Post Published:
April 18, 2025

Things To Do Indoors In & around the Peak District

🏛️ Museums, History & Culture

Chatsworth House

Explore the grandeur of this stately home, featuring opulent interiors, a vast art collection, and historical exhibits. Adult tickets are ÂŁ31.81, with discounts available for children and families. 

Bolsover Castle

Step into history at this fairy-tale Stuart mansion, known for its lavish rooms and engaging storytelling displays. Adult admission is ÂŁ16.50, children (5–17) ÂŁ10.00, with family tickets available. 

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

Discover local history and geology through diverse exhibits. Admission is free, making it a great budget-friendly option. 

Eyam Museum

Learn about the poignant story of the plague village through informative displays. Admission: Adults ÂŁ5.00, Children (5+) ÂŁ4.00, Family ÂŁ15.00. 

The Old House Museum (Bakewell)

Experience the charm of this historic home, showcasing life from Tudor times. Tickets: Adults ÂŁ7.50, Children (5–16) ÂŁ4.50, under 5s free. 

Crich Tramway Village

Ride vintage trams and explore indoor exhibitions detailing the history of tramways. Full-priced tickets offer unlimited entry for 12 months. 

National Stone Centre (Wirksworth)

Engage with geology and fossil exhibits in indoor learning zones. Entry is free, with small charges for specific activities. 

Masson Mills (Matlock Bath)

Visit this working textile museum to see historic machinery in action. Admission: Adults ÂŁ6.00, Children (under 16) ÂŁ4.00. 

Peak District Mining Museum

Delve into the region’s mining heritage with interactive exhibits. Museum-only tickets: Adults ÂŁ8.50, Children ÂŁ5.00; combined museum and mine tour: Adults ÂŁ16.00, Children ÂŁ8.00. 

Great British Car Journey (Ambergate)

Explore a vast collection of classic British cars indoors. Admission: Adults ÂŁ19.50, Children (5–15) ÂŁ9.50, Family ÂŁ45.00. 


đź§– Spa & Wellness

Buxton Crescent Hotel Spa

Relax in this historic thermal spa offering a range of treatments and pools. Ideal for a luxurious indoor retreat.

New Bath Hotel and Spa (Matlock Bath)

Enjoy couple’s treatments and unwind in the indoor pool, perfect for a romantic escape.

Losehill House Hotel Spa (Hope Valley)

Experience serene spa facilities with stunning views, providing a peaceful indoor haven.

The Devonshire Spa (at Bolton Abbey)

Indulge in luxury spa treatments in an elegant setting, suitable for all-weather pampering.


🏰 Rainy Day Tourist Attractions

Poole’s Cavern (Buxton)

Explore this vast limestone cavern, offering guided tours in a consistently dry environment.

Heights of Abraham

Take a cable car ride and visit indoor attractions like the museum and café, providing a mix of adventure and shelter.

Matlock Bath Aquarium and Hologram Gallery

Discover a variety of fish species and intriguing holographic displays, all housed indoors.

Gulliver’s Kingdom

This family theme park includes several indoor attractions, ensuring fun regardless of the weather.

Bakewell Old House Museum

Revisit history in this cozy museum, ideal for indoor exploration on rainy days.


🎳 Entertainment & Games

Tenpin Chesterfield

Enjoy bowling, pool, arcade games, and karaoke, offering entertainment for all ages indoors.

Laser Quest or Soft Play (Monkey Park/Playmill)

Family-friendly indoor games that keep children engaged and active.

Escape Rooms (Chesterfield, Buxton, Matlock)

Challenge yourselves with themed puzzles, perfect for groups, couples, or families seeking indoor fun.

Cinemas (Buxton, Chesterfield, Matlock)

Catch the latest films in cozy indoor settings, a classic choice for a rainy day.

Board Game Cafés (e.g., Dice & Slice, Chesterfield)

Relax with friends or family over a variety of board games in a comfortable indoor environment.

Indoor Mini Golf (Golf Fang Sheffield or Paradise Island nearby)

Enjoy a lively game of mini-golf indoors, combining fun and shelter from the elements.


🍽️ Food & Drink Experiences

Thornbridge Brewery Tour (Bakewell)

Learn about the brewing process and sample local ales during this indoor tour.

Peak Ales Brewery (Chatsworth Estate)

Experience a characterful brewery tour, offering insights into traditional brewing methods.

White Peak Distillery Tour (Ambergate)

Embark on a 60-minute guided tour of this craft distillery, where you’ll learn about their whisky and gin production processes. The experience includes tastings and a souvenir glass to take home. Tours are priced at £18 for adults and £5 for children aged 8–17 (note: children cannot participate in tastings, and under-8s are not permitted) .


