Bank House Farm Campsite is repeatedly recommended as one of the best Peak District campsites for families by members in the Peak District Kids Facebook Group. So much so, that the Peak Disrtict Kids team thought we should go and camp there ourselves for a weekend in our Mazda Bongo camper!
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With a sparkly-clean washblock, paddling in the River Manifold on site, campfires, a pub across the road, and stunning views, Bank House Farm Campsite ticks a lot of boxes. Plus, the start of the Manifold Way, a (mostly) traffic-free Peak District cycle route, is just a few hundred metres away and great for kids!
There is no playground, but with a dedicated open play field for kids (and dogs), hills to roll down, and the stream to paddle in, there’s enough to keep kids busy in nature. Plus, it’s always a bonus when sites allow campfires as kids love them – from building the fire, tending to it, and (of course) roasting marshmallows! Firepits need to be off the ground (we use this foldable firepit, which is AMAZING). There are also a limited number of firepits to hire onsite.
The camping areas
There are three camping areas at Bank House Farm Campsite.
Main area
The main area is where you book in at reception and where there are EHU pitches are all marked out. There are nine hard standing pitches and a further 28 grass pitches all with 16 amp hook up. The toilet and shower block is also located.
The pitches here are rather compact. But if you need EHU, we recommend getting a pitch that backs onto the river.
Top Field
This is where we camped in our Mazda Bongo. This is a freestyle camping area with no EHU. The views here are stunning, but it can be tricky to find a flat section during busy times. You may want to bring your chocks if camping in this field (although we coped fine without). It’s a short walk to the washblock at the bottom of the hill.
Meadow Field
The Meadow field is just over the bridge on the other side of the road, closer to the start of the Manifold Way. You can also pitch freestyle here and there is the River Manifold gently meandering through. There are fresh water taps in this field but no toilet or shower facilities; you need to make the 5-minute stroll back across to the main site near the reception area.
The facilities
The washblock facilities at Bank House Farm Campsite are some of the best we’ve ever seen. They are super clean, the showers are good, and even during busy times, you don’t need to queue. There’s even a large family shower room and toilet with baby change area.
There’s also a pot wash area, and a washing machine and tumble drier.
The reception has a little tuck shop selling snacks, and this is also the place to hire firepits and purchase your campfire logs.
A large open field on the far end of the Main Area is an area dedicated to dog walkers and for kids to run wild.
On Saturdays at 7pm, a Fish ‘n’ chip van sets up by the open playing field. The queues were long when we visited, so get in there quick!
Things to do nearby
Cycling
Bring your bikes as the start of the Manifold Way in Hulme End is just a few hundred metres away (although bike hire is available here – click here for opening times). Take a right out of the main campsite entrance, go over the bridge and through the village, the start of the trail is then on your left. This is a (mostly) traffic-free Peak District cycle path that’s great for young kids.
Click here to read all about cycling the Manifold Way.
Family walks
Nearby walks include:
- Thor’s Cave (circular, 5.5km)
- Hartington to Beresford Dale Caves (circular, 4.3km)
- Longnor (circular, 3.3km)
- Wetton Mill (pram friendly, circular, 4.4km)
Click here to check out more family walks in the Peak District.
The pub
There’s also the Manifold Inn, straight across the road from the main campsite entrance. There’s a kids menu, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. Pre-book a table for busy times.
Days out
Click here to see our full list of days out in the Peak District. Bank House Farm Campsite is centrally located in the White Peak area of the Peak District National Park, and so many attractions aren’t too far a drive away, including Chatsworth Estate, Heights of Abraham, Peak Wildlife Park, and Crich Tramway Village.
Final thoughts on Bank House Farm Campsite
This really is a stunning campsite, and we totally understand why so many families love it. If you’re able to go without power, we do recommend trying to get a spot in the Top Field as the views are incredible. However, if you need EHU, we recommend getting a pitch that backs onto the stream; it’s great for kids to paddle in and lovely falling asleep and waking up to the sound of trickling water.
And make sure you bring the bikes as the nearby Manifold Way is great for a family bike ride, and is much quieter than the popular Monsal Trail.
How to book Bank House Farm Campsite
Click here to book online.
You may also like to read:
Best family campsites in the Peak District
Thor’s Cave and the Manifold Way
Cycling the Manifold Way: everything you need to know