Home to Britain’s original National Park, the Peak District offers a world of contrasting natural beauty, from wild moorland and dramatic gritstone edges, to rolling dales, scenic reservoirs, and chocolate-box towns and villages nestled in winding river valleys.
Situated at the heart of England, the area is best-known for its beautiful landscapes and stunning countryside - with miles of beautiful walking routes and traffic-free cycling trails to explore – but there is so much more to discover.
You’ll find world-class heritage sites including some of Britain’s finest stately homes, many of which have featured in famous films and TV shows, including iconic Chatsworth House – home to 17 generations of the Cavendish family – and Haddon Hall, one of England’s best-kept medieval houses.
No matter the season, and whatever the weather, there are always great things to do in the Peak District and Derbyshire, including a packed programme of exciting events ranging from family-friendly festivals to artisan markets.
Discover award-winning attractions including cable car adventures and wildlife parks, go behind the scenes on guided tours of castles and caverns, and immerse yourself in hands-on experiences such as pudding making and mountain bike taster days.
Head underground at one of Castleton’s famous show caverns to discover the unique home of Blue John stone, found nowhere else on earth, uncover the literary links and legends of Hathersage before striding out on the spectacular Stanage Edge, and head to Edale for circular walks to Kinder Scout – the highest point in the Peak District – which boasts unforgettable views and even a waterfall at 2,087ft above sea level!
History lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to Buxton, famed for its healing waters since Roman times. This magnificent spa town boasts beautiful Georgian and Victorian architecture, a vibrant high street, and a packed programme of events, including the Buxton International Festival which takes place each summer.
Discover unique shops and delicious food and drink as you explore the attractive streets, lanes and alleyways of the Goyt Valley, including Whaley Bridge, New Mills and Chapel-en-le-Frith, and check out their eclectic mix of small, independent retailers selling everything from clothing, jewellery and gifts to art, crafts and local produce.
Further south, the vibrant city of Derby is a delight for culture lovers, with award-winning museums, riverboat cruises, an exciting programme of events and great places to eat and drink.
With breathtaking landscapes, charming places to visit, and a wealth of great activities to enjoy, the Peak District and Derbyshire are waiting to be explored.
The Peak District for culture vultures
The Peak District’s arts and cultural scene is as vibrant as its landscapes, and Derbyshire is brimming with some of the UK’s finest historical sites and stately homes that reflect its rich cultural heritage.
History-buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to Chatsworth House, which is often considered to be one of England's finest stately homes. Home to 17 generations of the Cavendish family, Chatsworth features an extensive art collection, magnificent gardens, acres of stunning parkland and grand architecture, with over 25 rooms to explore. The house regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, and events, drawing visitors from all over the world, and there’s also an award-winning Farm Shop, cafes, restaurants and a Farmyard and Adventure Playground providing fun for the whole family to enjoy.
With its well-preserved features and romantic gardens, you might recognise Haddon Hall from famous film and television productions including Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice. This medieval manor house has a history dating back over 900 years and its well-preserved state provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, with many original, untouched Tudor features, including the oldest medieval kitchens in England! The hall often hosts special events, educational tours, and seasonal fairs, including popular Christmas markets that showcase quality local produce.
The Peak District and Derbyshire has many more historic houses to discover too, including Hardwick Hall which is known for its fine tapestries, and Bolsover Castle, which was built as a 17th century ‘party palace’ and has panoramic views across the Derbyshire countryside.
The UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, which runs from Matlock Bath to Derby alongside the fast-flowing River Derwent, includes unmissable historic spots such as Cromford Mills, which was the birthplace of the modern factory system, and Derby Silk Mill, which was built on the site of the world’s first factory and is now home to the award-winning Museum of Making.
The Peak District and Derbyshire also has a strong tradition of local arts and crafts, with numerous artisans and galleries scattered throughout the region. Towns like Bakewell and Buxton are home to several galleries that display and sell works by local artists, including paintings, ceramics, textiles, and jewellery, and many towns and villages hold craft fairs and markets where visitors can purchase unique handmade items.
With its breathtaking natural landscapes, it’s no wonder the Peak District has inspired many writers and poets. Jane Austen’s "Pride and Prejudice" famously features Chatsworth House and the town of Bakewell, whilst Charlotte Brontë’s "Jane Eyre" includes vivid descriptions of the moorland landscape near Hathersage.
From historical houses and museums to festivals and local crafts, the region offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. Whether exploring its literary connections or enjoying a performance at a local theatre, it’s a great place to discover a wealth of artistic and cultural treasures!
