Rainy Day Guide To The Peak District: 60 Things To Do When It Pours
- Jen Bell I Editor I Good Life List Peak District
- May 4
- 32 min read
The Peak District in the rain is a different place.
Plans change. Walks get cut short. Boots leak. Children get bored faster than expected. Adults too, for that matter.
We’ve had plenty of those days. The ones where you end up back in the car, damp, annoyed, frantically Googling, trying to figure out what to do.
Over time though, you build a list. Places you can rely on. Things that work in almost any weather. Stops that turn a write-off into - actually - a pretty great day.
This is that list.
Caves, cafés, trains, bookshops, pubs, swimming pools, and a few ideas for when you decide to brave the showers and go out anyway. You're welcome.
Note: Always check opening times, booking rules and weather conditions before travelling, especially for caves, pools, railways and guided tours.
Choose Your Rainy Day Mood
We Want A Proper Family Day Out
1. Crich Tramway Village
The Crich Tramway Village is a strong wet-weather choice because it gives you some walking, cover and plenty of changes of scene. You can ride restored trams through the village, hop off for exhibitions, then get back on again when the rain picks up.
It works particularly well with children because the tram rides break the day into manageable parts. You’re not trying to keep everyone interested in one room for hours, and the ticket lasting 12 months takes the pressure off seeing it all in one go.
Insider intel
Save your ticket. If the weather cuts things short, you can return another day.
2. Peak Rail
Peak Rail is a short heritage train ride between Rowsley and Matlock, which makes it a lovely option when you want an outing that doesn’t involve much walking. You board, sit down and watch the countryside pass by from under cover.
It is not a huge day out on its own, but that is part of the appeal. Pair Peak Rail with lunch, a trip to Rowsley, Matlock Bath or the Peak District Mining Museum and suddenly you have a full rainy day plan.
Insider intel
Check the timetable before travelling, especially outside school holidays. It does change a fair bit and you don't want to be disappointed. Look out for their fun seasonal specials as well.
3. Steeple Grange Light Railway
Steeple Grange Light Railway in Wirksworth is smaller and more niche than Peak Rail, but that’s part of the charm. Run by volunteers, it has a hands-on feel, with covered carriages and a strong link to the area’s quarrying and mining past.
Children tend to love the novelty of it, especially if they enjoy transport, buttons, flags and anything that feels slightly behind-the-scenes. It is a good add-on for a Matlock Bath day.
Insider intel
Opening days are limited, so check before setting off.
4. Matlock Bath Aquarium and Exhibitions
Matlock Bath Aquarium has fish, fossils, gemstones and the old thermal pool full of gigantic Koi carp, plus the petrifying well, which adds a bit of Victorian oddness. It's not huge but there is enough variety to make it worth including. We always enjoy it and we've been lots of times. It's not expensive either.
It is best treated as part of a Matlock Bath plan rather than the whole day. Add Bonkers Illumination Golf, the Mining Museum or a wander along the promenade (perhaps, for some fish and chips or a few games in one of the arcades) and it will become one of your favourite days out.
Insider intel
Parking can be a bit of a nightmare. We quite like parking at the Matlock train station and getting a quick train ride in. The kids love it and it's far less stressful than battling for a parking space in Matlock Bath.
5. Bonkers Illumination Golf
Indoor mini golf is such a reliable rainy day idea. Whether you're with friends or a family with kids, it's one of those things that is always good fun. Bonkers has neon lighting and themed holes, so it feels more like an activity than a time-filler. Plus, the neon makes for some epic photos!
It works for mums and dads, couples and groups, and it’s short enough to add onto something else. If the day is going downhill, half an hour of competitive mini golf can rescue it.
Insider intel
Go earlier on wet weekends to avoid the busiest slots. They also serve cocktails if you're going later in the day (or fancy getting the party started early...)
6. Peak Adventure, Rowsley
Peak Adventure is built for those moments when children need to move and the weather has made outdoor plans impossible. There is soft play, climbing and indoor space to burn off energy.
It is particularly useful for younger children, but the climbing element gives it a bit more range than standard soft play. Pair it with LEVEL Centre or Peak Rail if you want to make more of the trip.
Insider intel
Check session times and age guidance before heading over as they're sometimes closed for birthday parties. Best for younger kids. Like most soft plays, they'll probably have aged out by 10 years old or so.
7. The Play Village, Ashbourne
The Play Village is more imaginative than standard soft play, with role-play areas set up like a real town. Children can move between areas, including a vets, hospital and supermarket, make up their own games and stay occupied for a decent stretch of time.
It is a good option if you want something calmer than a huge play frame but still child-focused. Sessions at The Play Village are timed, which keeps numbers controlled.
Insider intel
Book ahead. Rainy days can fill very quickly.
8. Little Monkeys Play Centre, Matlock
Little Monkeys is a lovely classic indoor play option for younger children. It gives them somewhere to climb, slide and run around when being sensible in a museum is not going to happen.
