We stayed at the fantastic Middlehills Farm in Matlock, and although it is only a small, family-run farm, I cannot rate it enough if you’re looking for a family-friendly campsite in the Peak District.

Middlehills Farm is close to Matlock, giving you access to one of the most beautiful places in the Peak District (we love it there!) as well as within driving distance of some great tourist points, such as being just a 10min drive from Carsington Water.

Middlehills Farm accepts campervans, caravans and tents, and with prices from just £8.50 per night – making it an affordable overnight / weekend / week stay with the family.

The views from the farm were stunning, surrounded by the hills of the Peak District, sheep and cows grazing on the fields, and rolling hills as far as you can see. I’m a sucker for those old stone walls too, and there were plenty of them for me to enjoy!

Aside from the views, I was instantly drawn to the farm thanks to the extremely friendly staff. I was camping solo with a young child, and they instantly made me feel welcome and safe.

The lady at the reception chatted to us, and even helped me when I asked if there was a quieter area to pitch up in, being just myself and Lily – she didn’t have to help, as I was prepared to camp anywhere and I knew they were busy, but her suggestion made such a difference to our stay.

Lily was instantly drawn to two other areas of the farm – the resident pigs, who she had regular conversations with and had to say good morning/goodnight to, and the huge play area.

The play area is a giant wooden climbing frame with swings, bridges, ladders, and even tires to climb over and across. Next to it is a smaller wooden frame for younger children with a slide, and in front of it are several picnic benches for those supervising to relax!

The main camping field is where the play area is, so for those who are pitching their tents up and have slightly older children, it is a great place to let them play while you set up.

We also loved how they had a little shop from a small shipping container on site too. It is only open for a few hours in different timeslots throughout the day, but they have plenty of camping essentials, from cereal through to charcoal, as well as snacks, drinks, and pocket-money toys. We bought a travel Connect-4 game for just £2, which I thought was really reasonable, especially for a campsite.

There is also a separate field that they open out when they are busier with their own toilet facilities too, however we were on a September weekend, so the large field was closed – making it a bit more peaceful for us too.

All year round there is also a 10.30pm noise curfew, something that makes such a difference when camping with small children.

There were plenty of clean toilet and shower facilities on site too, as well as plenty of spots for drinking water and pot washing, with hot water, making such a difference to our stay.

During busy times, they also have a catering van open in the mornings, serving hot drinks and breakfasts – something I’ll definitely take advantage of if it is open next time we head back!

You can rent out one of their camping huts (Jabba the Hut – best name ever!), there as well as other holiday cottages on the site too, and the whole farm gives you access to some beautiful walks. At reception you can also find some guides to places to visit locally if you wanted any more ideas.

I can’t recommend it enough. For just £8.50 we had a beautiful stay in a family-friendly campsite, surrounded by the stunning hills of the Peak District. The staff were lovely, the facilities were clean, and the atmosphere was really lovely, with everyone being really friendly and enjoying their stay.

There’s everything you need on the campsite when travelling with children of all areas, so if you’re looking for a family-friendly campsite in the Peak District, with access to key tourist destinations, look no further than Middlehills Farm.

For more information, visit their website here.

Check out our post on tips for camping with the family here

Looking for screen-free activities for camping trips and beyond? Check it out here…