Heights of Abraham

The cable car ride up is half the appeal. You're whisked 400 feet above the River Derwent in what feels like a genuinely old-school experience - the kind of thing that would never get planning permission today, but somehow that makes it better. Once at the top, you're standing on a proper limestone plateau with views across the Derbyshire Peak that stretch for miles on a clear day.

There are two show caves to explore if you're into that sort of thing - Masson Cave and Abraham's Lee - though honestly, the views matter more than the caves themselves. The plateau itself is worth an hour's wandering, with decent paths and enough space that you won't feel crowded even during school holidays.

It's genuinely worth the trip if you're based at one of the nearby parks around Matlock. Packhorse Farm and Lickpenny sit just 2-3 miles away, making this a straightforward morning or afternoon outing. Families with kids under eight might find it a bit thin on activities beyond the ride itself and a quick walk around. Older children and walkers will get more out of it, particularly if you combine it with a descent on foot through Matlock town and a wander along the riverside paths below.

Go on a weekday if possible - weekends bring crowds. The cable car does shut in poor weather, so check before you head up from town. Allow two to three hours total, including the ride up and time to actually look at the view rather than just photograph it.