Pirate themed, it has enough going on to satisfy very young kids as well as older children, probably up to around 10 years old. Especially handy if you are already near Matlock or Matlock Bath.
Insider intel
Unlike Peak Adventure and others, they don't allow pre-booking, which is a bit of a pain and can mean queuing when you arrive. It never seems to be for more than a few minutes though.
9. Hathersage Swimming Pool
Hathersage Swimming Pool is one of the only outdoor heated swimming pools in the UK and far better in the rain than you might expect. Once you are in the water, the weather becomes part of the experience rather than something to escape.
It feels special, even on a grey day and is one of the few activities where rain almost adds to the memory. There is a newly opened poolside sauna if you want to warm up afterwards and a really good cafe as well, which serves pizza, hot sandwiches, burgers, salads, and a whole host of other very delicious bites.
Insider intel
Take warm layers for afterwards. The walk back to the car feels much colder than the swim!
10. Arc Leisure Centre, Matlock
Arc Leisure Centre is a practical indoor option when you need swimming, warmth and a plan that does not depend on the forecast. It is especially useful for families staying near Matlock, Rowsley or Bakewell.
The Arc is not a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, but it can save a day. A swim, showers and something to eat afterwards can reset everyone.
Insider intel
There is also a great soft play at the Arc if you have young children. It must be one of the biggest in the region with five storeys of swings, slides, ladders. Even the older kids seem to enjoy racing around the different levels!
11. Buxton Swimming and Fitness Centre
Buxton Swimming and Fitness Centre is a good indoor option if you are already in town. It works well alongside Poole’s Cavern, the Crescent Experience or Pavilion Gardens.
It gives you an active break without committing to a walk, and it is useful when children need something physical after a morning of indoor attractions.
Insider intel
Check lane swimming and public swim times before you go as sessions are different depending on the day. And book early online as they do fill up.
12. Bakewell Swimming Pool
Bakewell Swimming Pool is a smaller, local option, but useful if you are based near Bakewell and need an indoor activity that does not involve driving far. The pool works best as a short reset rather than a full-day outing.
Add a wander through Bakewell, the Old House Museum or The Next Chapter bookshop and you have a simple wet-weather plan.
Insider intel
Keep an eye out for the Floats & Fun sessions when they bring out all the toys for the kids - it's great fun and an easy way to keep children entertained for an hour or so.
We Want To Stay Dry & Do Something Indoors
13. Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House is the big indoor hitter. You can spend hours moving from room to room, taking in art, interiors, history and the scale of the place without worrying about the weather outside.
It works best when you treat it as the main event. Add the shop, estate farm shop or a meal nearby and Chatsworth becomes a proper rainy day itinerary.
Insider intel
Pre-book, especially during school holidays and weekends. And try the sausage rolls from one of the cafes if you're feeling peckish - they're legendary.
14. Haddon Hall
900-year old Haddon Hall is much smaller than Chatsworth, but that can be a real advantage on a wet day. You move through rooms with uneven stone floors, beautiful tapestries and historic details that invite you to pay attention.
It is easier to absorb in a couple of hours, making it ideal if you want history without giving over the whole day. It also has a strong film-location feel, which adds another layer of interest, as you can imagine treading the same halls as Jude Law (Firebrand), Margot Robbie (Mary Queen of Scots) and Keira Knightley (Pride & Prejudice).
Insider intel
Allow two to three hours rather than rushing through. You won't regret it.
15. Buxton Crescent Experience
Set inside the Crescent itself, you move through a series of rooms that build the story step by step, from the origins of the thermal springs to the town’s rise as a spa destination. It’s not just panels and text either. There’s sound, projection and interactive elements that keep things moving, which is always appreciated when you're with children.
What stays with you is the link between landscape and place. Rain falls on the hills, travels underground for thousands of years, then rises here, warm, constant and central to everything that followed. There’s a virtual reality flight that lifts you above Buxton in its Georgian era, and small details that bring the social side of the town to life, from visitors seeking cures to the rhythm of daily life around the springs.
Insider intel
Book a timed slot so you are not waiting around in the rain.
16. Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton
Tucked just behind the Opera House in Pavilion Gardens, the Pavilion Arts Centre is one of the easiest ways to reset a rainy day. You step inside, take a seat and hand the next couple of hours over to a film, a live performance or a streamed production.
The programme shifts constantly, from cinema screenings and comedy to music and touring shows, so it rarely feels like a fallback option. The main auditorium carries the scale, while the smaller studio space brings in fringe theatre and more intimate performances. It’s modern without losing its history, and it works whether you plan it in advance or make a last-minute call when the weather turns.
Insider intel
Check listings before you arrive and time your visit around a screening or show. Afternoon slots are perfect for breaking up a wet day.
17. Buxton Opera House
Just off Pavilion Gardens, the Opera House is one of the jewels in the Peak District's crown. This beautiful Edwardian theatre is one of the country’s finest examples of Frank Matcham theatre design and hosts a wide variety of shows year-round, from theatre and music to comedy, talks and family shows.
Even a last-minute booking can turn a wet afternoon into something special.
