Things to do on a rainy day when camping Derbyshire

Things To Do On A Rainy Day

The fun doesn't stop...

It’s difficult to believe this but the sun doesn’t always shine at Callow Top. Never fear though, if you’re struck by a rainy day there’s lots to keep everyone happy…..

Indoor Play

Keep your little ones entertained with role play at the Play Village in Ashbourne or soft play at the Play Mill at Bonsall about 20 mins drive away from Callow Top. A little further away are Hickory Dickory’s Playhouse in Derby or Jangala in Hilton. Both about 30 mins drive.

Paint a Pot

Eat homemade cake, drink tea and unleash your artistic side at Sticky Fingers 5 minutes drive away from us in Ashbourne. Friendly staff and brilliant for kids.
You can also visit the world famous Emma Bridgewater Factory in Stoke-on-Trent where you can paint a pot, take a factory tour or browse in their factory shop.

Waterparks

Spend the day splashing around at Alton Towers Waterpark (pictured above) or Waterworld at Stoke-on-Trent. Waterworld also has a tiki-themed mini-golf centre. The Leisure Centre at Ashbourne holds kids sessions at their swimming pool during the school holidays.

Watch a Film

Arm yourself with popcorn, sit back and enjoy the latest blockbuster. For something a bit different there are three independent cinemas near Callow Top. Elite Cinema is an original 1930s cinema that's been restored, and is just a couple of minutes drive away in the market place in Ashbourne. Alternatively the Northern Light Cinema at Wirksworth, or the Ritz Cinema in Belper, which offers vintage glamour with lovely plush purple seats, luxury back row seats & even special romantic sofa seats for 2, are both about 20 mins drive away. They also have a bar so you can enjoy a tipple while you’re watching the silver screen.
For larger, multiscreen cinemas try Showcase in Derby or CineBowl in Uttoxeter.

Going Underground

Venture deep beneath the earth, take a cavern tour and explore at Poole’s Cavern (pictured) in Buxton or Treak Cliff and Blue John Caverns in Castleton.

Drive Back Into The Past

At the Great British Car Journey you can travel back to the golden age of British car manufacturing. Featuring over 130 classic cars from the Austin Seven to the Ford Escort.

Shop 'til You Drop

Credit cards at the ready! Derbion in Derby has all the usual high street stores, restaurants, bowling and a cinema.

Culture Vulture

Amazing historic houses abound in the East Midlands. Everyone has to visit Chatsworth at least once in their life – we can’t recommend it highly enough! Historic Haddon Hall near Bakewell dates back to Tudor times and is full of atmosphere & history.
For a totally free afternoon out try Derby Museum & Art Gallery with exhibits ranging from creepy crawlies to Roman artefacts discovered in Derbyshire and the paintings of Joseph Wright. There’s plenty for kids to do too.

Revisit Your Youth

At The Children's Country House in Sudbury perform your own story, take a look at toys through the ages, go back in time in the Victorian school room or be a chimney sweep and climb up the chimney (that’s still a stand out memory from when we used to visit when we were little)! You can also take a tour of the 17th century Hall and grab a bite to eat at the Coach House Restaurant.

Relax & Indulge

Feel your tension drift away as you enjoy heavenly spa treatments at Devonshire Spa in Buxton. In between treatments you can use the spa facilities which include a relaxation room, hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and essence-filled sauna.

Pooles Cavern and Country Park

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