visit peak district with car

10 beautiful places to visit in the Peak District for the perfect Peak District day trip itinerary

If you are looking to visit the England of storybooks with green rolling hills and quaint villages then planning a Peak District itinerary is a must. There are so many things to do in the Peak District and it can be slightly overwhelming trying to decide what to see first, especially if you only have 1 day. So to help you plan we have put together this guide with some of our favourite scenic locations and attractions, as well as top tips on the best places to see in the Peak District.

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When to plan your 1 day in the Peak District

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If you only have 1 day in the Peak District then summer is the optimum time to visit. The weather is obviously a lot warmer and the days are brighter longer, which is important because you will do a lot of walking. That being said we recommend avoiding visiting in the school holidays (August particularly) as it gets very busy. Weekends particularly in the summer months can be incredibly busy, which isn’t a huge problem because there is plenty of space around the Peak District but it just means parking spaces are limited.

Autumn or spring are also good times to visit, as it isn’t too hot. We actually visit a lot in winter which is nice although a bit cold and blustery. That being said there is nothing like a hike on a cold day and then a visit to the pub to complete your Peak District itinerary. If you visit in winter wrap up warm and make sure you have solid hiking boots as the paths can be quick mucky. It’s worth noting as well that some of the roads in the Peak District can be dangerous and impassable particularly during icy weather or after heavy rain.

Wondering when the  best and worst time to visit England  is as a whole? Here is a helpful guide.

Below is a checklist of things we think you should bring on your day trip to the Peak District. The weather can be quite temperamental in the Peaks so make sure you are wearing appropriate clothes, including waterproofs. Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Also one thing that we wish we had of brought on our hike was lip balm, as windburn is not our friend!

✓ Waterproof jacket

✓ Comfortable shoes/ hiking boots

✓ Plenty of water

✓ Hiking snacks

✓ Sunglasses

This guide has been put together as a Peak District driving itinerary and is intended to guide you to plan your own day trip to the Peak District. You won’t be able to visit all these sites in 1 day but depending on how you plan you can probably visit a few in the same day. If you are relying on public transport you will probably be only be able to visit 1 site maybe 2 at most. Ideally if time is no issue you probably want to spend at least 2 – 3 days exploring the Peak District. There are so many villages and scenic spots and you will find yourself wanting to stop in between locations.

If you are short on time though 1 day in the Peak District is possible and you will still be able to see a lot if you plan well. A lot of people think that things will be close together in the Peak District, but you can be looking at over an hours drive to get from one place to the other. Roads can also be narrow in places which is another thing to keep in mind when getting from A to B.

If you are wanting to visit more of the Peak District or some of the other incredible national parks in the UK , you will obviously need a lot longer.

If you are trying to decide between the  Lake District or Peak District  here is a handy guide.

Whilst this itinerary specifically caters to those who are driving, you can also plan a Peak District day trip by doing an organised tour. One of the examples below leaves from Manchester , which is a great base.

A number of key spots in the Peak District also have links to public transport particularly the train network. Your best best is to get to Manchester and hop on a train from there.

Here are some of our top tips for planning your day trip to the Peak District

• Plan what you want to see in advance as well as your driving route
• Be prepared to turn back as some roads particularly to more obscure places can be impassible in bad weather
• Bring a jacket as even in the summer it can get cooler in the evenings
• Wear comfortable shoes you will do a lot of walking
• If there is a particular place you want to eat try book this in advance otherwise you might miss out (particularly in summer)
• Be prepared for winding roads, and make sure you fill the car with petrol before you go as you might not always find a petrol station close by.

Driving really is the best way to see the Peak District. Especially of you are doing a Peak District day trip it’s going to be the most economical way to get around. If you are renting a car we have a separate article to with everything you need to know about renting a car in the UK .

• A lot of the roads around the Peak District are narrow so take care when driving
• Don’t feel pressure to do the maximum speed limit. If someone is close behind you pull to the side and let them pass if it is safe to do so
• Listen to the SatNav but also trust your gut. The SatNav directed us down a dirt track which we immediately knew was wrong so we turned around very quickly
• Have a look at the weather conditions before you go, as this will have an impact on the drive.

