Take the family to heritage sites
IT CAN be a constant struggle trying to come up with things to do with the family - but why not try a National Trust site?
Derbyshire has plenty to choose from, which means there’s no need to travel far.
And with so much to explore at each location, it’s something that will keep the family entertained.
We’ve included everything you need to know about each site – including what TripAdvisor has to say about them – to help you plan your day out.
Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood has been omitted as it remains closed. Visits to all National Trust properties need to be pre-booked on its website.
CALKe ABBey, TICKNALL
Tickets: Adults £8, children £4 Address: Ticknall, Derbyshire, DE73 7JF
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5 While this impressive country house is not looking its best it does reflect a period in the 20th century when many houses did not survive to tell their story.
The pleasure grounds at this property are worth a visit by themselves including faded walled gardens and an orangery.
Lorcan C wrote on TripAdvisor: “The National Trust have done a splendid job in preserving Calke Abbey with friendly and informative guides in the rooms.
“It has been on my bucket list of places to visit for some time.”
HArdwICK HALL, CHeSTerfIeLd
Tickets: Adults £10, children £5 Address: Doe Lea, Chesterfield,
Derbyshire, S44 5QJ TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5 Built by Bess of Hardwick in the late 1500s, this stunning Elizabethan estate is filled with fascinating furnishings and tapestries.
The grounds also offer great walks with picturesque views.
Darbo1969 wrote on TripAdvisor: “So many places we visit feel reproduced but this house felt so original. Maybe the tapestries made the difference as this was as it was. I could really imagine the people here.”
THe OLd MANOr, ASHBOurNe
Tickets: Adults £6.40, children
£3.20
Address: Norbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2ED
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
The Old Manor is a rare example of a medieval hall built on the first floor and once served as the private apartments of the Fitzherbert family.
Visitors will find a beautifullymaintained green space with a knot garden. Juliekarenm wrote on TripAdvisor: “What an amazing place with friendly volunteers who quickly offered a tour.
“It’s a fascinating place loaded with history. We would really recommend it.”
KedLeSTON HALL, QuArNdON
Tickets: Adults £10, children £5 Address: near Quarndon, Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 5JH TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5 This 18th-century mansion was designed for lavish entertaining and displays an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures and furnishings.
Between spring and autumn Kedleston Hall’s formal garden is in full bloom and reflects its 18thcentury design. Jann wrote on TripAdvisor: “Good marked-out walks, with different distances.
“Easy to get to. There was a takeaway cafe and also benches where you can eat your own food.”
duffIeLd CASTLe, duffIeLd
Tickets: Free
Address: Ilford Road, Duffield, Derbyshire, DE56 4DW TripAdvisor rating: 3/5
King Henry III destroyed this castle in 1266 and all that remains are the foundations.
However, there is information to soak in at the site and visitors say it is a peaceful and interesting place to visit. Andrea B wrote on TripAdvisor: “What a beautiful, peaceful place.
“Surrounded by trees and meadow grass. A modern bench is positioned perfectly to view what is left. We spent an hour there with the children playing and pretending they were knights.”
wINSTer MArKeT HOuSe, wINSTer
Tickets: Free
Address: Winster Market House, Main Street, Winster, Derbyshire, DE4 2DJ
TripAdvisor rating: 3.5/5 This two-storey stone house was most likely built in the 16th century and was originally bought by the National Trust for just £50. It is free to visit.
On TripAdvisor Thorny61 wrote: “Quite a small, quirky building set in a very picturesque little town. Lots of interesting stuff about the local history and community.”