Car-free days out with discounts: Top attractions to explore by bus
We’re delighted that so many of our attractions are now offering discounts and incentives for visitors arriving by bus.
In conjunction with Derbyshire County Council, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire has teamed up with Good Journey to encourage and enable more people to visit attractions all over Derbyshire by bus, train, bike and foot.
The Good Journey website is the go-to for guidance on how to get around the UK without a car – providing visitors from both the home and overseas markets with super-easy travel information and transport solutions to help them plan journeys and access all that’s on offer around the country.
We delighted that so many of our attractions are now signed up, offering discounts and incentives for visitors arriving on public transport.
Travelling by bus is safe, simple and sustainable. It’s far better for the environment than using your car, and with fares capped at £2 until the end of the year, its far better for your bank balance too.
Take a look at the many attractions offering bus travellers discounts this summer.
Visit Chatsworth and get a free guide book when you visit the house & gardens.
Chatsworth is an opulent estate in Derbyshire, the ancestral home of the Duke of Devonshire. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, magnificent gardens, and extensive art collection.
Buses run direct to Chatsworth from Sheffield and Chesterfield. There are also local buses to Chatsworth from Matlock and other towns including the PeakSightseer open top tourist bus.
Visit the Heights of Abraham and receive a 20% discount on entry
Take the cable car to the summit and discover caverns, a playground, exhibitions and a hilltop restaurant to enjoy the view of Matlock Bath below.
It’s easy to reach Heights of Abraham by bus. There are frequent direct buses from Derby, Ashbourne, Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton. It’s just a couple of minutes riverside walk from the train or bus stops to the Cable Car.
Explore the Crich Tramway Museum and receive a 10% discount on entry
Crich Tramway Village is home to the National Tramway Museum. Discover one of Derbyshire's great family days out and step back in time. Vintage trams run along a period street, climbing a mile and a half of track, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Buses stop outside from Matlock (30 mins), Belper (25 mins) and other local towns.
Enjoy a day out at The Children’s Country House at Sudbury and claim a free hot drink
A heritage experience designed by children for children. Originally home to the Vernon family, visitors can come and explore the Hall, Museum of Childhood, and the Gardens, as well as partake in tasty refreshments in the Fairytale Forest Café.
Travel by bus from: Burton-on-Trent, Tutbury and Uttoxeter. Hop off at Garden Cottages and walk through the side entrance over the grass or hop off at Vernon Arms and walk 5 minutes along Main Road to the main entrance.
Visit Kedleston Hall and enjoy a free hot drink
An extravagant temple to the arts designed by the architect Robert Adam, the house has opulent interiors intended to impress and is surrounded by historic parkland to explore.
Buses from Derby and Ashbourne stop at the hall on Summer Saturdays, and at the Smithy/Mercaston Lane bus stop.
Visit Matlock Farm Park and receive a 10% discount on your entry
A great family day out, Matlock Farm Park is the ideal place to visit to enjoy the fresh air, combined with interactive animal and playtime fun for all! With animals from Highland Cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys to wallabies, meerkats, alpacas and llamas, there are plenty of friendly residents to meet, pet and feed.
Buses stop a 5-minute walk away from Matlock Farm Park with buses from Chesterfield and Sheffield.
Take a tour at White Peak Distillery and claim a free hot drink
White Peak Distillery’s home is situated at the former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. White Peak make award-winning spirits, Wire Works Whisky, Shining Cliff Gin & White Peak Rum. Join them for a tour and meet the people, taste the spirits, and soak up their unique sense of place on an award-winning distillery tour.
Buses stop directly outside on Matlock Road (Oak Hurst bus stop). Buses from Bakewell, Belper, Buxton, Derby, Duffield and Matlock.
Arrive at Cromford Mills by bus and receive a 10% discount in the café
Built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright, it is the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill and a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution. Cromford Mills is part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Take the tour to discover the captivating story of how the Derwent Valley changed the world in the 18th Century with the growth of the British cotton industry.
Buses from Matlock stop at the Market Place bus stop located on Cromford Hill. From here take a 5-minute walk to Cromford Mill. Buses stop round-the-corner from: Bakewell, Belper, Buxton, Chesterfield, Derby and other towns.
Enjoy a family day out at Gulliver’s Kingdom and claim up to 35% off entry
Discover thrilling rides and amazing attractions, Gulliver's Kingdom is perfect for young families. Enjoy adrenaline-fueled adventures with spectacular views thanks to the impressive hillside setting. Climb high above the Crow’s Nest Quest or take a ride on the log flume, 300ft above the Derwent Valley below!
Buses stop a 5-minute walk away from Gulliver’s Kingdom. Travel by bus from: Bakewell, Belper, Buxton , Chesterfield, Derby and other towns.
Explore underground at Pooles Cavern and receive a 25% discount on entry
Take an underground adventure in these limestone caves, before resurfacing in protected woodlands. The caverns also host seasonal events, and a high ropes course.
The Transpeak bus runs between Derby and Matlock via Buxton Market Place.
Spend the day at Bolsover Castle and receive a 20% discount on entry
Bolsover Castle was the fantasy hilltop pleasure palace of a horse-mad Cavalier playboy. Discover lavishly decorated rooms, the astonishing riding school and the wonderfully recreated garden. Families can enjoy an interactive exhibition in the stables, and kids can let their imaginations run wild in the castle-themed play area next to the café.
It’s easy to reach Bolsover by bus from Chesterfield, Mansfield, Sheffield. If you’re not able to access a traditional bus service you can travel by bus to Bolsover Castle on the Travel Derbyshire on Demand Service which is a new flexible public transport service for everyone in the areas of Bolsover District, Chesterfield Borough and North-East Derbyshire District.
Go Potty at Sharpe's Pottery Museum and save 5% in the gift shop
Sharpe’s Pottery Museum is nestled in the market town of Swadlincote at the heart of The National Forest. Explore the iconic grade II listed Bottle Kiln and discover stories of the Sharpe’s family toilet invention. The museum is free to enter and has exhibits on traditional pottery techniques, local heritage, and the impact of ceramics on the community.
Save £2 per person at Great British Car Journey
Visiting the Great British Car Journey offers a unique experience to explore the evolution of British motoring through a collection of over 130 classic cars, from iconic models to forgotten gems. The interactive exhibits and engaging audio guides provide fascinating insights into the history of British automotive design and engineering, making it a must-visit destination for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
For more details on all Derbyshire attractions you can visit by bus goodjourney.org.uk/peak-district-and-derbyshire/
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