Best places to visit in the Peak District

Here are some of the best places to visit in the Peak District. This guide includes parks, villages, and hiking spots to give you a real taste of what the area has to offer. So here are some of our favourite things to add to your Peak District itinerary.

Ok so technically Lyme Park is nestled on the edge of the Peak District, but once you take a walk away from the house and garden you will experience the vast landscapes and beauty the Peaks have to offer. The Park is a National Trust site , so you do need to pay for parking and to visit the house. It is worth it though because you will feel like you have walked into an old British drama. Speaking of British drama the reason this is one of the best places to visit in the Peak District is because Pride and Prejudice (the Colin Firth edition) was actually filmed here. And yes that does include the pond scene!

If you venture past the house and gardens you can do one of the walks of the surrounding area, and get an incredible view of Manchester in the distance whilst you are at it.

You probably want to schedule in a good half day at Lyme Park at the very least, especially if you plan to venture out and do a bit of a hike. There is a cafe where you can purchase food and drink, and there are also toilet facilities – basically everything you need to start off on your Peak District itinerary.

Located about a 30 minute drive from Lyme Park is Buxton, or more specifically Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park which sits at the edge of Buxton. Poole’s Cavern is an almost 2 million year old natural limestone cave. For around £15.00 you can book yourself a guided tour of the caves, which is well worth it. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and is really informative. It is recommended that you book tickets in advance to avoid missing out.

We also recommend making some time to do the wooded walk around the caves. About 20 minutes from the cavern you will Solomon’s Temple and some breathtaking views across the high peak.

Again there is paid parking here, and several facilities such as toilets and a cafe to purchase light refreshments. All in all your probably want to spend a couple of hours here, which makes it a great place to stop as part of your Peak District itinerary.

If you decide to visit Buxton one of the best places in the Peak District near here is Chee Dale. It’s essentially a valley in the middle of the Peak District and there is a fantastic circular walking trail here. It’s an easy enough walk with no big hills and some really scenic spots. In fact this is one of our favourite easy Peak District walks .

You will pass through gorgeous greenery, a number of archways, and our favourite the Chee Dale stepping stones . The stepping stones are cool as they are large rocks in the water that have been placed here to help hikers get past.

The best place to park is Millers Dale Car Park and you can do a circular walk in about an hour or so. It isn’t a huge car park so our advice would be to get here early. There are toilet facilities by the car park as well as a cafe, so this one is perfect for a Peak District Day trip if you are also wanting to stop for lunch.

Famous for its Bakewell Tarts – which are incredibly tasty by the way, the market town of Bakewell is another great place to add to your Peak District itinerary. It’s a great place to go for lunch especially if you are visiting Chee Dale as there are a lot of lovely pubs and cafes here. There are also some really cool markets here with fresh produce as well as quirky shops to explore.

For something a little bit different we recommend visiting Lud’s Church. It’s an 18 metre deep chasm caused by a giant landslip. It’s only 100 metres long but it is a really fascinating bit of nature to explore which is what makes it one of the best places in the Peak District. It does get incredibly muddy so do make sure you have appropriate footwear. The walk through and around Lud’s Church isn’t too strenuous either so perfect for anyone that wants to add a chilled out walk to their Peak District itinerary.

Another cool thing about Lud’s Church is the history. It was once a secret place of worship, and is also the source of many myths and legends. Some say that the chasm was actually created by the devil’s fingernail as he scraped parts of the earth.

I should also add this is one of those places that the photos just don’t do it justice and you have to see it for yourself.

Of all the things to do in the Peak District a visit to Castleton has to be our favourite. Castleton is a very picturesque village located in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Here are some of our top things to do in Castleton:

• Visit Peveril Castle
• Visit one of the 4 caverns
• Hike Mam Tor

If all that exploring has you looking for a good feed, you are in luck. There are a number of pubs and cafes selling everything from homemade cakes and hot chocolate to proper British pub food. If you go during peak times or at a weekend we recommend making a pub reservation in advance especially if there is somewhere you desperately want to eat at. There are also a number of quirky shops selling all sorts of trinkets so plan some time to pop inside.

