Chatsworth House One of England’s finest country houses is just five minutes away by car. The grounds are magnificent, the interior perfect for a rainy day, and the play area one of the best designed for children anywhere. The Farm Shop deserves its reputation for fine local produce. Haddon Hall One of the most romantic settings in England and more recently famous as the home of Mr. Rochester in BBC’s Jane Eyre. Catch the delphiniums in bloom and you’ll never forget it. Alton Towers Forty minutes away. Need we say more? Lathkill Dale It’s hard to single out any area to walk in when there is so much to chose from. This nature reserve is in a very mellow place. A succession of weirs make it one of our favourites Monsal Head The Viaduct once hated by Ruskin crosses this beautiful valley. A great picnic spot and one of the best pubs in the area. Have a pint of Timothy Taylors here. Bakewell. Home to the Bakewell pudding, restaurants, a public swimming pool, golf course and an increasing number of good shops. It takes just 20 minutes to walk here from the cottage, most of the journey along meandering river. Buxton Opera House Fifteen minutes by car, this gem massively increases our quality of life. The Literary Festival is two weeks of stimulating talks and one of the best in the country. Opera, plays and comedy are on our doorstep, plus films in the basement of the Old Hall Hotel. Fly fishing Day tickets are available at the Peacock in Rowsley where the Wye meets the Derwent. The river contains brown and rainbow trout and this beat is seven miles long. Cycling The area offers endless fantastic rides both off-road and on-road.  Rock climbing The Peak District attracts climbers from far and wide.