Things to to in the Peak District this half term

Things to do in the Peak District this half term

February half term is here and it’s a full house at Wheeldon Trees Cottages in the Peak District National Park. So, what’s on offer for families visiting us?

Solomon’s Temple

Solomon’s Temple, also known as Grin Low Tower, is a Victorian fortified hill marker at the summit of Grin Low Hill near Buxton. At 439 metres above sea-level, the views from the top of this modest tower are not-to-be-missed. On a clear day it’s possible to see Mam Tor in Castleton and Kinder Scout – the highest point in the Peak District!

The two-storey tower structure is 6.1 metres tall and was built in 1896 to replace an earlier structure constructed by Solomon Mycock. The structure stands on top of an ancient Bronze Age burial ground. During its construction, an archaeological dig here revealed several Bronze Age skeletons, along with later Roman items.

In the Victorian era, the tower became popular with visitors who had travelled to ‘take’ the natural spring water in Buxton. Many people would combine a visit to the thriving spa town with a brisk walk up the hillside to enjoy the fresh air.

The tower is easily accessible from Buxton Country Park and is close to the centre of Buxton town. It’s just under a forty-minute walk from Buxton Railway Station. There are also various woodland trail footpaths leading from Poole’s Cavern Visitor centre to the summit of Grin Low and Solomon’s Temple viewpoint.

Peak District Abseiling

For those more adventurous, you can abseil from the Millersdale Viaduct. It’s just a short car journey from Wheeldon Trees Cottages.

Imagine an old railway bridge with pillars and arches, spanning a narrow gorge. Even better one of the arches is over a swift-moving river. Welcome to Millers Dale Bridge! Millers Dale Bridge provides the most spectacular Peak District abseil site.

To find out more visit their website.

Inflatable Fun Time

Weather not brilliant? From 20 to 25 February 2022 (except Tuesday) inflatable fun time comes to the Pavilion Gardens in St John’s Road, Buxton. It’s in the Octagon Hall from 9.30am-11.30am, 12noon-2pm and 2.30pm-4.30pm.

Ice cream at Tagg Lane Dairy

Just a couple of miles from Wheeldon Trees Cottages is Tagg Lane Dairy. With an ice cream and coffee bar, their award-winning Jersey gelato is made using the milk and cream from their own Jersey herd. And, it’s all made freshly onsite.  They always have new and exciting flavours to sample as well as some of their well-known classics. Alongside ice cream there are freshly made Belgian waffles, ice cream sundaes and American style milkshakes.

The café offers a variety of gourmet coffees from espressos to cafe lattes and mochas. You’ll notice a difference in quality and taste which is hugely down to the freshness of their own creamy Jersey milk.

Choose your favourite flavour in advance here.

Lunch at the High Peak Book Store and Café

High Peak Bookstore & Café is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few hours. Browse an extensive and eclectic selection of books, choosing a card or gift and enjoying homemade food with locally roasted coffee. We love their soup and sandwich combo and the cakes on offer are amazing.

Find out more.

Click here to view availability at Wheeldon Trees Cottages in 2022.