Insider intel
Afternoon performances are perfect for wet-weather days and there are often seats still available.
18. Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is currently in a smaller, temporary space next to the library, but it still does what you want it to do on a rainy day. You step inside and get a wonderful sense of the Peak District through geology, archaeology and local history, with exhibitions that shift over time rather than staying fixed.
The museum and gallery is not a long visit, and that’s part of the appeal. You can move through it in under an hour, take in something new each time, and then carry on with the rest of your day in Buxton. The activity space and changing displays keep it relevant, and the fact that it’s free makes it an easy addition rather than something you have to plan around.
Insider intel
Treat it as one stop in a Buxton loop. Pair it with the Crescent Experience or Pavilion Gardens to build a solid wet-weather plan.
19. Eyam Museum
Eyam Museum is where the story of the plague village is told properly, not just as a headline but as something lived, shaped by real people and decisions. You move through rooms that build the picture piece by piece, from the outbreak itself to the impact on daily life, the landscape and the village that still exists today. It’s clear, focused and easy to follow, which makes it work well even if you’re only sheltering from the rain for an hour.
Alongside the core story, the museum is now starting to bring more of its collection into view, including a new exhibition exploring life in Eyam before the plague, built around a 1660 petition signed by villagers. You come away understanding not just what happened, but who these people were before it did.
Insider intel
Allow around an hour, then follow it with a short walk to places like the Boundary Stone or Riley Graves if the rain eases. Check opening times before visiting as it is not open every day.
20. Bakewell Old House Museum
Set inside a Tudor building just off the centre of town, this museum feels more like stepping into someone's home than walking through a formal exhibition. You move from room to room and pick up the story of Bakewell through the people who lived here, from a Tudor tax collector to mill workers and later families.
The collection is varied and slightly unpredictable in the best way. You’ll find objects discovered in the walls, alongside everyday items, clothing, tools and local artefacts that tie everything back to this part of Derbyshire. There’s also a changing exhibition each year. For 2026, that’s a focus on doll’s houses and miniatures, with pieces ranging from 19th-century examples to modern work.
Insider intel
Allow around an hour, then head back into Bakewell for a wander. Children’s trails are included and worth doing if you’re visiting as a family.
21. LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
LEVEL Centre sits just outside Rowsley and offers something different from the usual Peak District line-up. You walk into a modern, open space where the exhibitions change regularly, often blending visual art with digital and immersive elements. It’s not a place you rush through. You move around, interact, pause, and take it in at your own pace.
What stands out about LEVEL is the focus behind the work. Much of what you see is created with or by disabled artists, which gives the exhibitions a different perspective and energy. Some pieces are interactive, others more reflective. It works well as a contrast to stately homes and museums, and because it’s free, it’s an easy addition to a wider day around Rowsley, Chatsworth or Matlock.
Insider intel
Book ahead even though entry is free. Check opening times as it is often not open at the weekends (which we've always found a bit strange!) Great for a midweek visit though.
22. Cromford Mills
This is one of those places where you don’t just walk around and read boards, you move through a site that changed how people worked and lived. Pop into the visitor centre first, watch the short film, and then explore the rest of the site. There's loads to look at from small independent shops to exhibitions that show the innovations of Sir Richard Arkwright and how the mills transformed the world.
Consider booking one of the immersive character tours, which are new to Cromford Mills. Instead of a standard guide, you’re led by an 18th-century character who tells the story from their own perspective. It's an interesting and entertaining way to learn the history. Finish with a bite of lunch at one of the lovely on-site cafes and a walk along Cromford Canal if it's not too wet.
Insider intel
The character tours only run at weekends and are worth timing your visit around. Your ticket also works as an annual pass, so you can come back and pick up anything you missed.
23. Peak District Mining Museum
This is one of those places where the experience builds as you go. You start in the museum, where Matlock Bath’s story moves from lead mining village to spa town, with machinery, tools and mineral collections that give real context without slowing things down. The water pressure engine is hard to miss and helps anchor everything you’re seeing.
Then you cross over to Temple Mine, which is different again. It’s guided, physical and a bit uneven underfoot, with low ceilings, original workings and equipment that bring the conditions to life. It feels close to the reality of how people worked rather than a polished version of it.
You can round it off with a go at mineral panning, which adds a simple hands-on element and gives you something to take away.
Insider intel
Mine tours run at set times and fill up quickly. Arrive early or book ahead, and wear proper footwear as it can be wet and slippery.
24. Castleton Visitor Centre
This is more than just an information stop. Inside, there’s a proper set of exhibitions that walk you through the story of Castleton and the wider Hope Valley, using digital displays, artefacts and an interactive wall that brings the landscape and its history into focus. The visitor centre also gives you context for everything you’ll see outside, from the caves to the surrounding hills, without feeling heavy or overly academic.
There’s also a dedicated space linked to the local historical society, which adds another layer through objects and stories connected to the village itself. It works well as a starting point or a pause in the day, especially when the weather has scuppered your plans, because you can spend a bit of time here and leave with a clearer plan of what still works nearby.
