Choosing a Family-Friendly Peak District Campsite

The right campsite makes family camping considerably easier. A beautiful view is always welcome, but when you're travelling with children, practical things such as good showers, somewhere to play and access to food and supplies quickly become just as important.

Safe Recreational Space

Children naturally want space to run around, kick a ball and make new friends, so it's worth checking whether your campsite has a designated recreational area.

At Hartington Hills, we have a large mown area on our North Field specifically for ball games and play. There are picnic benches nearby, so parents can sit and enjoy the countryside views and sunsets while the children burn off some energy.

We also have four miniature Shetland ponies and our free-range hens, who are firm favourites with our younger visitors.

You can find out more about the site on our Touring page.

Washrooms and Family Facilities

Good bathroom facilities can turn camping with children from something that feels like hard work into a genuinely relaxing holiday.

Look for clean, modern showers with plenty of hot water, baby-changing facilities and accessible or family-friendly washrooms.

Our facilities at Hartington Hills include baby-changing facilities, a baby bath and an accessible wet room alongside our main toilet and shower facilities. Have a look at our Facilities before your stay to see what's available.

Food and Essential Supplies

Even the best packing list occasionally misses something.

Having access to a campsite shop can therefore be particularly useful when travelling with children.

Our little shop at Reception stocks essentials alongside local sausages, bacon and burgers, condiments, confectionery, drinks and camping supplies. Perfect if you've forgotten something—or if someone decides they desperately need a snack!

There are also plenty of excellent pubs, cafés, farm shops and village shops around the local area.

Quiet Hours and Campsite Rules

A good family campsite should be enjoyable for children without becoming overwhelming for everyone else.

Before booking, check the campsite's rules around noise, ball games, fires, dogs and vehicle movements. Clear rules create a safer and more relaxing environment for everybody.

At Hartington Hills, we welcome families while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere our guests come here to enjoy. Children have dedicated space to play, leaving the main camping and touring areas quieter for everyone.

What to Pack When Camping with Children

Packing for a family camping trip doesn't need to involve bringing everything you own, but there are a few things we'd always recommend.

Sleeping Equipment

A good night's sleep makes everything easier!

Alongside your tent, you'll need comfortable sleeping mats or airbeds, sleeping bags suitable for the expected temperatures and extra blankets for cooler nights.

Even in summer, evenings in the Peak District can be surprisingly chilly, so it's better to have an extra layer and not need it than spend the night wishing you'd brought one.

A favourite pillow, blanket or cuddly toy can also make a tent feel much more familiar for younger children.

Waterproof Clothing

There's a saying that there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes. We're not entirely convinced when it's raining sideways in the Peak District, but good waterproofs certainly help!

Pack waterproof jackets, sturdy shoes or walking boots and plenty of spare socks.

For younger children, waterproof trousers or an all-in-one suit can be invaluable. Muddy puddles are much more enjoyable when you're not worrying about the clothes underneath.

Food and Campsite Essentials

Keep campsite meals simple.

Easy breakfasts, sandwiches, pasta, barbecue food and picnic lunches all work well, and plenty of snacks are essential for days out.

We'd also recommend bringing reusable water bottles, torches, a basic first-aid kit, sun cream, insect repellent and portable chargers.

Games and Evening Activities

You don't need screens or lots of toys to keep children occupied while camping.

A football, frisbee, pack of cards, colouring books and a couple of simple games can provide hours of entertainment.

As evening arrives, one of the best parts of camping is simply spending time together outside. At Hartington Hills, we're fire-pit and barbecue friendly, and fire pits can be hired from our shop along with firewood and other essentials.

Marshmallows highly recommended.

Family-Friendly Walks and Cycle Trails

One of the biggest advantages of a family holiday in the Peak District is the number of traffic-free trails and relatively gentle routes available.

You don't have to tackle Mam Tor before breakfast to experience beautiful Peak District scenery.

Manifold Track

The Manifold Track is particularly convenient when staying at Hartington Hills because it begins at nearby Hulme End.

Following the route of the former Leek and Manifold Light Railway, the track runs for around eight miles towards Waterhouses through the Manifold and Hamps valleys.

It's mainly traffic-free, surfaced and relatively level, making it a great option for families, bikes and buggies. You can simply choose a section appropriate for your children's ages rather than completing the whole route.

Tissington Trail

The Tissington Trail is another brilliant family option.

