Where are the best stately homes and castles in the Peak District and Derbyshire?
Step back in time with nine historic houses and castles across the Peak District and the wider Derbyshire area.
Join us on a journey through the enchanting grandeur of these historic landmarks, where every room whispers tales of bygone eras. Explore the lavish interiors, intricate tapestries, and picturesque landscapes that have stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into the lives of the elite.
Family days out in the Peak District and Derbyshire
Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a day of cultural exploration, stately homes in the Peak District promise an unforgettable experience. So, dust off your finest attire and prepare to be transported to a world of elegance and sophistication as we unravel the hidden treasures of these magnificent estates.
Admission figures below are for 2026 where stated. Check each venue’s website for current prices, opening dates and any special-event charges.
Haddon Hall
Haddon Hall is a fortified manor house near Bakewell, with buildings dating from the 12th to the early 17th century. Visitors can explore its rooms, Long Gallery and gardens.
Autumn and winter 2026: The hall is closed from 8 to 25 October, then reopens for general admission from 26 to 30 October. It reopens for the Mercatum Christmas market on selected days from 11 November to 20 December; advance booking is essential.
General admission (2026): Adult £29.50, over-60 concession £26.65, student £24.50, Derbyshire resident £23.60 and children aged 0–15 free. Proof is required for concessions. Mercatum has separate admission prices, including a child ticket. Check Haddon Hall for details.
Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey’s Baroque mansion was rebuilt in the early 1700s and is set in parkland near Ticknall. The National Trust has preserved much of the house’s historic state rather than fully restoring its rooms. Its estate includes a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, as well as gardens, a restaurant and shops.
2026 opening: The house is open daily until 1 November. Selected rooms reopen for Christmas at Calke daily from 27 November to 23 December. Check the National Trust for opening times and other dates.
Standard admission (2026): House without Gift Aid: adult £15, child aged 5–17 £7.50; park and gardens: adult £8.50, child £4.25. The house charge is additional to park and garden admission. National Trust members enter free. For Christmas at Calke from 27 November to 23 December, the combined admission is £10 per adult and £5 per child; members enter free. See Calke Abbey for details.
Kedleston Hall
Kedleston Hall was commissioned by Nathaniel Curzon, later the first Baron Scarsdale. Architects Matthew Brettingham and James Paine worked on the project before Robert Adam took charge of the house and landscape. Adam’s interiors include the Marble Hall and state rooms, and the surrounding parkland offers walks.
Entry / cost (2026): Hall and parkland without Gift Aid: adult £21, child aged 5–17 £10.50; under-5s and National Trust members free. See Kedleston Hall.
Peveril Castle
Peveril Castle. Photo: Rowell Heria / Unsplash.
Peveril Castle rises above Castleton and is mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book. It was established after the Norman Conquest; Henry II added the keep in the 12th century. The steep climb rewards visitors with views across the Peak District, and the visitor centre tells the castle’s story. The castle itself is not wheelchair accessible; the visitor centre is accessible, although it is reached by a short, steep slope.
Opening update: English Heritage says Peveril Castle is closed on 24–25 October 2026 because of forecast high winds. Its published winter schedule also closes the castle from 2 November 2026 to 16 March 2027. Check English Heritage for current opening information before travelling.
Entry / cost: Prices vary by date and booking method. See English Heritage’s prices and opening times.
Hardwick Hall
Hardwick Hall is a late-Elizabethan house built for Bess of Hardwick, with striking windows and a collection of historic furnishings and tapestries. Bess began the hall in 1590, working with designer Robert Smythson. The Devonshire family later transferred it to the National Trust, which now cares for the house and estate. There is a restaurant and shop on site.
Entry / cost (2026): House and garden without Gift Aid: adult £23, child aged 5–17 £11.50; under-5s, National Trust members and English Heritage members enter free. See Hardwick.
Chatsworth
Chatsworth, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire, has been in the Cavendish family since 1549. The house contains paintings, furniture and other items from the Devonshire Collections, while the estate offers a garden, parkland, farmyard and adventure playground. There are places to eat and shop in the courtyard.
Entry / cost: Tickets differ for the house, garden, farmyard and events. See Chatsworth’s visitor information for prices and booking.
Renishaw Hall and Gardens
Renishaw Hall, near Eckington, is a Grade I listed family home built by George Sitwell in 1625 and subsequently extended. Its Italianate gardens include lawns, flower beds, woodland and lakes. The hall is a lived-in home and can be visited on a guided tour.
2026 opening: The gardens are open Wednesday to Sunday until 1 November. Public hall tours run on Fridays during the March–October season; advance booking is recommended, and tours are not recommended for children under 12. Check the venue’s website for details.
Entry / cost: Garden admission and house tours have separate options. Check Renishaw Hall for prices, opening dates and tour availability.
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
Sudbury Hall is a Grade I listed Restoration-era country house. The Children’s Country House includes the hall, the Museum of Childhood, gardens and an outdoor play area. The museum explores childhood across the centuries through displays and activities.
Entry / cost (2026): House, museum and garden without Gift Aid: adult £22, child aged 5–17 £11; under-5s and National Trust members free. See the Children’s Country House at Sudbury.
Bolsover Castle
Bolsover Castle. Photo: Greg Willson / Unsplash.
Bolsover Castle is a 17th-century Cavendish family retreat built on the site of a medieval castle founded by William Peveril in the late 11th century. Visitors can explore the Little Castle, Fountain Garden and wall walk, with views across the surrounding countryside. The wall walk and Little Castle have steps; there is also a café on site.
English Heritage offers discounted advance tickets; see its website for available dates and prices.
Entry / cost: Prices vary by date and booking method. See English Heritage’s prices and opening times.
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