100.3 the peak

The Peak District is the worlds second most visited national park after the Mount Fuji national park in Japan. So as you'd expect you'll find breathtaking scenery and lots of fun things to do for the family. Having said that, simply driving around the Peak District will take your breath away. Take a look at these activities for a fun day out.

1. Alton Towers - One of the worlds most visited theme parks! I'm sure Alton Towers needs no explanation to you especially if you have kids. If you're in the Peak District and you've never been then you really should. Alton Towers has 7 roller coasters and 5 water rides and are known as innovators in the field of thrills and spills. You can play Golf and stay in hotels in the grounds. Alton Towers is centred around a country manor of the same name which contains an awesome ride complete with 3D cinema.

2. Buxton - The beautiful spa town of Buxton is truly one of the most attractive towns in the country. Buxton has 2 golf courses, lovely restaurants and 2 speedway tracks. You can drink the spa water straight from spouts located around the town and people queue up to fill their bottles. There is also an opera house and Saint Anne's Well.

3. Chatsworth House - Chatsworth House is a splendid country residence in the heart of the Peak District and attracts visitors from around the world. There is over 100 miles of free walks, art collections and immense grounds for family picnics. Chatsworth House is very welcoming and car friendly and has been one of Derbyshires main attractions for many years.

4. Gullivers Kingdom - This is for the young family with many attractions aimed at children between the ages of 3 - 13. Rides include; Switchback Rollercoaster, Elephant Ride, Flight of Fantasy, Chairlift, Gulliver's Magical Journeys, Log Coaster, Monorail, Log Flume, Ferris Wheel, Double-Decker Carousel, Pirate Ship, Jumping Star and Fire Brigade.

5. The Heights Of Abraham - You reach the Heights of Abraham via cable cars taking you on a ride above the beautiful Peak District so enjoy the scenery. Once you're at the summit you can enjoy two underground cavern tours, shops, restaurants, picnic areas and hill top bars. This grand and unique family attraction is gaining in popularity due to it being so different so if you a little adventurous, you may like to give it a look.

Whether you are a fair weathered cyclist or a hardcore pedal powered mountain biker or just an avid spectator of cycling, you will certainly be spoilt for choice during the Month of June, as it is certainly a busy month on two wheels in the Derbyshire Peak District.

During this month the annual National Bike Week will take place from the 18th to 26th of June, it is aimed at getting as many people out of their motor car as possible and onto two wheels using pedal power. So you will find many events around the Peak District and throughout the rest of the Country during this summer in the UK.

Now with more and more people heading to the Peak District with their two-wheeled trusty steed it's no wonder it's quickly becoming one of the UK's most popular National Parks as a rural cycling destination. With its wealth of varied terrain to suit all types of cycling, ability and fitness level, it features dedicated leisure cycle path's for families and children, as well as small roads for more rural road riding on tarmac, then there is a mix of off-road routes including gnarly single track, forest fire trails and great downhill runs for those who like to ride off road in the fast lane.

On the 19th sees the annual "Peak District 100", the charity cycle event has been organised in conjunction with "Action Medical Research" a children's charity, so its all for a good cause. Competitors will aim to complete either a 100 kilometres or a 100 mile route depending on their ability or experience. The race starts from the town of Dore at the Sports Pavilion it will be a test of the rider's fitness and off road cycling skills.

Also kicking off from the 19th and much more leisurely is the seasonal "Cycling Sundays" which are back for the summer once more and are aimed at all people, of all ages and all ages & abilities. They mostly start from "Bakewell's Agricultural Business Centre" and even offer other services, help and cycle advice for all. Highlights from Cycling Sundays local cycle guru's are; cycling confidence training, cycling skills sessions for teenagers and families, "The Knowledge" - National Standard cycling advice & tips to help you feel safe on the your bike on the road, as well as the well liked short guided cycle rides along the local trails and quiet roads.

On the final Sunday of the month see's one of the longest running cycle events in the Peak District which is the "Polaris Challenge". The Polaris Challenge event spans over two days, which combines mountain biking with navigation (mountain bike orienteering). The event is open to both solo riders and teams who have to ride and navigate across the rugged landscape between allotted checkpoints. The Polaris event always attracts large audiences and competitor number in this beautiful countryside location.