In terms of practicalities there is pay and display parking near the Castleton Visitors Centre which is centrally located. This is probably a place where you want to spend a good few hours, and if you are planning to go on a hike especially up Mam Tor you will need to spend a full day here.

The Dovestone Reservoir is another spectacular place to add to your 1 day Peak District itinerary. It’s located on the western edge of the Peak District and is great especially if you are driving from Manchester as it is quite close. You can do a nice walk around the reservoir, or you can climb one of the hills for some amazing views. It’s quite an easy walk as well compared to other hikes in the Peak District so we recommend this one for beginners.

There is paid parking close to the reservoir, which is handy especially if you are doing a quick stop off. Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks as there are not a lot of places that sell these, particularly if you are visiting on a summer evening.

You can tell that this is one of the best places to visit in the Peak District because the car park gets incredibly full especially on a weekend.

Another of the best places to visit in the Peak District, particularly if you are into hiking is the Trinnacles. There are a few different hiking paths that you can take to get here, and the walk itself is moderate in terms of intensity. The trinnacle is a group of very unique stones along Dovestone Edge. If you want to do a long hike you can walk here from Dovestones Resevoir, otherwise there are closer spots to park along the road towards Holmfirth.

Take a packed lunch and plenty of water with you on this walk because there are not many food and drink stops around. This is a great Peak District day trip for people who love nature and want to take in some incredible views.

This is one of the best places in the Peak District for hiking. This is especially good if you are wanting to do a Peak District day trip that involves a moderate hike and incredible views. It’s not a hugely popular route, which is nice because at times we felt like we had the place to ourselves completely. This is a bit of a strenuous hike so if you aren’t an experienced hiker, it might not be for you. After heavy rain there are some parts of this hike that are impassable so it’s best done in dry weather. The circuit takes about 4 hours or so. Make sure you pack a lunch and bring decent hiking gear as you may get muddy.

One of the lesser known places to visit in the Peak District has to be the B29 Overexposed Crash Site. I know it sounds incredibly morbid visiting a plane crash site, but this is a really fascinating thing to add to your Peak District Day trip. Located in the hills above Glossop this is where you will find the wreckage of a U.S. Air Force bomber that crashed here in 1948. A lot of the wreckage is still scattered here to this day, so it’s a very unique walk.

The best way to get here is via Snake Pass. Parking spaces are few and far between so do get here early. The best way to find the parking spot is to pop the postcode into your SatNav which is SK13 7PQ.

These are just some of the places we have visited but honestly there are so many more incredible places to see and things to do in the Peak District. In all honesty you won’t be able to do everything in 1 day, but that is what return trips are for. If you are lucky enough to live close by like in Manchester then it’s easy to plan a Peak District day trip.

When putting your Peak District itinerary together we recommend maybe sticking to two sites at the most for a day trip. You don’t want to rush things and especially if you are planning on hiking you might spend quite a bit of time in each spot.

Below is a map with all the key places mentioned in this article so you you can see the distance between each one.

Sample Peak District Day trip itinerary

Here are some example Peak District day trip itineraries to help you plan your own trip.

If you want a very relaxed Peak District day trip then we recommend starting by visiting Lyme Park. This National Trust site offers you the chance to walk around and enjoy the beautiful green gardens.

After spending a few hours here you should then drive to either Castleton or Buxton to visit the caverns. Both locations are great for this and they both have some great pubs for a hearty meal after a day filled with exploring.

If you are wanting to do a Peak District day trip and spend some time outdoors without a strenuous hike this is our recommended itinerary.

Start in Chee Dale and do the circular walk via the stepping stones. Head to Bakewell for some lunch before making your way to Lud’s Church for a later afternoon walk.

For those wanting to do a proper hike in the Peak District you probably really only want to choose one location and stick to it.

Dovestones is great for hikes especially if you incorporate The Trinnicle into this. You can do a decent hike out here that will take a good part of a day to complete.