Insider intel
The main centre and exhibitions are open, but the café and museum space are currently closed until May 2026. Parking and toilets are next door, but bring coins for the machines.
25. Bakewell Visitor Centre
Bakewell Visitor Centre is practical rather than flashy, but useful on a wet day when you need maps, ideas or somewhere to regroup. It is right in the centre of town.
There are some lovely local arts and crafts to buy, if you are after a souvenir or gift and the Peak District Photography Gallery is also well worth a look. The gallery can be found upstairs has been created to highlight the special qualities of the National Park whilst supporting local professional landscape and wildlife photographers in the display and sale of their work.
This visitor centre works well as part of a Bakewell wander, especially if you are mixing shops, the Old House Museum, a bookshop and food.
Insider intel
Don't be afraid of asking the staff for advice - they're absolutely lovely and fountains of knowledge about what to do in the area.
26. David Mellor Design Museum, Hathersage
This is a compact museum that shifts how you notice everyday design. You move through David Mellor’s work, from handmade silver to the street furniture and traffic lights used across the UK. It’s focused and easy to take in, but it connects design to daily life in a very direct way. Just across the courtyard, the Round Building factory adds another layer, with guided tours showing how the cutlery is made from start to finish.
The café here is a genuine highlight rather than an afterthought. Riverside Kitchen faces straight onto the Round Building, so you’re sitting with that circular structure in view while you eat.
The menu changes with the seasons and showcases local produce, with things like purple sprouting broccoli frittata, Turkish green pepper salad and sourdough toasties alongside artisan pastries and proper coffee. It feels considered, with real attention to flavour, and everything is served on David Mellor tableware, which ties the whole experience together.
Insider intel
Factory tours run on Sundays and need booking. The café is walk-in only and busiest at lunch, so go a little earlier or later if you want a quieter table.
27. High Peak Bookstore and Café
We've spent many a rainy day at the High Peak Bookstore. Just outside Buxton, this large independent bookshop is filled with a wide mix of fiction and non-fiction, with many titles discounted. It’s not laid out like a typical chain. You move through sections, pick things up, put them back, and usually leave with something you didn’t expect to buy.
The children’s room is a standout. It’s set apart from the main space and works well for all ages, from board books through to teenage reads. There’s enough range to spend time here without feeling rushed, and it’s well set up for families who want to look through books properly.
The café is part of the experience. It focuses on local producers, with Buxton Coffee Roasters coffee, Birdhouse teas, Peak Ales, Ashover Cider and Peak Feast bakes. The food covers soups, quiche, paninis, salads and fresh scones, alongside cakes and pastries through the day. You can sit in, eat, then head back into the shop.
Insider intel
There’s a large free car park outside. Dogs are welcome on leads. The café closes before the shop, so check timings if you’re planning to eat.
28. Scarthin Books, Cromford
You don’t just walk into this bookshop and scan a few shelves. Set over several floors and rooms, it holds tens of thousands of new, second-hand and antiquarian books, spread in a way that feels more like exploration than browsing. You’ll go from fiction to philosophy to local history without really noticing, and finding something you weren’t looking for is part of the experience.
The Art Room sits at the centre, filled with books on art and photography, while the children’s room has its own dedicated area with a strong range across ages. Stock is wide rather than repetitive, with single copies of many titles rather than rows of the same thing, which makes it feel different to most bookshops.
The café is vegetarian, with hot food served through the middle of the day alongside cakes, coffee and tea. People come here to meet, read, or just sit for a while before heading back into the shop. It also hosts small events, from discussion groups to talks, so keep an eye on their calendar.
Insider intel
You won’t find a full catalogue of second-hand stock online, so visiting in person is the only way to see what’s there. Leave plenty of time to explore.
29. The Next Chapter, Bakewell
The Next Chapter in Bakewell is a new addition to the bookshop scene. It's a lovely space with new and pre-loved books, book-themed gifts and even blind-date-with-a-book events. It is a natural fit for a rainy town wander.
It is not a full activity on its own, but The Next Chapter adds something interesting and enjoyable to a Bakewell day and works well with coffee, pudding or the Old House Museum.
Insider intel
Use it as a small stop between bigger activities.
We Want Something Creative Or Hands-On
30. Matlock Ghost Emporium Workshop
This is an experience you won't find anywhere else in the Peak District. At the Matlock Ghost Emporium, you sit down, choose a ghost figurine and spend a couple of hours painting and building it into something your own. You’re shown techniques like layering, glazing and detailing, then left to get on with it at your own pace.
Everything is provided, from paints and tools to a selection of small accessories, so you can shape the final piece properly. Hats, scarves and props let you push it beyond just paint and into something with a bit of character. It works whether you’re used to this kind of thing or not. You don’t need to be arty to get something good out of it.
The session runs for around two to three hours. Drinks are included, and the setup makes it easy to focus on what you’re doing without distraction. And you get to leave with your own gorgeous ghostly creation.
