazy

A row of vintage cars on display at a car museum.

Rain can’t dampen your enthusiasm for a bit of nostalgia! At The Great British Car Journey in Ambergate, explore over 130 classic cars from the early Autins to the modern McLaren and dive into the history of British motoring. It's interactive, engaging, and ideal for all ages.

9. For film fanatics

Enjoy the latest film releases at the newly restored Elite Cinema in Ashbourne, David remembers going here as a young child! Now after a period of being a night club, then a long time empty, this luxury venue has been refurbished to a high standard offering plush seating with ultimate comfort, plenty of leg room and a bar.

10. Or just get wet anyway!

Hathersage swimming pool

Why not just get wet anyway? The heated open-air outdoor swimming pool in Hathersage is open year-round and perfect for an invigorating swim – even in the rain! With water heated to 28°C and hot showers available, it's a refreshing way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Hathersage swimming pool was originally opened in 1936 as part of the King George V Memorial field which included tennis courts, playing fields, a sand pit and a band stand, sadly all long gone. The swimming pool is one of the few Lidos left in the UK and is a fun family day out – if it’s not raining you can take a picnic along!

If you're not put off by the drizzle, Carsington Water offers activities like stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, and fly fishing –  just 3 miles from Hoe Grange.

Still looking for more rainy day ideas?

Check out our top 8 accessible adventures for a rainy Peak District day - perfect for all weathers - or our car-free rainy day ideas for more inspiration.

Don’t Let the Rain Ruin Your Peak District Holiday

As you can see, there's no shortage of fun things to do indoors in the Peak District. Whether you're exploring an underground cavern, sipping a craft beer or delving into the region’s rich history, wet weather doesn’t have to put a dampener on your holiday!

Got your own favourite rainy day activity? We'd love to know so we can share with all our guests.

Felicity 

in the press

our farm

our environment

Contact us or book direct online to avoid disappointment

Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...

  • star rating  We stayed in the Skylark pod last October (2018) and had a lovely time. There was homemade, rustic goods (bread, biscuits etc) when we arrived. Felicity and David who run... read more

    KBarry
    September 15, 2019

    star rating  Another great holiday at Hoe Grange - such a great place for us all to holiday as a family - this time with a baby, a 3 yr old, a... read more

    Thesamps
    October 4, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in Pinder cabin and had a lovely stay, the cabin was spacious and comfortable, nice and warm after cold days out. The children loved meeting the animals and... read more

    Tiggywinkle15
    November 5, 2019
  • star rating  Stayed last week, from 6th to 13th September in the log cabin called Hipley. This was amazing, it was our first visit but certainly not our last. Gold standard disability... read more

    548julie
    September 14, 2019

    star rating  For the second year running, we have had a great family holiday at Hoe Grange. We had one cabin for the week, for two sisters and our elderly wheelchair-using... read more

    EJYork2013
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  We have just returned from a short stay in one of the pods on site at Hoe Grange Holidays. We couldn’t recommend them enough. The pod has everything you could... read more

    Catboy86
    August 17, 2019
  • star rating  We wanted a complete break and some peace and quiet and this was perfect. The caravan was secluded with beautiful views over the countryside. Everything was spotlessly clean and well... read more

    joanne B
    June 4, 2019

    star rating  Arrived and was shown to our pod, fantastic location and the pod was very good indeed plus we had home made bread and milk and tea and coffee. A... read more

    mickvfr
    July 28, 2019

    star rating  Felicity and David made us feel very welcome right from our booking. The pods are well equipped and spotlessly clean. The area is very peaceful with great views and we... read more

    Adventurer_12121
    January 30, 2020
  • star rating  What a lovely weekend away! We stayed in the lovely gypsy caravan, which was a wonderful and really unique experience. We took along our two horses, who also had a... read more

    rachelthomas2015
    June 18, 2019

    star rating  A beautiful place to stay! Amazingly run family business! Everyone were very welcoming, friendly and cozy! The skylark pod we stayed in was very clean, cozy and well equipped! The... read more

    sophiee249
    January 2, 2020

    star rating  We've just returned from our second visit to Hoe Grange. The suggested riding routes with stunning scenery were enjoyed by my daughter and I while the menfolk were delighted with... read more

    Jdrichie12
    July 11, 2019
  • star rating  Recently spent a week in "Pinder" and had a lovely time. The location is stunning - the site is nestled in a beautiful valley on the edge of the Peaks... read more

    Peachey167
    July 16, 2019

    star rating  We stayed for a night in one of the cabins . The cabin was spotless and very well equipped , lots of extra touches were added like fresh eggs and... read more

    Ajtravels14
    February 3, 2020

    star rating  What a wonderful find. As our first experience of needing accessible accommodation we could not have wished for better. Beautiful well equipped lodges in lovely surroundings. We stayed in both... read more

    L9943KBlesleym
    April 3, 2020
  • star rating  Loved every minute of our stay, and so did the family and friends that came to stay. Excellent facilities in our cosy Hipley log cabin. By far the best... read more

    krimpenijssel
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  It's been three years since we last visited but once we arrived it certainly didn't feel like it!
    We stayed in Hipley again which had had a refurbished wet... read more

    ElizabethA717
    September 21, 2019

    star rating  Second visit to the accessible holiday cabins at Hoe Grange. David and Felicity were as helpful and friendly as ever. We had a welcome pack of freshly baked bread, butter,... read more

    Charlotte M
    August 7, 2019
  • star rating  lovely surroundings real farm country with chickens paying you a visit nice decking area to chill at the end of the day accommodation very good plenty to do nearby... read more

    vincent s
    July 28, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in Rainster cabin for a long weekend 6 th to 9 th September. This was my 5 th visit to the amazing Hoe Grange. I had visited before... read more

    Jan Horsman J
    September 17, 2019

    star rating  Lovely place to holiday near to interesting locations and easy access to the High Peak trail and Carsington Water. Part of a working farm with fresh produce to enjoy during... read more

    Angie B
    August 3, 2019
  • star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    David H
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  Myself and my sister travelled to Costa Rica and Panama via Viva Holidays Ltd. The holiday was exceptional and one to be treasured forever. Andrew at Viva Holidays... read more

    Paula C
    July 4, 2019

    star rating  We had a lovely time staying in one of the incredibly well equipped pods. I bought my pony along and we had some great rides on the high peak trail.... read more

    plopster1
    June 7, 2019
  • star rating  We stayed in Skylark, one of the two glamping pods available at Hoe Grange in February 2020.

    Felicity & David welcomed us when we arrived to show us around... read more

    HelenLCarter
    February 6, 2020

    star rating  We spent four nights at Hoe Grange and had a lovely time. The location is fantastic and right next to the High Peak Trail. The cabin was very clean and... read more

    Big_Al_0000
    July 16, 2019

    star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    dghiggs61
    October 25, 2019
  • star rating  What can I say?
    Absolutely superb!
    We have just returned from a family weekend staying in Daisybank cabin and the Skylark pod.
    It was our first trip away with my... read more

    Wheelieuser
    June 13, 2019

    star rating  On arriving at Hoe Grange in a downpour, we doubted if we’d made the right decision to go glamping, but after the warm welcome from David and a quick tour,... read more

    karenmD4738KD
    June 25, 2019

    Join our mailing list