Another great hiking trail is the Crowden and Black Hill Circular. It’s only a few hours but it’s a lovely hike so you will probably stop along the way. You may also want to bring a packed lunch and sit and enjoy it along with the views.

If you are wanting to plan a Peak District day trip that involves some walking, but also an opportunity to explore a village and enjoy a pub dinner then this is our recommendation. Start by visiting the B29 crash site. You will want to get here early enough as parking is limited. It’s not a super long walk which will give you time for some low key exploring afterwards. We then recommend heading to Glossop which is a lovely place to walk around and enjoy some pub grub.

Wondering if you should do a Peak District day trip? Hopefully after reading this post your answer is absolutely! The Peak District is one of our favourite day trip destinations, especially because we live so close in Manchester. It’s such a beautiful place to visit and gives you a chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The rolling hills, incredible lakes, and countryside setting make it the perfect place to get lost, unwind, and just have a great time.

You can be creative with your Peak District itinerary, and it definitely is one of those places you will want to come back to time and time again.

If this guide to the best places in the Peak District has been useful make sure you pin it for later.

If you are looking for some more UK day trip ideas you can check out these articles:

1 day in York

Chester day trip itinerary

Robin Hood’s Bay day trip

1 day in the Lake District

Visiting Portmeirion

Wanderlust and Life is a blog for those that love to travel.

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10 top things to do in the Peak District: experience the best of this national park

Jun 17, 2022 • 8 min read

Here are the best things to do in the Peak District National Park Octus_Photography / Shutterstock

In the heart of England lies the Peak District , a place where local lore, gnarled forests and expansive moorlands create an enchantingly beautiful setting. Scattered with picturesque, medieval market towns and dramatic geological features that score the landscape, it’s easy to see why the Peak District National Park was the first to be established in the United Kingdom .

With thousands of miles of footpaths – including a stretch of the famed Pennine Way – crisscrossing this bewitching landscape, and the certainty of a warm, northern welcome, there are many reasons to visit.

Follow in the footsteps of Mr Darcy at Chatsworth House

With over 2900 listed buildings, the Peak District isn’t short of impressive houses, but the jewel in its crown has to be the world-renowned Chatsworth House . It's home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and you may recognize it as the filming location for Pemberley, Mr Darcy’s residence in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice . Bask in the splendor at one of its many spectacular events throughout the year, including the annual Regency Ball and Country Fair. On a budget? Pack a picnic and take a stroll through the parkland before choosing a spot down by the river to enjoy lunch with an unobstructed view of the house.

Explore the thermal spa town of Buxton

A holiday destination since Victorian times, the town of Buxton certainly hasn’t lost its charm. In 2020 its most famous Georgian landmark, the Grade I-listed Buxton Crescent, finally reopened as a five-star hotel after a refurbishment that took 17 years to complete. And the spa inside uses Buxton’s natural thermal waters, resurrecting the wellness traditions that originally put the town on the map. Also not to be missed is the beautifully preserved Buxton Opera House which runs tours and hosts an impressive lineup of comedy, dance, opera, music and theater acts including big-hitters such as Jimmy Carr, Jools Holland, Cara Dillon and Sir Ian McKellen. 

It’s dangerously easy to lose an entire afternoon browsing the secondhand books and curling up in a hidden corner at Scrivener's Books , and The Arches at Hogshaw Mill provides ample opportunity to pick up a gift or, if you time it right, to attend one of its gin tasting evenings. Be sure to call in at Buxton Brewery Tap House , which offers up a tempting array of local brews and delicious grub.

Hike to popular viewpoint and climbing spot, the Roaches 

Granted,  the Roaches doesn't have the most appealing name, but you won’t be disappointed by this rugged gritstone ridge towering above Tittesworth Reservoir and the historic market town of Leek. With dramatic views of the surrounding countryside, these steep outcrops of rock attract avid walkers and climbers looking for adventure. Once you’ve finished hiking the trails or clambering over the boulders (safely!), be sure to refuel. Try the family-run Roaches Tea Rooms , which look out over the valley and reservoir, serving afternoon teas as well as local specialties such as Staffordshire oatcakes.

