Cool places to hang out in the Peak District and Derbyshire on a hot day

Two underground caverns at the Heights of Abraham are naturally refrigeration to between 6 and 7 degrees C, making them perfect for visitors to cool down in on a hot summer's day.

placeholder image — Two underground caverns at the Heights of Abraham are naturally refrigeration to between 6 and 7 degrees C, making them perfect for visitors to cool down in on a hot summer's day.

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Are you baking in Bakewell, melting in Matlock, dripping in Dronfield or clammy in Clay Cross? Escape the heat of the town and head for the coolest locations in Derbyshire.

Caves, lakes, canals, rivers and woodlands are abundant in our beautiful county, offering perfect places to chill out or shelter from the sun’s rays.

Visitors to the award-winning Heights of Abraham in Matlock Bath are heading underground to cool off in the two underground caverns which are naturally refrigerated with a constant temperature of between 6 to 7 degrees C.

Of the two caverns offering guided tours, the Great Rutland Cavern is the coolest at 6 degrees due to the mine shaft, which acts like a chimney, causing any warmer air to rise up and out of the enclosed space. For those who like their cave tours a little warmer, the Great Masson Cavern provides a welcome chill-factor at 6 to 7 degrees.

Try your hand at watersports at Carsington Water.

Here are five ways to cool down if you’re planning to visit the Heights of Abraham this week:

1. Head underground - both caverns are a constant 5 - 7 degrees Celsius 2. Feel the breeze – the windows in the cable cars are open to enjoy the Derbyshire air as it flows through the valley 3. Cool off with an ice cream – enjoy a delicious Matlock Meadows ice cream 4. Stroll in the shade - the shaded serpentine paths that weave around the 60-acre estate are a great place for relief from the heat 5. Enjoy the view – take a seat under the huge shaded Blue Terrace, paired with an iced coffee and a slice of cake.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.heightsofabraham.com

Carsington Water is one of the largest reservoirs in England and offers attractions and activities for all the family.

Families visiting Chatsworth parkland can chill out beside the River Derwent, which flows through the heart of the estate.

Watersports such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding are available as is boat hire for fly fishing.

Three walking routes, a large children’s playground, wildlife discovery areas, and the free Wonderful World of Water exhibition will keep families amused for hours. Next to the visitors centre you’ll find a range of shops including RSPB, Freddie and Co and Bloomers.

A twitchers’ paradise, Carsington Water offers Beginners Bird Walks on the first Sunday of the month.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.stwater.co.uk/our-visitor-sites/carsington-water/

Cruise down Chesterfield Canal on a narrowboat and you may be lucky enough to see a kingfisher, moorhen, coot or heron.

Take a narrowboat trip down Chesterfield Canal, departing Tapton Lock or Hollingwood Hub. Operated by Chesterfield Canal Trust, these popular trips run regularly between April and October.

Passengers can stock up on food and drink at Hollingwood Hub and at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre.

For the more energetic, a gentle stroll along the 46-mile towpath, which starts at Holbeck Way, off Brimington Road, Chesterfield and ends at West Stockwith in Nottinghamshire, may just be the coolest way of getting your steps in.

To book for the narrowboat trips or for further information, visit https://chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/

Enjoy a woodland walk in the parkland that surrounds Hardwick Hall and the ruins of Hardwick Old Hall (photo: National Trust/Andrew Butler)

Chatsworth has the lovely River Derwent running through the heart of its estate. Families can enjoy picnics by the water, spotting wildlife including red fallow deer and playing by the riverside.

Parking at Chatsworth parkland costs between £7.50 and £10 per vehicle per day, depending on the season. Parking charges apply if you are not buying house or garden tickets.

To book, visit https://www.chatsworth.org

Cool off with a woodland walk at Hardwick Hall, an expansive estate covering 2,500 acres which is managed by the National Trust.

There are well-defined walking trails that wind through ancient trees and abundant flora. Lady Spencer’s Wood is a dedicated area offering shorter, scenic dog walks.

To walk in the woodlands at Hardwick, you will either need to be a National Trust member and scan ytour membership card or purchase a Parkland and Stableyard ticket from the visitor reception, which covers your car parking and access to the estate.

To find other cool destinations in our county, search the Visit Peak District and Derbyshire website at https://visitpeakdistrict.com