RECOMMENDED FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN THE PEAK DISTRICT, LINCOLNSHIRE & EAST MIDLANDS OF ENGLAND

The East Midlands is my neck of the woods so I can recommend a family holiday here! So if you want to explore the Peak District or the Lincolnshire Wolds then this is the place for you. This region covers the counties of Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.

Whether it's adventure and action at Alton Towers, rock climbing on the stunning cliffs and crags, getting dirty on a mountain bike which can be hired locally, private family cycling on Tissington Trail or just a good long walk around Dovedale, the Manifold trail, to name but a few, it's all here in the Derbyshire and Staffordshire Peak District. Or maybe you're after a more relaxing time, a stroll around the excellent Blackbrook Zoological or why not go and visit the magnificent Chatsworth House with its adventure playground or browse around the market towns of Leek with all it's antique shops and warehouses, Ashbourne, Buxton & Bakewell. Take a trip down memory lane on the Churnet Valley Steam Railway or visit the place that inspired Rudyard Kipling's parents.

For the thrill seekers on holiday in the Peak District there is Gullivers Kingdom Theme Park (under 14s) in Matlock, Heights of Abraham Caves with cable cars and play parks, Waterworld at Stoke, Go Ape hire wire tree climbing (10+ years) or of course, the popular theme park of Alton Towers. Or just get some of the fantastic local foods and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the self catering holiday cottage and all the wildlife that comes to visit.

In Lincolnshire in the East Midlands there is also a wealth of things to do whilst on your family holiday. Motor sport is key to the region with Cadwell Park, British Superbike Championships Club Racing, both bikes and cars - or experience it yourself with the Yamaha Track and Race Bike School or Manby Motorplex offers driving experiences. Throughout the county of Lincolnshire there are over 100 walks to enjoy - plenty to keep you and your dog occupied during your visit! Lincolnshire's different walking zones include – the Wolds, the Heart of Lincolnshire, the City, the Vales, the Fens, the Coast and the Ancholme Valley. The Lincolnshire coast has some wonderful beaches - from the quiet sandy expanses to the more traditional donkey-rides and sandcastle building. At Donna Nook it is possible to see the Grey Seal's pupping from October to January each year. There are many cycle routes across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands that take you along pleasant, tranquil, un-spoilt country lanes. The Water Rail Way has officially been opened from Lincoln to Boston the route embraces a variety of scenery, from the City, to rolling farmland and ancient woodlands, to the wild beauty of the fens back to a City.

Fishing is another excellent holiday pastime in Lincolnshire. Major rivers in the county include the Witham, which flows in its entirety through Lincolnshire, the Welland in the south and the Ancholme in the north; the Fossdyke canal runs into Lincoln and there are a variety of drains around Boston and the Fens. They all represent excellent coarse fishing. The upper Witham, Great & Long Eau, Bain and upper Welland all offer interesting angling opportunities for the trout and game angler.

Below is a summary of the child friendly accommodation we feature in the Peak District & East Midlands - many have family friendly features such as babysitting, kids club, baby equipment, DVD players, games rooms and swimming pools to keep all of the children occupied whilst you enjoy your holiday too! To find your family holidays in the Peak District & East Midlands just click on the property name for further details, or use the interactive map below by clicking on the markers.

If you have any other places to recommend in the Peak District & East Midlands then please click on "Make a Holiday Recommendation in the Peak District, Lincolnshire & East Midlands" to send us a review, or if you would like to advertise your own property as a family holiday destination then please click on "List my holiday cottage in Peak District, Lincolnshire & East Midlands on Recommended Family Holidays".

Darwin Forest Lodges, Matlock, Derbyshire Peak District - 1 to 4 bed holiday lodges, some private hot tubs, indoor play, indoor swimming pool & gym.

Hall Farm, Wetton, Derbyshire Peak District 3 self catering holiday cottages with stunning views and walks near Alton Towers

Brackenborough Hall Coach House Holidays, Lincolnshire, East Midlands multi award winning with 3 apartments of 2 bedrooms sleeps up to 24.

West View Cottage, Upper Hackney, near Matlock, Derbyshire Peak District - 2 bed luxury cottage, pet friendly.

Quarry Walk Lodges, Cheadle, Staffordshire Peak District - 1 to 3 bed lodges, all private hot tubs, pet friendly & some disabled friendly - wheelchair access. Within 10 miles of Alton Towers.

Gathmans Cottage, Baumber, near Horncastle, Lincolnshire - 3 bed thatched pet friendly holiday cottage

Sandybrook Holiday Lodges, Ashbourne, Derbyshire Peak District - 1 to 4 bed holiday lodges, indoor pool, pet friendly, some private hot tubs

Bainland Country Park Holiday Accommodation, Lincolnshire - 1 to 3 bed self catering activity holidays, indoor pool, tennis courts, golf, zorbing, archery, fencing

Charlesworth Lodges, Derbyshire Peak District - 1 & 2 bed holiday lodges with private hot tubs, stunning views

Swainswood Leisure Park, nr Alton Towers, Derbyshire - 2 & 3 bed luxury lodges with private hot tubs, disabled friendly