Be enchanted by the Peak District's local myths and legends

From Lud’s Church , an 18m-deep (59ft) chasm drenched in moss and reputed to have been formed by the Devil’s fingernail, to the Winking Man, a natural rock formation that appears to wink as you drive by, get ready to marvel at all things magical as this area is steeped in local lore. Perhaps one of the most amazing tales is that of Mermaid’s Pool. According to legend, the reputedly bottomless Blake Mere Pool is home to a beautiful mermaid whose siren song can supposedly be heard on the wind at this desolate but eerily beautiful location.

Trace Derbyshire’s rail history by train or bike

In the 19th century, an extensive rail network carved through the Peak District’s limestone hills and wooded valleys, serving rural workers and connecting small towns and communities from Derby up to Manchester. From the 1960s, many unprofitable lines were dismantled but there’s still a nostalgic legacy running through the area. Heritage rail enthusiasts can take a jaunt – sometimes with afternoon tea – on the Peak Rail , which runs vintage steam and diesel trains on 6km (4 miles) of original 19th-century track between Matlock and Darley Dale. The Monsal Trail is another industrial relic, opened in 2011 to allow hikers and cyclists to travel the remains of a disused railway. Over 12km-long (7.5 miles), the track passes old lime kilns, ducks through five tunnels and takes in impressive Victorian feats of engineering such as the 25m-tall (82ft), five-arch Headstone Viaduct in Monsal Dale, over the pretty river Wye.

Go wild swimming at Three Shires Head

Pay a visit to Three Shires Head and reap both the mental and physical benefits of a cold water swim. Located out on the moors at the juncture of Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire, there are waterfalls, plunge pools, and several places along this stretch of the River Dane where you can enjoy a quick dip. Be prepared: it’s a bit of a walk and not easily accessible. For something a bit more practical but no less enjoyable, take a trip to another part of the river in Wincle . Not deep enough for swimming, the river here is perfect for paddling and whiling away some time with a good book on the grassy banks. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make the short walk up the hill for some cracking food at The Ship Inn .

See quaint medieval villages and dramatic ruins

Driving through the Peak District you will chance upon countless picture-perfect towns and villages well-deserving of your time. One special place is the village of Castleton, lying in the shadow of Mam Tor or the "Shivering Mountain." Rain or shine there’s something to do, whether it’s a visit to Blue John Cavern (the only place in the world where you can find the semi-precious stone Blue John), a trip to the dramatic limestone gorge of Winnats Pass, or a climb up to the Norman ruins of Peveril Castle . 

Another of Derbyshire’s prettiest villages is Eyam (pronounced "eem"), though its idyllic patchwork of Peak District cottages around a country church belies its dark past. Nicknamed the "plague village," Eyam secured its place in the history books after the Black Death of 1665–66, when the villagers sacrificed themselves by taking the decision to isolate during an outbreak of the plague. Much of the community was wiped out, and today Eyam has become a popular place for ghost walks. The history of this village of the damned, as it is also sometimes described, can be found in Eyam Museum .

Treat yourself to a Bakewell pudding in Bakewell

Bakewell is the largest town in the Peak District National Park, gateway to both Chatsworth House and nearby Haddon Hall , a stunning Tudor mansion. But its biggest claim to fame is that it’s the home of the Bakewell pudding, one of England’s most iconic desserts. Other versions include the Bakewell Tart and Cherry Bakewell, but the original is the puff-pastry pudding stuffed with jam and almond paste that was first created accidentally in the White Horse Inn (now Bakewell’s Rutland Arms) in the 1860s. Today the market town is crammed with bakeries, but you should head to the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop or Bloomers Bakery to try the original recipe. Not a fan of sweet treats? No problem, because there are plenty of other things to do in Bakewell. The town has many charms, including gorgeous honey-colored buildings, a medieval bridge over the river Wye, a particularly fantastic farmers market, and a craft brewery.