Insider intel
Sessions usually start at 1pm and spaces are limited, so book ahead. It’s suitable from age 9, but under 18s need to attend with a paying adult.
31. Thornbridge Brewery Experience, Bakewell
Thornbridge Brewery is a good one to add if you want something for adults, older teens, or mixed groups where not everything has to revolve around soft play and caves. The brewery experience lasts around 45 minutes and takes place in the taproom, right next to the original Hall brewery kit. It includes a short film on Thornbridge’s history, an introduction to how the beers are made, a look at the UK’s only working Burton Union set, and a tutored tasting of six thirds of their best-loved beers.
It works well on a cold, wet day because it gives you something contained, sociable and very Bakewell-adjacent. The taproom is dog-friendly too, which is handy if you’re travelling with one. It’s not really a full family activity in the usual sense, but under-18s can attend for free with an adult, and Thornbridge sometimes runs family-friendly events, such as LEGO sessions in the taproom, which makes it worth checking their calendar.
If you want to turn it into more of a day, pair it with a Thornbridge Hall house tour. The one-hour tour takes in rooms including the Great Hall, Carriage House and Music Room, and gives you more of the estate story. There’s also a longer monthly Thornbridge Uncovered tour with beer and food pairing for over-18s. Add garden entry or cream tea if the weather improves, and it becomes a proper rainy-day itinerary rather than just a brewery stop.
Insider intel
Book ahead and arrive at least 15 minutes before your brewery experience, as late arrivals may miss their slot. Weekday brewery experiences are usually cheaper than weekends, and the house tours also book up quickly.
32. Buxton Pottery Painting
This is a structured session where you make something from start to finish. You book a table, choose a piece of pottery, then work through the process step by step. It starts with prep, then moves into painting using underglazes, building colour in layers so it develops properly once fired. You can sketch your design first, adjust as you go, and change areas if needed, so it doesn’t feel fixed or pressured.
You’re not rushed at Buxton Pottery Painting - and there’s enough support if you want guidance on colours or technique. Pieces start from around £18, and the range covers everything from smaller items to larger statement pieces. It works well for groups, but also if you just want something focused to do for a couple of hours.
Coffee comes from Buxton Coffee Roasters, and cakes and bakes are supplied locally, so you can sit, paint and eat without breaking the flow. Once you’re finished, you leave your piece behind. It’s glazed and fired in the kiln, then ready to collect or post once complete, with the colours coming through properly after firing.
Insider intel
Allow time for collection or delivery after firing, as turnaround varies. If you need it quickly, flag it when booking and they’ll try to accommodate.
33. The Potty Sheep at Blaze Farm
Tucked away at Blaze Farm, you book a two-hour slot, take a seat, and choose from a shelf of usable pieces rather than decorative items. Think bowls, plates, mugs, money boxes and vases. Once you’ve picked your piece, everything else is included. Paints, brushes, sponges and kiln firing are all covered in the price of the item you select.
Caroline, who runs the studio, is on hand if you want guidance, but you’re largely left to it. It works for all ages. During a session you’ll see a mix of families, couples and small groups, all doing their own thing.
Being at Blaze Farm also means there is plenty to do after your pottery session, if the rain isn't too awful. There are animals, a lovely relaxed nature trail around the farm, and a very nice little tea room serving hot drinks, cakes, toasties, traditional ploughman lunches, and their famous Hilly Billy Ice Cream - made on the farm using milk from the Peak District
Insider intel
You need to pre-book, usually via Instagram, Facebook or phone. You pay per item, so costs vary depending on what you choose. Pieces aren’t ready the same day as they need firing, so plan ahead for collection or arrange postage if you’re only visiting for a short stay.
34. The Clayrooms, Rowsley
Set within Peak Village in Rowsley, this is a working pottery studio where you can get hands-on with clay rather than just painting it. The space is set up with six pottery wheels alongside a dedicated handbuilding area, so you can try both techniques depending on the session you book. It’s compact but well organised, with everything you need provided, and a small retail area showcasing ceramics made on site.
Workshops are structured but relaxed. You’ll be guided through the basics by a professional potter, whether that’s learning to throw on the wheel or shaping something by hand. Sessions range from “throwing for two” to small group workshops for friends or families, so it works as a shared activity rather than something you do alone. Expect to get involved from the start, with guidance throughout rather than long demonstrations.
There’s a balance between learning a skill and just enjoying the process. You’ll understand how the clay behaves, what works and what doesn’t, and why. Handbuilt pieces are fired and glazed afterwards, ready to collect later.
Insider intel
Sessions usually last around 90 minutes and are not private, so you’ll be sharing the space with others. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy and avoid long sleeves or jewellery. If you want to keep your piece, book a handbuilding session rather than a throwing taster.
35. Derbyshire Crafts at Chatsworth
Derbyshire Crafts at Chatsworth is more browse than workshop, but it still gives you a creative stop that supports local makers. It works well if you are already visiting Chatsworth and want to add more than the main house.
