1. Drive Back in Time at Great British Car Journey
Looking for a unique family day out in the Peak District this Easter? The Great British Car Journey isn’t just a museum – it’s a hands-on experience for all ages, packed with seasonal Easter fun.
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Combine the indoor exhibition telling the story of Britain through its cars, and our countless kids activities and you’ve got one of the best Easter activities for kids in Derbyshire. Rain or shine, it’s a full-day experience that appeals to families, couples, and petrolheads alike, and it’s quickly becoming one of the top-rated things to do near Matlock and the Peak District.
While adults can enjoy driving classic British cars with the “Drive Dad’s Car” experience, kids have their own Easter adventures with:
– Riley Rabbit Easter Hunt – search for hidden Riley Rabbits around the museum and win prizes!
– Junior Driving Days – running Saturday 28th March and Wednesday 8th April – a unique experience for young car enthusiasts not yet old enough for a driving licence.
– Mini Land Rover Drives – little ones can experience their own driving adventure in safe, kid-sized vehicles.Â
– Interactive Audio Guides (included in your museum entry) – bringing the exhibits to life with a designated children’s version that makes exploring fun, engaging, and full of stories and adventures.
If you’re searching for the best things to do in the Peak District this Easter, you’re in the right place. Across Derbyshire, attractions come alive during the Easter holidays with egg hunts, family trails, baby animals and interactive events, making it one of the best times of year to visit.
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Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or need ideas to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays, here are five of the best Easter days out in the Peak District
2. Ride Vintage Trams at National Tramway Museum
The National Tramway Museum is one of the most popular family attractions in the Peak District, and it’s ideally located just a 5-minute drive away from us at Great British Car Journey – (perfect for a proper heritage day out!)
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You can ride historic trams, explore the recreated village, and enjoy wide open spaces perfect for kids to run around. During the Easter holidays, they’re running their Easter Egg-stra, where children can join in with fun activities like egg-rolling, Easter show, face-painting, and making Easter chickens or bunny hats! Mr Bunny will even be there himself, guiding their egg-citing Easter Trail!
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The mix of outdoor space, transport rides, and interactive elements makes it feel like a full day out rather than just a quick visit.
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3. All aboard the Easter Trains at Peak Rail
For a classic Easter day out in the Peak District, Peak Rail combines heritage charm with seasonal family fun. Alongside it’s scenic steam and diesel train rides throughout the Derbyshire countryside, Peak Rail is running a family-friendly Easter Treasure Hunt, where children can follow clues around the stations and along the railway to win prizes – making it a great option if you’re searching for Easter activities for kids in the Peak District.
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For something a little more relaxed, their Easter Sunday Lunch offers the chance to sit back and enjoy a traditional meal in a unique heritage setting – perfect for families or couples looking to make the day feel a bit more special.Â
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This mix of interactive Easter activities makes Peak Rail a well-rounded Easter event near Matlock, combining food, fun and nostalgia in one easy day out.
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4. Easter Egg-stravaganza at Matlock Farm Park
If you’re specifically searching for Easter events in the Peak District for kids, this is one of the standout options. Matlock Farm Park goes all-in with its annual Easter egg-stravaganza, running right through the school holidays. Expect daily Easter egg hunts and treasure trails, “Meet the Easter Bunny’ experiences, baby animals in the lambing nursery, sheep races, pony rides and play areas.
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There are even themed event days (dinosaurs, bubble shows, live performances) making it one of the most action-packed Easter holiday activities in Derbyshire.
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5. Easter Trails & Cable Cars at Heights of Abraham
For a mix of adventure and Easter fun, the Heights of Abraham is one of the most complete family days out in the Peak District. Alongside the famous cable car ride and cavern tours, they run a seasonal ‘Spring Things’ Easter trail, where kids search the estate for hidden objects like eggs, bunnies, and spring animals.
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There are also competitions, themed activities, and even free chocolate eggs for early visitors on Easter Sunday – making it a good choice if you’re looking for Easter egg hunts in the Peak District with a twist.
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