Cycle or walk the Manifold Valley

A favorite for the whole family, the Manifold Valley can easily be explored via the Manifold Track, a smooth and well-maintained path perfect for both walking and cycling. Bike hire is available from the villages of Waterhouses or Hulme End, and you can explore as much in a day as your legs can take. The most impressive site in the valley is Thor’s Cave, which can be viewed from the trail itself, but is definitely worth the hike should you have the energy. You won’t be short of choice when it comes to refreshments either: Wetton Mill Tea Room provides a much-needed ice-cream/cake/hot drink pit stop or, if you fancy something a little stronger to whet your whistle, The Manifold Inn is the perfect place to rest with a cold pint or a hearty meal.

Take a scenic cable car ride for the perfect family day out

Once nicknamed "Little Switzerland" by the notorious poet Lord Byron, it’s perhaps fitting that the pretty Peak District village of Matlock Bath has its own cable car ride. The scenic track runs from the riverside cottages of the Derwent Valley up to the hilltop Heights of Abraham , a 60-acre estate with adventure playgrounds, woodland trails and floodlit show caverns. There's also a butterfly and nature trail and a willow sculpture walk, making this perfect for a family day out. In Matlock Bath itself, there's a small theme park for younger kids called Gulliver’s Kingdom . 

This article was first published Sep 25, 2019 and updated Jun 17, 2022.

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INSPIRATION FOR WOMEN TRAVELLING ALONE

Peak District Itinerary – Your Perfect 6 Day Road Trip

Table of Contents

Updated on April 30th, 2024

My recent visit to the Peak District provided a mix of everything I needed from 6 days discovering the joys of this beautiful corner of England. It was a busy but varied agenda including hiking, cycling, history, castles, stately homes & delicious pudding! As a result, I’m sharing with you my exact Peak District Itinerary, so if you have a week to spend in this stunning region then this is the guide for you.”

Peak District, Derbyshire, UK

If you have read any of my previous posts, you will know that on my recent visit to the Peak District I fell in love with the area. Between the stunning scenery & jaw-dropping views lie ancient castles, stunning stately homes, interesting history, underground caverns & of course, a very tasty pudding! The week I spent felt like the perfect mix with something different to offer each day & plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures & small road trip tours. Therefore, if you would like to do the same, I wanted to share my full itinerary.

Love a road trip? Check out my essential tips for taking to the road alone HERE .

Day 1 – Dovedale, Thorpe Cloud & Ilam

Day 1 is the day to arrive at the Peak District National Park. For me, this meant a 3-hour drive from home. I decided to stop as I entered the park for an opportunity to stretch my legs & give me an introduction to the days ahead.

My first stop was at Dovedale, a National Nature Reserve just outside Ashbourne in Derbyshire. Dovedale is famous for its river crossing over the stepping stones. But before I got there, I decided to go up nearby Thorpe Cloud.

Thorpe Cloud

Thorpe Cloud is the perfect place to get the blood circulating after a long drive. Getting to the top only takes around 20 minutes but the views are the perfect introduction to the landscapes of the Peak District. After getting your fill of the fresh air, head down into Lin Dale which brings you perfectly out at the famous Stepping Stones. There is an additional 3-mile walk along the river to Milldale, 6 miles there & back. I went a short way before heading over the Stepping Stones & getting back on my way to Buxton.

Before you leave Dovedale, a short drive away is the village of Ilam. It is a small & quintessentially English village with Ilam Park offering plenty more walking trails. The park is run by the National Trust (more on that below).”

For my whole time in the Peak District, I stayed at the B/W Plus Buxton Lee Wood Hotel . For me, Buxton was perfectly located to explore the area. Other options in Buxton are the Old Hall Hotel or, if you prefer self-catering, you could try Hargate Hall . To find your perfect place to stay, use the search box below:

Mam Tor hike

Day 2 – mam tor, castleton & peveril castle.

Day two is the perfect time to explore the countryside by taking one of the many choices of big hikes. I would thoroughly recommend Mam Tor. It was recently voted within the Top 10 of all walks in the UK & is said to be one of the most spectacular views in the whole of England. You can choose your distance, but I recommend taking the circular route for at least 2 hours. The trail leads right along the top of the Great Ridge which offers exceptional views. You can read all about my adventures getting lost on Mam Tor in my blog post . Alternatively, there are loads more choices for other fantastic hikes in the area.