It is also useful when the weather is poor and you want somewhere indoors that still feels connected to the area rather than generic shopping.
Insider intel
Pair with Chatsworth House or the farm shop.
36. Make a rainy day nature craft kit
This is one to prepare yourself, but it works brilliantly if you are staying in a cottage, lodge or holiday let. Collect leaves, twigs, petals or stones during a short dry spell, then use them back indoors for nature crowns, cards, bug hotels or painted stones.
It is low-cost, flexible and ideal when you have children who need something to do without another car journey.
Insider intel
Pack glue, paper, crayons, tape and a few stickers before travelling. Or pay a visit to The Works in Peak Village for supplies. They have all the stationery, art and crafting materials you'll need.
37. Bring a board game afternoon to your accommodation
Not every rainy day needs to be packed with a million things. A planned board game afternoon can feel like part of the holiday rather than a failure to go out.
Hot drinks, snacks, a fire if you have one, and games that suit the age group can fill a wet afternoon surprisingly well.
If we had to go with one game, it would have to be the Peak District version of Monopoly, which was launched only last year. You can pick the game up at most local toy shops, including Big Top Toys in Bakewell, along with select businesses in the area, such as The Ashford Arms and The George at Hathersage.
Insider intel
Pack two short games and one longer one so you can match the mood.
We Still Want A Bit Of Adventure
38. Peak Cavern
Peak Cavern (aka The Devil's Arse!) starts with one of the most dramatic cave entrances in the Peak District. You approach through Castleton and suddenly the huge arch opens up ahead of you.
Inside, the space has scale and history, with stories of rope making and underground life. It feels like a true adventure without requiring a full hike. It is doable with children (we have even done it with a baby in a backpack carrier) and dog-friendly so the whole family can enjoy the experience.
Insider intel
Book a morning slot and add Castleton village afterwards. There are no toilet facilities at the cavern so make sure you go beforehand!
39. Speedwell Cavern
Speedwell Cavern is the one with the underground boat ride, which instantly makes it stand out. You descend into the rock, board the boat and travel through a flooded passage. You can do it ten times and still thoroughly enjoy it.
Speedwell is darker and closer than other cave visits, so it feels more immersive. It is a strong choice for older children, teens and adults who want something memorable.
Insider intel
Check conditions after heavy rain, as flooding can affect access. Not for those with even a hint of claustrophobia...
40. Treak Cliff Cavern
Treak Cliff Cavern is self-guided, which gives you more control and can be more relaxing than some of the other caves. The focus on Blue John stone adds a specific point of interest as you move through. You'll see plenty of Blue John veins glistening within the rock, including newly discovered mining spots. There are also some of the most spectacular stalactites and stalagmites we've ever seen.
If you have a bit of money to spend, you can pick up some of your own Blue John in the shop afterwards (but be warned, it is pricey).
Treak Cliff suits people who like to look, pause and take things in rather than follow a larger group.
Insider intel
Download anything you need before entering. As with most of the caves, it pays to wear shoes with grip as it can get wet and slippery.
41. Poole’s Cavern, Buxton
Poole’s Cavern is one of the easiest wins on a wet day. You walk straight from Buxton into the limestone hills and down into a guided cave system that stays dry, constant in temperature and feels like a proper outing rather than a quick stop.
The route takes you through a series of chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, with lighting that brings out the shape and scale of the rock formations. Poole's Cavern is guided, so you don’t need to think about direction or pacing, and it works well with children because it keeps moving rather than relying on reading boards.
It pairs well with the rest of Buxton. You can combine it with Pavilion Gardens, the Crescent Experience or a swim and build a full day without needing to drive again.
Insider intel
Book ahead at busy times and take a layer. It stays cool underground whatever the weather is doing outside.
42. The Adventure Hub Bouldering Wall, Bamford
Set right in the Hope Valley, this is an indoor bouldering wall built by climbers who know exactly what makes a good session. You climb without ropes, working across padded walls at lower heights, which makes it accessible whether you’ve never climbed before or already know what you’re doing. The routes are reset regularly, so there’s always something new to try.
Inside, you’ll find multiple bouldering circuits with different levels, plus a MoonBoard with thousands of problems if you want something more structured. There’s also a training area if you’re looking to build strength or spend a bit more time on technique. It works as both a quick activity and something you can spend a couple of hours doing, depending on your energy.
It’s also set up for families and groups, with kids’ sessions, parties and hire shoes available on site. You don’t need to arrive prepared, just ready to give it a go. The crash mat flooring takes care of the landing, so the focus stays on movement and problem-solving rather than height.
Insider intel
You’ll need to watch a short induction video and register before climbing. Go earlier in the day if you want more space, especially at weekends.
43. Substation Macclesfield
Just outside the western edge of the Peak District, this is a larger indoor climbing centre that gives you more variety than smaller local walls. You’ve got roped climbing alongside bouldering, plus dedicated training areas, so it works whether you’re trying climbing for the first time or want something more involved. It’s a good option if you’re staying around Buxton, Castleton or the western side and need a solid indoor plan.