🎨 Arts & Crafts

Sticky Fingers Pottery Painting Café (Ashbourne)

A delightful spot for all ages, offering pottery painting, decoupage, and mosaic-making activities. Ideal for families or anyone looking to unleash their creativity indoors. Booking is recommended to secure a table .

Craft Workshops

The Peak District hosts various craft workshops, including felt making, silversmithing, and more. These are often listed on local event pages or hosted by craft centres. It’s advisable to check community boards or local listings for current offerings.

Photography Workshops

Capture the beauty of the Peak District with photography workshops that often utilize indoor or covered locations. These sessions are typically available year-round and cater to various skill levels.

Art Galleries

While The Green Man Gallery in Buxton has closed, the region still boasts several art galleries showcasing local artists. Exploring these spaces offers insight into the area’s vibrant art scene.


đź§— Physical Indoor Activities

Awesome Walls (Sheffield)

Located in Sheffield, this climbing centre offers a range of indoor climbing experiences suitable for all levels. It’s a great way to stay active indoors, especially on rainy days .

The Foundry Climbing Centre (Sheffield)

Another excellent indoor climbing facility in Sheffield, The Foundry provides various climbing routes and training options for enthusiasts of all abilities .

Swimming Pools

  • Buxton Swimming and Fitness Centre: Features a 25-meter pool suitable for casual swimming and lessons .
  • Bakewell Swimming Pool and Gym: Offers a 20-meter pool ideal for general swimming and aquatic activities .
  • Arc Leisure Centre (Matlock): Equipped with a 25-meter main pool and a teaching pool, catering to both fitness swimmers and families .

Yoga / Fitness Drop-in Classes

Various village halls and leisure centres across the Peak District offer drop-in yoga and fitness classes. These sessions are typically open to non-members and provide a great way to stay active indoors.

Indoor Archery or Martial Arts

Local clubs often welcome visitors to try indoor archery or martial arts classes. It’s recommended to check with individual clubs for visitor policies and session times.


🛍️ Shopping & Browsing

Peak Village (Rowsley)

A covered outlet shopping centre featuring a mix of national brands and local independent shops. It’s a pleasant spot for a leisurely shopping experience, regardless of the weather .

Chatsworth Farm Shop & Café

Located on the Chatsworth Estate, this farm shop offers a variety of local produce, meats, and baked goods. The adjoining café serves seasonal dishes, making it a delightful stop for food enthusiasts .

Matlock Antiques & Collectables Centre

Spread over three floors, this centre houses a vast array of antiques and collectibles. It’s a treasure trove for collectors and those interested in vintage items .

Bakewell Monday Market

Held every Monday from 9 am to 4 pm, this traditional market features a wide range of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to crafts. Some areas are covered, providing shelter on rainy days .

Fox Valley (Stocksbridge)

Located just outside the Peak District, Fox Valley offers a variety of shops and eateries in a covered setting. It’s a convenient option for those looking to shop in a sheltered environment .


📚 Quiet Solo Indoor Time

Scarthin Books (Cromford)

A renowned independent bookshop spread over multiple floors, offering a vast selection of new and second-hand books. The on-site vegetarian café provides a cozy spot to read and relax .

Buxton Library

Located in the heart of Buxton, this library offers a quiet space for reading and research. It’s a welcoming environment for those seeking a peaceful indoor activity .

Chesterfield Library

A well-equipped library offering a range of books and resources. It’s an ideal place for visitors looking to spend some quiet time indoors.

Coffee Shops with Atmosphere

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  • Koo (Buxton) – A locally loved cafĂ© with a warm, modern feel. Great for solo visitors with a book, or just for watching the world go by with a cappuccino. Often has cakes and light bites too.
  • The Smithy CafĂ© (Monyash) – A converted smithy with stone walls and wood burners. It’s especially inviting on a cold day, and a solid stop after visiting nearby attractions.
  • The Chakra Lounge (Buxton) – Quirky, colourful, and focused on fusion food with Indian-inspired dishes and drinks. Has a relaxed and inclusive vibe that appeals to younger crowds and creatives.

đź’ˇ Bonus Tips for Indoor Explorers

If you’re in the Peak District during colder months, check for:

  • Local art fairs and craft shows often held in village halls and town centres.
  • Seasonal theatre performances, especially at Buxton Opera House or Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield.
  • Workshops and tasting events, frequently run by distilleries, farms, or cookery schools – check Airbnb Experiences or local noticeboards for listings.
  • Community cinema nights or quiz evenings in local pubs – great if you want to meet locals and get off the beaten tourist track.