Blue John Cavern, Monsal Head Viaduct, and Matlock

Your first stop today is Castleton's Blue John Cavern, home to eight of the fourteen known varieties of dazzling Blue John stone. Enter through the gift shop and you'll see the jewellery set in sterling silver and 9-carat gold, as well as bowls, candlesticks and other ornaments. The real show starts when you descend into the cavern, however. Take a guided 45-minute tour to see the veins of Blue John streaked through the limestone, in a series of magnificent natural water-worn caverns containing ancient stalactites and stalagmites. From the mutli-coloured Waterfall Cavern to Lord Mulgrave's Dining Room where miners were entertained, the natural displays are awe-inspiring. Tours take place at short regular intervals.

Walk into any Peak District gift shop and you'll likely see this viaduct staring back at you from a postcard. Opened in 1863, the Headstone Viaduct was used for 100 years before it became a cycle path and footpath for the public to enjoy. From the viewpoint, follow the trail beneath the viaduct and back up the other side of the river for more sweeping panoramas. You could also walk through Monsal Tunnel, the old and restored railway tunnel that's well lit during the day.
There's a pay and display car park you can use for an hour.

Continue your journey to Matlock, and park here for a few hours.

Before you explore any further, stop for lunch at Remarkable Hare. The atmosphere lives up to that of any typically buzzing English country pub, and the food will not disappoint either. Expect fully loaded pies, large stonebaked pizzas, fillet steaks, and eve Greek gyros. There's a good wine list too – for those of you without driving duties to perform.

Double back through the car park and cross the small bridge. You'll spot the riverside park on your left, however before you amble through turn right and walk towards the small dock. There are 10 motorboats for hire here – plus a miniature locomotive E-train known as ‘Little David’, which runs up and down a 200ft track alongside the River Derwent, and is a big hit with little ones. Take your pick and spend the next three quarters of an hour exploring Matlock from a different perspective!
Open 10.30am–4.30pm through spring and summer.

Head back towards the landscaped green space you spotted earlier. Hall Leys Park is the beating heart of Matlock and whether you're here with family, your partner or friends, a stroll around this riverside park filled with pretty flower displays is well worth half an hour of your time. On some days a brass band performs here in the afternoon.

Wander over the bridge and back to the car park – there's just one more point of interest on the hit list before you turn off the ignition for the night.

Just a 10-minute drive away is Lumsdale Waterfall, a central feature of Lumsdale Valley, which with all its mills and water management features, forms one of the best examples in Britain of a water-powered industrial archaeological site. The waterfall is surrounded by woodland that you'll walk through from a nearby school where there's parking. Climb down to the bottom of the waterfall and – if you've brought your wellies – you can cross the water to explore two caves on the other side.

Time to check into your accommodation for the night. Originally built in 1740, Sheriff Lodge is an upmarket B&B just a short walk from the centre of Matlock. All five en-suite rooms are beautifully decorated, with power showers, a cute and thoughtful 'Things You May Have Forgotten' box, and marvellous views over the Derwent Valley and Riber Castle, High Tor and Pic Tor. 'The Nest' even comes with a four poster bed.
Rooms book weeks ahead so you'll need to reserve weeks in advance. Note, Sheriff Lodge is an adults-only accoommodation.

Call in at the Tipsy Toad for an aperitif on your way to dinner. There's a decent cocktail menu and wine list, as well as the usual draft beers and cask ales. It might be a bit noisy if live sport is being shown – but if that's the atmosphere you're looking for then this is the place to find it.

If you don't book ahead for a table at Stones, you'll be very lucky to get in. This Michelin-recommended restaurant is as eclectic and stylish as they come, serving superb and impeccably presented modern British cuisine. The menus change seasonally to reflect the very best in local produce, and wine is also rotated to match the food. For dinner, you can look forward to Roasted Rump Cap of Beef, Poached Fillet of Hake, Mint Marinated Rump of Lamb, and Roasted Loin of Venison. Alternatively, go for the vegetarian tasting menu which includes Salt Baked Kohlrabi, Pea Risotto, and Macaroni Cheese Croquette.
The dining room has plenty of ambience no matter the occasion, however if you want the view then request a table in the riverside conservatory, which overlooks the River Derwent.

After a long dinner and maybe another cocktail for the road, stroll back to the B&B for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow brings more thrilling activities.