The space is set up so you can build a full session rather than just a quick visit. There are different zones, which keeps things interesting if you’re there for a couple of hours. It also runs family sessions and beginner options, so you don’t need experience to get started. Staff are on hand to get you going, which helps if you’re new or just a bit out of practice.
It works particularly well as an active alternative when the weather has ruled out walking. You’re still moving, still using energy, but in a way that feels completely different from a standard gym or pool.
Insider intel
Check age limits and supervision rules before booking. Some sessions require advance booking, especially at weekends.
44. Hathersage Swimming Pool
This belongs in the adventure section just as much as the family category. One of the UK's only outdoor heated pools in the middle of the village that works whatever the weather’s doing. You can swim lengths, drift about, or just spend time in the water while everything carries on around you. Because it’s heated, it holds up in rain as well as sun. In fact, we love being in the water when the rain is coming down. There's something so magical about it.
They also run evening sessions, including night swims with live music, where the pool stays open later and the whole place shifts into something more atmospheric. It’s a different way to use the space and worth booking if your trip lines up with one. Whether you go during the day or in the evening, it feels like time well spent rather than a fallback plan.
Insider intel
Book ahead in peak times. Bring warm layers for afterwards. It works well paired with a drink or pizza at Vintners Bar & Grill or dinner at Bank House Hathersage - cocktails, a strong main menu, and a kids’ menu if needed.
45. Thor’s Cave and Wetton Dale
If the weather is wet but not unsafe, Thor’s Cave and Wetton Dale can be a good sheltered outdoor option. The dale offers more protection than high ridges, and the cave gives the walk a clear destination.
It is still an outdoor walk, so this is one for proper footwear and sensible judgement, not torrential rain or dangerous conditions.
Insider intel
Avoid high winds and check paths after heavy rain.
46. Lathkill Dale
Lathkill Dale is a good option when you still want fresh air but would rather avoid exposed edges. The valley setting can feel more manageable in damp weather.
It is one of those walks that still has plenty of atmosphere when the skies are grey. Keep the route shorter if conditions are poor.
Insider intel
Start from Over Haddon or Monyash and adjust the distance as you go.
47. Cromford Canal
Cromford Canal is flat, manageable and useful when you want a walk without the Peak District hills. In light rain, it still feels worthwhile.
It works well because you can turn back whenever needed. Add Cromford Mills or Scarthin Books and you have a great indoor-outdoor mix.
Insider intel
Use it as a short stretch rather than a long wet walk.
48. Padley Gorge
Padley Gorge can work well in damp weather because the trees offer some shelter and the woodland atmosphere feels even richer in rain. It is a good option when you want to get outside without heading onto exposed tops. A bit of extra water also brings the waterfalls and winding stream alive making them even more beautiful (if that's possible).
That said, paths can be slippery, so it is not one for casual shoes or speed walking. Keep it short, slow and enjoy the woodland rather than trying to cover miles.
Insider intel
Wear proper walking shoes and avoid after very heavy rain if paths are running with water.
49. Grin Low and Solomon’s Temple
Grin Low gives you a short, satisfying walk from Buxton, with Solomon’s Temple as the payoff. It is a good choice if you want something outdoors but not a huge hike.
It is best for light rain or a break in the weather rather than strong winds. The top is exposed and can get extremely windy, so use judgement. If the forecast is wind and rain, give it a miss.
Insider intel
Pair it with Poole’s Cavern or Pavilion Gardens.
We’ve Only Got A Couple Of Hours
50. Pavilion Gardens Conservatory, Buxton
Pavilion Gardens Conservatory gives you greenery, shelter and a break from grey skies. It is not a long activity, but it is a useful stop in the centre of Buxton.
It works best as part of a circuit with the Opera House, Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton Museum or the Crescent Experience.
Insider intel
Use it as a warm-up or wind-down stop rather than the whole day.
51. Matlock Bath Promenade
Matlock Bath Promenade is often described as being like a Victorian seaside town without the sea. It is quirky, has a pretty riverside setting with cliffs on either side, and can be the perfect place in stop-start rain. You can move between shops, arcades, attractions and short riverside sections. Book a last-minute ride on the Heights of Abraham cable cars and then walk back down if the weather clears.
It is not fully undercover, but it works when showers are passing through. You don't need blazing sunshine to enjoy it.
Insider intel
Combine with the aquarium, mini golf or Mining Museum.
52. Castleton village and visitor centre
Castleton is one of the best rainy day villages in our opinion because the caves, visitor centre, shops and pubs sit close together (and obviously, the caves are under cover). You can easily adapt what you're doing as the weather changes.
Even if you only do one cave and a short stroll, it still feels like a decent outing.
Insider intel
Park once, then build the visit from there.
53. Bakewell bookshop, museum and pudding circuit
Bakewell works well when you want a light, low-commitment plan for the day. Visit The Next Chapter, explore Bakewell Old House Museum, then add Bakewell pudding, coffee or a short shop wander.