How about Kinder Scout, the highest of all the peaks? Or there’s Padley Gorge for walks in the mystical woodland, or the stunning views from Stanage Edge, The Roaches or Luds Church?”

Assuming you have opted for Mam Tor, the next stop is the pretty village of Castleton & a walk up to Peveril Castle.

Peveril Castle

Peveril Castle is an 11th-century hunting lodge. When it was built by William the Conquerors trusted knight, it was one of the first stone castles in England. However, it’s not just a very important piece of Peak District history, the views from there are magnificent too. In addition, if you have just tackled Mam Tor, it’s also a brilliant place to take in the vista across Castleton, the Hope Valley & along the Great Ridge, where you’ve just been walking.

After all this activity, Castleton provides lots of choices to quench any hunger pangs. I had a delicious lunch at the Peak Hotel . Alternatively, try The Castle , The George or Three Roofs Café . If you would prefer to stay in Castleton then check out Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn , The George Inn  or Ye Olde Nags Head but the choice is limited so book in advance.

Day 3 – Blue John Cave, Chatsworth House & Tideswell

Blue john cavern.

Day three of this Peak District itinerary offers a very different view as we start by going underground. The terrain of the Peak District is not only impressive from above. The limestone dales have also created a jaw-dropping landscape below ground in the form of numerous large caves. The most famous of these is Blue John Cavern . It’s named after the blue & yellow mineral deposits which are unique to the area. In any of the villages, you’ll be able to buy Blue John for yourself in the form of jewellery. A visit to the cave can only be done on a tour & they leave regularly, lasting for a minimum of 45 minutes (£15).

Just make sure you can climb down & up the 245 steps for the tour. However, if you suffer from claustrophobia, I would not recommend the excursion.”

There are several other caves you can also choose to explore in the area such as Treak Hill Cavern , Peak Cavern  (which is also a music venue & cinema), or Speedwell Cavern  which can be explored by boat.

Chatsworth House

Next on the itinerary is Chatsworth House . Chatsworth has been home to the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire for 16 generations. Throughout that time, they have created some stunning & extensive gardens which are a joy to explore. There’s everything here from kitchen gardens to sculpture parks & rock gardens. You can get lost in a maze & find all species of flowers & trees amongst bridges & lakes, with fountains galore. The house is stunning & apparently, it was the inspiration for ‘Pemberley’ in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Tickets for the house as well cost £12.50 but I chose to just focus on the gardens for £7.50.

The centrepiece is The Cascade which leads from the top of the gardens all the way down to the house. Water runs down a series of steps, each one a different height, to vary the sound as it descends.

A paddle here is the perfect place to cool down on a hot day. My top tip is to take your own picnic & a blanket as once you’re in Chatsworth gardens, you won’t want to leave!”

The final stop for the day is the small village of Tideswell & its spectacular 14th century St John the Baptist church. It is also referred to as the “Cathedral of the Peak” & you will see why when you venture inside for a very impressive organ, beautiful stained-glass windows & the local landowner’s tomb, in full medieval armour. While you’re there I recommend a stop at The George Inn  for a bite to eat.

Day 4 – Monsal Trail, Bakewell & Buxton

Monsal trail.

The next day is time to get on your bike & see the Peak District from yet another different angle. The Monsal Trail is a disused railway which used to be part of the line stretching from London to Manchester. It was abandoned in the late 60s but has since been converted into a flat, traffic-free walking, cycling, & horse-riding trail. It covers 8 ½ miles from Bakewell to Blackwell (near Buxton). I hired a bike & cycled the full length of the Monsal Trail in both directions. It was a fantastic morning & you can read all about it in my recent blog post .

After all the exertion of the cycle, you will have worked up an appetite. I hired my bike from Hassop Station  which has an award-winning café attached to satisfy your needs. Then it’s off for something a little sweeter in Bakewell.

Bakewell is a pretty market town situated on the River Wye & worth a stroll for its classic English stone houses. However, Bakewell is also famous for its delicious tart & pudding. It was apparently ‘invented’ in 1860 when one of the cooks at the Rutland Arms  misread her recipe. You can try the pudding there, or go to The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop & you won’t be disappointed. If you opt for a takeaway, head down to enjoy it by the river.