Running for 13 miles between Ashbourne and Parsley Hay, this former railway line is now a traffic-free route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

You certainly don't need to cover all 13 miles. Choose a manageable section, pack a picnic and make a day of it.

Bike hire is also available locally, which is useful if you don't want to bring everyone's bikes on holiday.

High Peak Trail

The High Peak Trail offers another opportunity for a family bike ride or walk away from busy roads.

Like the Tissington Trail, it follows a former railway route and provides wonderful views across the White Peak.

Sections of the trail are ideal for leisurely family adventures, although it's always worth checking your chosen route beforehand as gradients and conditions vary.

Short Walks Around Hartington

You don't always need to plan a full day out.

Hartington and the surrounding countryside offer plenty of opportunities for shorter family walks, whether you're wandering into the village, exploring the surrounding lanes or heading towards the beautiful limestone dales nearby.

Shorter walks are particularly useful with younger children because you can combine them with lunch, an ice cream or a visit to a local attraction.

For more inspiration, have a look at our Things to Do section.

Family Days Out Near Hartington

One of the reasons we think Hartington makes such a good base for families is the variety of places you can visit without spending your entire holiday in the car.

Chatsworth

Chatsworth is one of the Peak District's best-known attractions and makes a lovely family day out.

Alongside the magnificent house and gardens, families can enjoy the farmyard and adventure playground, making it easy to spend a full day there.

Read our guide to Chatsworth when planning your visit.

Matlock Bath

Matlock Bath is always popular with families.

This quirky riverside village has a completely different feel from the surrounding countryside, with traditional fish and chip shops and plenty to explore nearby.

It's also home to the Heights of Abraham, reached by cable car and offering spectacular views across the Derwent Valley.

Find more ideas in our guide to Matlock.

Buxton

The beautiful spa town of Buxton is another easy day trip.

Explore the Pavilion Gardens, wander around the town, stop for lunch or combine your visit with one of the area's family attractions.

Our Buxton guide has more ideas.

Castleton

For adventurous children, Castleton is hard to beat.

The village sits beneath Mam Tor and is famous for its show caverns, including Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and Blue John Cavern.

Going underground makes for a memorable family adventure—and has the added benefit of being considerably less dependent on the weather!

Bakewell is another family favourite and an easy day trip from Hartington Hills. Have a look at our Bakewell guide for ideas.

Planning for Weather, Safety and Downtime

Family camping doesn't need a minute-by-minute itinerary. In fact, some of the best moments happen when there isn't a plan at all.

It does, however, help to have a few alternatives ready.

Rainy-Day Alternatives

We would love to promise glorious sunshine for your entire holiday. Unfortunately, the Peak District has other ideas occasionally.

Rather than letting rain spoil the day, have one or two indoor activities in mind before you arrive.

Caverns, historic houses, pottery painting and museums can all provide excellent alternatives when walking isn't particularly appealing.

We've put together our 5 Best Things to Do in the Peak District When It Rains for exactly this reason.

Road and Water Safety

The Peak District's rural location means families should take a little extra care when exploring.

Country roads can be narrow and may not have pavements, so keep younger children close when walking between villages or attractions.

Rivers, streams and stepping stones are another part of the fun of exploring the countryside, but water levels and currents can change after heavy rainfall. Always supervise children around water and avoid crossing rivers or stepping stones when conditions aren't safe.

Keeping Children Occupied at the Campsite

One of the joys of camping is discovering that children often need much less entertainment than we think.

Give them space, fresh air and a ball and they can be surprisingly happy.

At Hartington Hills, children can use our dedicated recreation field, visit the ponies and hens or simply enjoy the novelty of campsite life.

Then, as the sun goes down, families can head back to their pitch, light the barbecue or fire pit and enjoy an evening together under the Peak District sky.

Those simple moments often become the best holiday memories.

Family Facilities at Hartington Hills

We want family camping to feel like a holiday for the parents too.

That's why we've combined the freedom and adventure of camping with the facilities that make staying with children that little bit easier.

You'll find spacious pitches, high-quality toilet and shower facilities, baby-changing facilities, a recreational field, an on-site shop and plenty of countryside to explore.

Our location near Hartington and Hulme End also puts walks, cycle trails, villages and some of the Peak District's best family attractions within easy reach.

Whether it's your children's first night in a tent or you're a family of seasoned campers, the Peak District is a wonderful place to create memories together.

And after a day of walking, cycling, exploring caves, jumping in puddles or eating far too much Bakewell pudding, you can return to Hartington Hills, light the fire pit and start planning tomorrow's adventure.