Best places to eat in the Peak District
A trip to the Peak District wouldn't be complete without visiting our pick of the best places to eat and drink! From fantastic restaurants to quaint pubs and more, plan your visit today.
Discover food & drink in the Peak DistrictAwe-inspiring attractions to experience
No matter the season, or the weather, there is always something to do in the Peak District and Derbyshire. From stately homes to natural wonders, you’ll discover a huge range of award-winning visitor attractions offering great days out for the whole family.
Chatsworth House, often referred to as the ‘Palace of the Peak’, is one of England's most magnificent stately homes. Located in the heart of the Peak District, this grand estate has been the residence of the Cavendish family, the Dukes of Devonshire, since 1549. The house boasts an extensive collection of art, 105 acres of stunning gardens, and a great farmyard and adventure playground, making it a perfect destination for families.
Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton is a natural wonder renowned for its stunning Blue John stone formations. Blue John is a rare, semi-precious mineral found only in this region of Derbyshire, and nowhere else on earth! The cavern offers guided tours that take visitors through a labyrinth of underground passages adorned with beautiful mineral deposits and stalactites.
The highlight of Treak Cliff Cavern is the Fairyland Chamber, where the walls are covered with delicate, sparkling crystals. The tour also includes a visit to the Witch's Cave and the Aladdin's Cave, where visitors can see veins of Blue John stone in its natural state.
The Heights of Abraham is a 60-acre hilltop park accessible by a cable car ride that offers stunning views over the Derwent Valley and Matlock Bath. Once at the summit, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including the Great Masson Cavern and the Rutland Cavern, both of which provide fascinating insights into the area's lead mining heritage.
In addition to the caverns, the Heights of Abraham also features beautifully landscaped gardens, exhibitions, woodland trails, and a café and restaurant with panoramic views.
For animal fun, Matlock Farm Park, located in the picturesque Derbyshire countryside, offers a fun-filled family day out. Visitors can interact with a variety of farm animals, enjoy pony rides, and explore indoor and outdoor play areas. The park also hosts seasonal events and educational activities, including meerkat talks and animal experiences.
The Great British Car Journey, located in Ambergate, is a unique attraction dedicated to the history of British motoring. This interactive museum features a collection of over 150 classic British cars, from the iconic Mini to the elegant Jaguar E-Type.
One of the highlights is the Drive Dad's Car experience, where visitors can get behind the wheel of some of the classic cars on display. This hands-on experience is a hit with car enthusiasts of all ages.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or you're seeking family-friendly adventures, Derbyshire promises an unforgettable experience!
Relax and rejuvenate in the Peak District
As the home of Britain’s first National Park, the Peak District is a great place to visit if you’re looking to relax, recharge and reconnect with nature.
With its beautiful natural landscapes and picturesque beauty spots, you can gain lots of benefits from walking or cycling in the National Park. Discover great circular walks from train stations that will take you to breathtaking viewpoints, heather-clad moorland, soaring gritstone edges, rolling limestone dales and winding river valleys.
The Peak District is often called the lungs of the country because of its central location between cities such as Sheffield and Manchester, so why not explore the Park for your own health and wellbeing too!
If it’s relaxation you’re after, head to the tranquil and luxurious setting of Buxton Crescent Hotel & Spa. Set in a magnificent Georgian building at the heart of the historic spa town of Buxton, you can enjoy a range of treatments and try out spa facilities including thermal and relaxation pools, massages, facials and spa day packages with lunch or afternoon tea. You can even swim in natural Buxton mineral water which has attracted visitors to Buxton for centuries!
Losehill House Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of the national park, also offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and holistic therapies. The spa’s tranquil setting, which includes an outdoor hot tub overlooking Win Hill, provides the perfect environment for relaxation where you can sit back and soak up the views!
The Peak District has no shortage of nature escapes either. Whether you’d like to relax in your very own woodland lodge, get cosy in a self-catering cottage, or embrace nature in a luxury woodland treehouse, you’ll find lots of great places to stay.
Trains to the Peak District
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Find trains to the Peak DistrictAn outdoor paradise to discover
With its dramatic landscapes and diverse terrain, the Peak District is a haven for action and adventure enthusiasts. The national park, celebrated for its rolling hills, rugged moorlands, and picturesque valleys, offers a range of adrenaline-pumping activities and experiences for all levels of adventurers.
Pull on your walking boots to discover scenic walking routes, ranging from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes, and step out on miles of traffic-free trails including the Monsal Trail, Tissington Trail, High Peak Trail and Manifold Track, which offer relatively easy, flat-level walking through tunnels, viaducts, and over rivers.
One of the Peak District’s most popular walking routes is the Great Ridge, which stretches from Castleton, across Mam Tor to Lose Hill, and cuts across spectacular countryside. It’s been voted one of Britain’s favourite walks!
