Kedleston Hall and Estate near Derby, nestled in the scenic Derbyshire countryside, offers a perfect blend of 18th-century ambition and 800 acres of spectacular parkland. From the breathtaking, marble-columned grand mansion designed to rival the finest Roman palaces to the sweeping woodland trails, vibrant formal gardens, and historic church, it is an essential stop for families and history lovers exploring Derbyshire.
Keep Exploring
The Lake District Wildlife Park near Bassenthwaite offers a fantastic family day out, home to over 100 species of wild and domestic animals. Featuring engaging daily keeper talks, massive outdoor adventure playgrounds, and a cozy indoor soft play area, it stands as an essential stop for families exploring the northern Lake District.
Keep Exploring
Hardwick Hall and Estate near Chesterfield, on the edge of the Peak District, offers a perfect blend of Elizabethan ambition and 2,500 acres of rolling Derbyshire landscape. From the spectacular “more glass than wall” Tudor mansion and world-class historic tapestries to the sweeping parkland trails and sunlit formal gardens, it is an essential stop for families and history lovers exploring Derbyshire.
Keep Exploring
Tucked away in the scenic Tyne Valley, the historic towns of Corbridge and Hexham offer the perfect blend of Roman ruins and relaxing riverside escapes. Whether you are wandering through the boutique-lined streets of Corbridge with family or enjoying a slow-paced walk along the banks of the River Tyne with friends, this corner of Northumberland is a haven for explorers. From 17th-century bridges to vibrant parks with plenty of space for kids and dogs to roam, this post shares our discovery of these two local gems over a spring weekend.
Keep Exploring
Situated in the heart of Scotland’s Central Lowlands, the landscape between Falkirk and Stirling is a dramatic blend of world-class engineering and ancient royal history. This is a region where the past isn’t just preserved; it’s a giant playground. Experience everything from the gravity-defying rotation of the Falkirk Wheel to the eccentric stone leaves of the Dunmore Pineapple. Whether you’re navigating the cinematic, cobbled streets of Stirling and Culross or exploring Callendar estate, this 3-day itinerary balances iconic monuments with an intimate, family and dog-friendly feel.
Keep Exploring
Explore the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake with this walk between Scarness Bay and Bowness Bay. This hidden Cumbrian treasure with flat, easy-access paths, stunning views of Skiddaw, and plenty of spots to swim in summer, is the perfect low-level adventure for families seeking a quiet slice of the Lake District.
Keep Exploring
Tucked away in the rugged borderlands of County Durham and North Yorkshire, the area around Barnard Castle is a hidden gem for families and their four-legged companions. This is a landscape where history isn’t behind a velvet rope —it’s meant to be climbed, sniffed, and discovered. From the massive stone keep of Bowes Castle to the atmospheric “wynds” of Richmond, this corner of the Pennines offers deep historical roots with a wonderfully slow pace of life.
Whether you’re hand-trailing 12th-century walls, chasing “secret” waterfalls at Mill Force with the dog, or tucking into a world-class gastro-pub dinner while the kids enjoy a smaller taste of the local menu, this 3-day itinerary proves why Teesdale is England’s best-kept secret for a dog-friendly family adventure.
Keep Exploring
Discover the wild, ethereal beauty of Sandscale Haws National Trust Nature Reserve, a coastal hidden gem in the South Lake District where snow-capped peaks meet the Irish Sea. This winter family adventure offers a mix of frozen sands, mysterious shipwrecks and wild dunes. The reserve is also home to a quarter of the UK’s rare Natterjack toads and a tapestry of over 600 plant species offering a profound sense of peace.
Keep Exploring
Our Lake District Escapades 