English Heritage castles and an engine museum
Head an hour north east to the English Heritage Bolsover Castle, which sits on a hilltop overlooking the Vale of Scarsdale. There's a 'little castle' to entertain children, an interesting audio-visual displays in the Discovery Centre. Explore the indoor riding house, where William, Duke of Newcastle trained horses in balletic movement, or the Venus Gardens, with its love seats, statues and fountains.
Again, about an hour north from Blore Hall (and another English Heritage property), Peveril Castle perches above the village of Castleton, with spectacular views. Founded soon after 1066, it was important in guarding the Peak Forest (a royal hunting preserve since the 11th century), as told by displays in the visitor centre.
Alternatively, skirt north along the west side of the Peak District to the fascinating Anson Engine Museum in Poynton. After undergoing some major changes, it's now one of the UK's best specialist museums.