The Pennine Way, a 268-mile national trail, is a highlight for serious trekkers, offering stunning vistas and a rigorous test of endurance, starting from the Peak District village of Edale and ending in the Scottish Borders!
With its impressive gritstone edges and limestone cliffs, the Peak District is a premier destination for rock climbing. Stanage Edge is one of the most famous climbing sites, featuring routes that cater to all skill levels, whilst The Roaches, another popular climbing spot, offers challenging ascents and breathtaking views over the Staffordshire moorlands. For bouldering enthusiasts, places like Burbage Valley present an array of problems to solve on the rock faces.
If you’re looking for a two-wheeled adventure, mountain biking is a great way to explore the Peak District’s rugged terrain. Trails like the High Peak Trail, Monsal Trail and the Tissington Trail have bike hire centres where you can hire e-bikes for an added boost. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the challenging descents and technical sections of the Ladybower Reservoir and the Hope Valley are perfect for experienced riders with a mix of easy rides and more demanding routes.
The Peak District's reservoirs and rivers offer a range of water-based adventures. Kayaking and canoeing are popular on the River Derwent and those looking for more thrills can enjoy windsurfing and sailing at Carsington Water, where calm waters and scenic surroundings provide the perfect backdrop to a multitude of water-based activities.
If you’re looking to delve a little deeper, beneath the picturesque surface of the Peak District lies a subterranean world waiting to be explored. The region’s extensive cave systems, such as those in Castleton, offer exciting opportunities for caving and potholing. Treak Cliff Cavern, Blue John Cavern and Speedwell Cavern provide guided tours that take adventurers deep into the heart of the limestone hills, revealing stunning underground formations and crystal-clear subterranean lakes.
The Peak District’s diverse terrain and natural beauty make it a top destination for action and adventure. Whether it’s hiking the rugged trails, climbing the iconic rock faces, biking through scenic routes, exploring underground caves, or soaring above the valleys, there are endless opportunities for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Fairs, festivals and events in the Peak District
From quaint independent shops to bustling markets and unique festivals, the Peak District and Derbyshire offers a great shopping experience and a vibrant calendar of events.
The Peak District is dotted with local markets that offer a variety of goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Bakewell Market, held every Monday, is one of the largest and most popular, where visitors can find everything from local cheeses and meats to artisan bread and pastries. The market also features stalls selling clothing, jewellery, and homewares, making it a perfect spot to browse and shop for unique items.
The towns and villages of the Peak District are home to numerous specialty shops and boutiques. In Bakewell, the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is a must-visit for those wanting to try the famous local delicacy. Ashbourne and Matlock, known for their antique shops and independent boutiques, are great destinations for unique finds, where you’ll discover everything from vintage furniture to rare books and collectibles.
Local craft and gift shops provide an opportunity to purchase handmade items that capture the spirit of the Peak District. Places like the David Mellor Design Museum Shop in Hathersage offer beautifully crafted kitchenware and cutlery. In Castleton, visitors can find Blue John Jewellery, made from the semi-precious mineral unique to the area.
The Peak District hosts a variety of festivals and fairs throughout the year. The Buxton International Festival is a highlight, combining opera, music, and literary events in the historic spa town. Held every summer, it attracts world-class performers and speakers, with a vibrant festival fringe programme.
Chatsworth Country Fair is one of England's most spectacular annual outdoor events. Held in the 1000-acre parkland surrounding Chatsworth House, it attracts thousands of visitors from across the country for three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, inspirational cooking masterclasses, food, shopping and plenty of have-a-go activities, including a vintage fun fair, children's climbing wall, bungee trampoline and much more.
Seasonal events add to the charm of the Peak District and make the area a great year-round destination. Each winter, popular Christmas markets pop up throughout local towns and villages, including in Chesterfield, Buxton, Matlock and Bakewell, featuring stalls with quality local produce, crafts, and gifts.
If you're lucky enough to visit between May and September, you'll have a good chance of seeing one of Derbyshire’s most famous local customs: Well Dressing. Well Dressings are colourful works of art, created by hand using natural materials such as petals and seeds, and depict a variety of scenes from religious images to Disney films!
Mystery surrounds the exact source of this ancient tradition – believed to have been brought to the area by the Romans or the Celts, to give thanks for the county’s fresh water springs – but today more than 80 towns and villages proudly display their floral masterpieces next to wells and water features throughout the spring and summer.
Whether you’re browsing local markets, exploring specialty shops, or attending one of the many festivals and fairs, the Peak District and Derbyshire provides a great blend of shopping and entertainment.
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