Ilam Park

Ilam Park sits on the bank of the River Manifold beneath steep-sided hills on the southern edge of the Peak District, the National Trust's base for Dovedale and the wider White Peak. The Gothic Revival Ilam Hall, now 200 years old, is a YHA hostel rather than a visitor attraction, but its formal Italian Garden looks across to Thorpe Cloud and Bunster Hill, and Paradise Walk follows the river where the Manifold vanishes underground before resurfacing at the boil holes. A trail leads from here to the Dovedale stepping stones, and the Hidden Play Garden gives children stepping stones, balance beams and a stick den of their own. Dogs on leads are welcome outdoors and in the stableyard's second-hand bookshop. Reviewers praise the friendly staff, the Manifold Tea-room and the electric vehicle chargers. Tips from regulars: bring your membership card to scan at the machines for free parking, and as the Dovedale car park fills quickly on weekends, Ilam Park is the calmer place to leave a car.