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Family days out at Ilam Park and the White Peak

Published:
27 February 2023
Visitors taking in the view of Thorpe Cloud at Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak, Derbyshire
Visitors taking in the view of Thorpe Cloud at Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

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.

Summer of Play at Ilam Park

Have lots of fun at Ilam Park this summer, where we’re celebrating our biggest Summer of Play yet! From 18 July to 6 September, families will be spoilt for choice with events for all ages. Join us to explore the Ribbon Maze, play in the Mud Kitchen and even try your hand at dance classes or a dog show. You can enjoy an ice cream sat in the picturesque Italian Gardens or relax at a shady picnic spot in our accessible parkland.

Ready, steady, go!
Child playing with building block summer of play Ilam park
Spend your summer outdoors | © National Trust

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. 
 

A lamb and ewe in the foreground with people walking up a hill in the White Peak area of the Peak District
A lamb and ewe in the White Peak area of the Peak District | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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

  1. Spot fossils in the stone steps in Dovedale valley
  2. Cycle the route of the former railway track in the Manifold valley
  3. Spot the old chimney pots in the Italian Garden at Ilam Park
  4. See the 'money trees' beside the path in Dovedale
  5. See Viator’s Bridge at Milldale - an ancient packhorse bridge
  6. Listen to the water bubbling in the boil holes in Ilam Park
  7. Explore caves in Dovedale valley
  8. Walk across the ridge and furrow in Ilam Park
  9. Look out for wildlife in and around the National Nature Reserve at Dovedale
  10. 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? 

A dipper, which has chocolate-brown feathers on its back and a white breast, is perched on a lichen covered rock beside rippling water.
A dipper perched on a rock at the water's edge | © National Trust Images/Richard Bradshaw

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