With the cost of living as it is we sometimes have to use what would have been our activity budget, just to get away.  Whilst we keep our prices as low as possible, we hope we can help you to have a lovely time.

So here are 7 free family friendly activities you can do near our holiday cottage, to show that to have a good time you don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money.  Whilst we have aimed this at families, anyone can do these activities, turn them into a bigger walk for those who are more adventurous and take the dogs with you if you like...

This was originally posted over 7 days on social media

#stonesthrowtownhouseleek #familyfriendly #aweekendtoremember #aweekoffreeactivities #dogfriendly

Legend has it that in the 1830's a beggar woman asked the Earl of Shrewsbury for some money; the Earl was in his coach, following Earl's Drive through Dimmingsdale into Barbury Gutter to enter the Alton Towers Estate.  He refused and told his driver to move on, so she put a curse on him.  For every branch that fell off this magnificent Oak, a member of the Earl's family would die.  Later a branch did fall off the tree and a member of the Earl's family died.  Immediately the Earl of Shrewsbury had chains wrapped around the branches to stop any more branches falling off.

If you have been to Alton Towers this is the story behind the ride Hex.  If your kids like hearing scary stories then you can visit the tree and tell them a version appropriate to their sensitivity.  Dimmingsdale is also a really lovely place to visit and explore.

This gorgeous little spot is right by a brewery and there is a pub up the road too.  My boys love to paddle here, either when cold in wellies, or when hot in sandals - possible tipping buckets of water over each other!  The river is easily accessed, there are lots of spots to play in and lots of stones and rocks to jump about on; it's also very shallow.  Lovely grass next to it, to have a picnic if you wished to.  For a longer day you can combine with a walk to the Hanging Stone with some lovely scenery if hills are not a problem for you.

Okay, so it's not the same as a real beach it that's what you are looking for, but Rudyard Lake has lots of these beach bays all the way up the Lake, which can be fun to play in.  There are fishing pegs in many of them too and rocks to climb on.  Dogs love to swim there if it is safe for them.  Please note the level of the water will affect whether the beaches are on view or covered over.

If you fancy spending a little, there is a train that goes up the Lake, 2 cafes, a pub/restaurant and you can hire rowing boats or launch paddleboards.  It is 2.7 miles to walk to the start of the Lake from the Townhouse and about a 4-5 mile walk all the way around the lake once there.

Tittesworth Reservoir is owned by Seven Trent Water and has some lovely walks with lots of different length routes.  There are multiple bridges you can play from but if you drop down facing the park, to the right then this one you reach first is probably the best.  The water is usually slow and gentle, but yesterday the snow was melting so the river was very fast and higher than usual too.  There is a great kids park.  The photo only shows part of it, there is a zip wire and roundabouts and swings and a very big sandpit.  There is usually an army of ducks and geese to feed so bring some seed or peas (please no bread as bad for them) however it was late when we went so just rabbits everywhere you looked - very cute though!

If you want a few extras there is a café, restaurant, gift shop and in the summer an ice cream parlour - they even sell dog ice cream and treats and duck food if you forget yours.

Not an actual Church (although it was used as one in the fifteenth century for those who would otherwise be prosecuted), but a beautiful fairy type grotto of rocks and moss through an 18 metre chasm created by a giant landslip.  The woods around it are great to explore and play hide and seek in.  There are lots of trees to climb and things to jump on and trees to hide behind.  Then step into the magic of Luds Church, take good footwear as often muddy at the bottom.

If your kids are fans of Lord of the Rings then Tolkien used to visit the area and it apparently was the inspiration for Shelob's Lair.  Aragog's Lair in Harry Potter was then inspired by that.  So lots of stories to talk about and weave into your day.  I've certainly never seen giant spiders there though or wouldn't be back and it is one of my favourite places.  Some also believe Robin Hood and Friar Tuck hid here from the authorities

From Gradbach car park it is around 1.3 miles to reach and the same back.  For a much longer walk you can combine with a visit to Three Shires Head which is also a beautiful place so named as it is the point that the three counties meet - Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire.

Of course if you know what you are doing and have the kit, there is great climbing and Bouldering at the Roaches and good for all ages and abilities.  But if not there are lots of smaller rocks to safely climb on and play around.  They are all around, big ones, small ones, smooth and rough and are lots of fun for climbing over and balancing on.  There are also lots of good trees for bark rubbing and you could also set your kids a scavenger hunt, with lots of things to find in all seasons.

There are lovely walks all around the area that you can combine this with.  My dog loves climbing over the rocks all around there, it is the more hillier of the week of options though so make sure you are equipped suitably with drinks etc.

Deep Hayes is a lovely Country Park to explore with its water, ducks, bird hides and wood areas there is a lot to explore and great places to build dens.  The best bit though is you can cross back and fourth over the river at the different stepping stone areas.  There are handrails so it is family friendly and my 9 year old managed it with a big smile on his face.  Very different to my 8 month old labradoodle who was far too scared and I had to carry all 23kg of her across!  If you're looking for simple family fun then it is a lovely place to visit (don't forget good footwear and duck food.