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, 2025Archives
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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!

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

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

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
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

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

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

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

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!

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








