A quick way to keep the kids happy: Hill Farm family-friendly glamping and campsite

If you’ve ever tried to plan a family getaway and ended up Googling things like “easy camping with kids”, “family glamping Derbyshire”, or “places where children can just run wild safely”… you’re in the right place. This is exactly what Hill Farm is all about — gorgeous open space, proper fresh air, and a place where kids can finally be kids again.

I’m Tara, and I run the day‑to‑day here at Hill Farm. If you’ve ever booked with us, you’ve probably chatted to me on the phone while your toddler climbed the sofa or your teenager shouted that they’re “not bringing a coat”. I get it — family time is chaos and magic all rolled into one, and we’re here to make it easier. 🌿✨

At Hill Farm we’ve always said: you shouldn’t have to pack everything you own, battle complicated rules, or travel hours to give your kids a bit of outdoor freedom. Sometimes the simplest escapes are the most stunning.

What is family-friendly glamping?

Family-friendly glamping is that perfect sweet spot between traditional camping and “I refuse to leave my creature comforts behind”. It’s comfort where you want it, adventure where you crave it, and enough space for kids to play without you constantly checking where they’ve wandered off to.

For us, it looks like:

• Big, beautiful bell tents already set up for you, you can even opt for a belle with a hot tub

• Pods with hot tubs big enough for a family soak under the stars

• Plenty of soft grass, wild patches, and room for imagination

• A safe, relaxed environment with proper facilities (and yes — baby changing and family-sized showers!)

Glamping removes the stress and keeps all the best bits. No tent-faff. No wrestling with poles. No “Mum, do I have to help?” Just turn up, watch the excitement bubble, breathe out, and settle in.

View of a hot tub under a wooden gazebo next to a bell tent in the sunshine

What makes Hill Farm SO family friendly?

Where do I start? Kids adore Hill Farm — and obviously, parents then do too. We’ve designed everything to make your life easier and their days fuller.

Space to play

We’ve got huge open grass in the main field, perfect for football, tag, stuck‑in‑the‑mud, or whatever new game they invent (within five minutes of arriving). Then there’s Pond Field, where our group-friendly bell tents sit, next to it is our wild, butterfly‑filled area. It’s always full of kids building worlds out of sticks and grasses.

Download our Hill Farm Scavenger Hunt sheet here.

Baby + family facilities

Yes to baby changing. Yes to big, roomy family showers. Yes to feeling comfortable, not cramped.

Camping and Glamping options for your whole crew

⛺️ Large bell tents (sleeping up to six)

🛖 Cosy pods (sleeping two adults and two children)

🛁 Hot tubs under gazebos — mean enjoying a soak, even in the rain 🌧️🔥

🚐 Hardstanding + grass pitches if you prefer classic camping

Walking adventures on your doorstep

We’re right by the canal. You can walk along the canal to Mercia Marina for ice cream, food, shops, or just a gentle mooch in the sunshine.

Seasonal magic

We publish regular “what’s on blogs” covering local Easter egg hunts, pumpkin picking, fireworks nights, summer kids events and Christmas markets.

Have a look at our latest what’s on blog here

Food truck + ice cream van

In summer, we have a resident food truck (check it's open for your stay, if this is a deal breaker) and it’s an absolute dream. Saving you cooking after a busy day out or giving you a lazy morning with breakfast and a cuppa delivered to your pitch… PLUS the ice cream van really does come daily.

We know: happy kids = chilled parents.

The local area for family days out

If you fancy an adventure off-site, you’re spoilt for choice, here are some of our family-friendly day out favourites:

• Chatsworth House (a proper crowd-pleaser)

• Markeaton Park (splash pads, playgrounds, walks and craft days - the lot)

• Derby Arboretum

• Museum of Making (great for rainy days!)

• Canal walks

• Fishing spots for families who love a quiet hobby

Why kids need the great outdoors

Kids today are surrounded by screens. And don’t get me wrong — tech has its place (we see plenty of teenagers chilling on their devices outside their pods, wrapped in blankets — the dream). But nothing resets a child like nature.

Outdoors they get:

• Freedom to roam

• Fresh air that makes them sleep like logs

• Confidence and independence

• Space to imagine, climb, build, splash

• Time with you without all the usual distractions

And barefoot freedom is childhood goals. Grass under their toes, running wild without worrying about carpets or crumbs, it’s the stuff memories are made of.

It doesn’t have to be perfect weather to matter. We recently had a couple who came in the pouring rain and said, “We just needed a day out of the city.” And honestly, that sums up Hill Farm perfectly.

Planning your stay

Here’s what you can expect:

• Gorgeous accommodation ready on arrival

• Quality at every turn (Ollie’s rule is “If I wouldn’t stay in it, it doesn’t go on the campsite”)

• A relaxed, warm welcome

• No stress, no faff

• A proper home‑from‑home feeling

And yes — we’re always around. You’re never left hunting for someone to help.

A little testimonial spot ✨

Ready to keep the kids happy with zero effort?

Hill Farm is all about connection, quality, and simple moments that feel gorgeous and unforgettable. Whether you stay one night or a whole week, you’ll leave feeling lighter, calmer, and properly refreshed.

You can book your bell tent, pod, or pitch anytime — and if you’ve got questions, I’m just a call or email away.

Can’t wait to welcome you to Hill Farm.

Tara x

Book here

FREE family days out near Hill Farm