Blore Hall, Peak District, England

Within easy reach of Blore Hall there are a number of historic properties. Hadden Hall, which has been owned by the Manners family since 1567, is only a 30-minute drive north. This fortified medieval manor house dates from the 12th century and is surrounded by terraced Elizabethan gardens. It has featured in many films and TV programmes, including Pride and Prejudice and the BBC's Jane Eyre.

Nearby Chatsworth House (just 15 minutes from Haddon Hall) is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It's one of Britain's best-loved historic estates, with famous works of art, a working farmyard and beautiful fountains. And just west of Hadden Hall and Chatsworth, the town of Buxton is well worth a visit. Take a look at the spa and enjoy a dramatic performance at the Buxton Opera House.

Heading 20 minutes south of Blore Hall, the National Trust's Sudbury Hall is an intriguing house with a museum, gardens, meadows and a tree-fringed lake. It's a mixture of architectural styles, with a collection of Vernon family portraits and a splendid carved staircase.

For something completely different but certain to entertain the younger family members, Alton Towers is under 10 miles away from Blore Hall. This popular theme park occupies what was originally the estate of the Earls of Shrewsbury, and it's still possible to see the ruins of the old mansion.

English Heritage castles and an engine museum

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.

The High Peak Trail, for both walkers and cyclists

The High Peak Trail, for both walkers and cyclists

The Middleton Top Visitors' Centre and Cycle Hire Centre is only 13 miles east of Blore Hall. Located, unsurprisingly, at the top of a hill, the site has wonderful views as well as a gift shop, picnic area and toilets. The centre is home to the restored steam engine house that was built in 1829 to haul wagons up the Middleton incline.

The 17-mile High Peak Trail follows the route of the Cromford and High Peak Railway, which was built in the 1830s and closed in the late 1960s. With one end at the High Peak Junction on the Cromford Canal, the trail (for both cyclists and walkers) is now the first stage of the Pennine Bridleway.