It is a good option when the weather is too poor for a walk but not so bad that you want to stay in one building.
Insider intel
Start with the museum, then reward yourself afterwards.
54. Cromford Mills and Scarthin Books
This is one of the best two-hour rainy day combinations. Cromford Mills gives you heritage and a few shops, while Scarthin Books gives you browsing and shelter.
Together, they feel more substantial than either one alone. It is a good option if you are coming from Matlock, Bakewell, Ashbourne or the southern Peak.
Insider intel
Park once if possible and take your time between the two.
55. Hathersage design, swim and village wander
Hathersage gives you several small options close together: David Mellor Design Museum, Hathersage Swimming Pool, shops and cafés. You can build the visit around the weather.
If the rain is light, add a short village wander and finish up at the lovely historic pub, The George at Hathersage, which was once frequented by Charlotte Bronte. If it sets in, stay with the museum and pool.
Insider intel
Book the pool first as the sessions do fill up quickly, then fit everything else around it.
56. Buxton town circuit
Buxton is one of the strongest rainy day towns in the Peak District because so many options sit close together. Poole’s Cavern, Pavilion Gardens, Buxton Museum, the Opera House, the Crescent Experience and pottery painting can all form part of the day.
You do not need to do everything. Pick two or three and you have a strong plan without much driving.
Insider intel
Check opening times first, then build the route around your booked activity.
57. Ashbourne creative afternoon
Ashbourne works well if you are approaching from the south or staying near Dovedale, Tissington or Alton.
The Clayrooms are a great option for anyone that loves getting a bit crafty. You can book a workshop and learn how to handbuild a planter, pinch pot animal, mug or bud vase. All pots are finished, glazed and ready to pick up a few weeks after the session. Keep an eye out for their Pottery @ The Pub events, which involve drinks, clay and lots of laughs!
Add a short town wander or swim if the weather allows, and it becomes a useful southern Peak rainy day base.
Insider intel
Book The Clayrooms ahead as the workshops are very popular.
We’ll Leave The Peaks If Needed
58. Sheffield day trip
Sheffield is the easiest city switch from the eastern side of the Peaks, and it works brilliantly when the weather isn’t playing ball. You can build a full day without stepping outside much, and it never feels like a fallback. Start with something hands-on like the National Videogame Museum, where you can actually play your way through the exhibits, then move into something more active like BattleKart Sheffield, which mixes go-karting with digital gaming, or indoor climbing at one of the city’s big centres.
There’s also plenty to dip in and out of. Mini golf, cinemas and arcades if you want something light, or a proper retail stop at Meadowhall Shopping Centre if you just want to stay warm and keep moving. Food is a big part of the draw too. Places like Cutlery Works turn a meal into part of the experience, with multiple kitchens under one roof so everyone can pick what they want without overthinking it.
If you’re happy to go a bit further, Magna Science Adventure Centre is one of the best rainy day options anywhere near the Peaks. It’s huge, set inside an old steelworks, and built around four zones: air, earth, fire and water. Everything is interactive, so you’re not just looking at exhibits, you’re moving through them. The Big Melt show is worth timing your visit around, bringing the old furnace back to life with sound and light. It easily fills a full day, and your ticket lets you return within the year, which takes the pressure off trying to see everything in one go.
Insider intel
Pick one anchor activity, then build the rest of the day around how you feel once you’re there. Also, beware the Bus Gates if you're driving in the middle of the city. They seem to sneak up on you and carry a hefty fine!
59. Manchester day trip
Manchester is worth bearing in mind when the weather properly sets in - or if you just fancy something completely different. This is a proper city but only an hour in the car from Bakewell (depending on traffic). You can spend a full day indoors without it ever feeling like a compromise. Start with the Science and Industry Museum. Then move on to shopping, whether that’s the Trafford Centre, Manchester Arndale or smaller independent spots dotted around the Northern Quarter.
If you want something more interactive, there’s plenty to choose from. The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience is exactly what it sounds like, fast-paced and competitive, while Immersive Gamebox Manchester Arndale is ideal for a group (and has plenty of kid-friendly games and puzzles too). Add food, coffee stops and the option to dip in and out of things, and it becomes a day that feels full rather than a backup plan.
Insider intel
You can get the train in from places like Buxton railway station, Grindleford railway station or Hope railway station. It takes longer than driving, but you avoid parking and can move around the city more easily once you’re there.
60. Chesterfield bowling or cinema
Chesterfield is not a classic Peak District day out, but it is very useful when you need something simple, close and indoors. Bowling, cinema and town-centre options can rescue a wet afternoon. Our picks would be Chesterfield Bowl on Stoworth Lane, Cineworld in Alma Leisure Park, and Chesterfield Escape Rooms are a lot of fun too.
It is especially handy if you are staying around Bakewell, Rowsley, Matlock, Chesterfield or the eastern side of the Peak District.
Insider intel
Keep it as a backup rather than the main plan, then use it when the weather really sets in.
Have we missed anything? Drop us a line at hello@thegoodlifelist.co.uk and let us know!
