Family days out at Ilam Park and the White Peak
- Published:
- 27 February 2023
Ilam Park and the White Peak is a great place for families and dog walkers. There are plenty of gentle riverside walks, as well as opportunities for picnics, adventures and exploring. You can relax in our deckchairs and enjoy the far-reaching views across the Italian Gardens towards Dovedale or take part in any of our seasonal activities. Take a look at what you and your family can do this season in this special place.
Autumn adventures at Ilam Park this October half term
From wonderful walks to enjoy the spectacle of autumn colour and crunching through fallen leaves to exploring enchanted Ilam at Halloween with our trails and spooky activities this half term, there's lots to keep the family entertained in the school holidays.
Find out more below or visit our events page to discover a range of autumnal themed events and guided walks.
Magical Creatures Trail. 26 October – 3 November 10.30am – 2.30pm
Venture to spooky Ilam Park, discover magic around every corner and create your own mythical magical creature! Find out more.
Kids Broom Making Workshop. 28 Oct 10:30 – 11:30am
A magical Halloween workshop, where you’ll learn the secrets of broom making. Create your very own broomstick to fly through the night sky and cast spells. Find out more and book
Spooky Lantern Walk (recommended for ages 5-10). 31 October 2 – 3.30pm
Make a magic lantern, then use it to light your way as you explore spooky Ilam Park on a storytelling journey. The walk finishes with seasonal snacks and a hot chocolate back at the stableyard. Find out more and book.
Spooky Nature Walk ( recommended for ages 10-15) 31 October 4 – 5.30pm
Get ready for a frightfully fun adventure! Join us for a spooky nature walk where we'll explore the parkland by twilight, listen to scary stories, and search for creepy crawlies and fabulous fungi. Find out more and book.
50 things to do before you’re 113/4
From playing pooh sticks to den building and fossil hunting, there are plenty of opportunities to complete some of your 50 things at Ilam Park and Dovedale. Find out more here.
Find the perfect place for a picnic
It might be a bit chilly this time of year, but the park can still be a great place to eat outdoors with plenty of picturesque places to choose from. The popular Manifold Tea-room offers plenty of choice for hungry and thirsty explorers too.
Ten top tips for things to do with the family in the White Peak
- Spot fossils in the stone steps in Dovedale valley
- Cycle the route of the former railway track in the Manifold valley
- Spot the old chimney pots in the Italian Garden at Ilam Park
- See the 'money trees' beside the path in Dovedale
- See Viator’s Bridge at Milldale - an ancient packhorse bridge
- Listen to the water bubbling in the boil holes in Ilam Park
- Explore caves in Dovedale valley
- Walk across the ridge and furrow in Ilam Park
- Look out for wildlife in and around the National Nature Reserve at Dovedale
- Find a far reaching view from the top of Thorpe Cloud or the other peaks in the White Peaks
Wonderful Wildlife
Take the time to notice all the wonderful ways of wildlife when you explore Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak. Tune in your senses to reconnect with nature that is all around you - crouch down and take a closer look at the bugs on the ground or stand close to a tree and listen to all the different birdsongs in the tree canopy above you. Will you spot dippers diving across the river, buzzards soaring high above or yellow wagtails bobbing about?