The final stop for the day is Buxton. Buxton is a famous spa town & has attracted health tourists since Roman times. You can sample the healing waters at several locations. If you fancy treating yourself, then head to the newly opened Ensana Buxton Crescent  which is modelled on the famous Royal Crescent in Bath.

Also consider catching a show at the Buxton Opera House . It’s an impressive building outside but apparently even more beautiful from within. Finally, there are the Pavilion Gardens  which are well worth getting lost in for an evening stroll.”

Day 5 – Winnats Pass, Derwent Valley & Eyam

Winnats pass.

When you visit Castleton & the caves, you will not be able to miss the spectacular drive through Winnats Pass. I drove up & down this road many times & was absolutely blown away by the surrounding hills & rock formations. It’s an area of Special Scientific Interest due to the sheer volume of fossils found here. As such, it is against the law to remove any plants or rocks. But this morning, take the opportunity to explore on foot & understand the fascinating geology of the Peak District at closer inspection.

Derwent Valley

Next, head over for a walk among English history at the stunning Derwent Valley Reservoir.

The area is a magnet for outdoor lovers & there are many circular walking & cycling routes nearby. In addition, Derwent Dam & Reservoir had a very important role in British history. The RAF practised here before their daring World War II “Dam Buster” mission in Germany. It was a perilous exercise, needing to fly low, at night for the mission to be a success. In the raid, they dropped the infamous “Bouncing Bomb” created to skim across the water, before exploding next to the dam. The RAF still use the reservoir for training purposes today.

Your final stop for the day is the historic village of Eyam. Its past particularly resonates after current events. When the deadly plague arrived here back in the 1600s, the villagers agreed to quarantine themselves.

While surrounding areas were relatively unaffected, Eyam lost ¼ of its residents. A wander around the churchyard & the nearby “Plague Cottages” puts the whole thing into sobering perspective.”

Check out my video below to learn more.

Goyt Valley

Day 6 – goyt valley & the cat & fiddle distillery.

For your final day, this Peak District itinerary offers another glimpse of these beautiful landscapes, by heading to the Goyt Valley. I was there in June & the walk that caught my eye was one featuring the splendour of the blooming rhododendrons. As a bonus, it was an easy walk to see the ruins of Errwood Hall, an old mansion owned by the family who was responsible for creating such a beautiful wood.

While you’re there don’t miss the opportunity to follow the trail up to the cemetery for even more spectacular views down the valley.”

Cat & Fiddle Distillery

As you leave the Peak District, take advantage of the chance to visit the highest distillery (& pub) in England for food, a drink or to buy some of their famous spirits. Their Earl Gray gin is delicious! The Cat & Fiddle  is in a desolate location on the moors, but the journey through the Goyt Valley is well worth the effort to get there. The route I chose tested my nerves as the road had space for only one car, with sharp drops alongside. But it also offered spectacular views, making me long for more time to explore the valley further. It’s always good to have a reason to return!

Top Tips for Visiting the Peak District

Before you follow my Peak District itinerary, here are a few points you need to know:

• The National Trust manages several National Parks, reserves & historic sites across the Peak District (Dovedale, Kinder, Mam Tor & more). Being a member means that when visiting you can park for free as well as supporting the maintenance & upkeep of their properties. If you are spending some time in the UK, then maybe consider membership .

• Bring plenty of change for parking & toilets. Most parking can be paid for by credit card but there are still some which only accept cash (Castleton Visitors Centre is one). In addition, you may need change for the toilet (I’m remembering Dovedale, without change & needing 20p after a 3-hour drive!).

• On the hikes there may be limited facilities for refreshments. Make sure you take plenty of water & all the snacks you will need.

• Weather can change quickly so ensure you have layers, sunscreen & waterproofs, no matter what it is like when you start the day.

If you follow this Peak District itinerary, I have no doubt you will get a great introduction to this spectacular region, & all that this beautiful corner of England has to offer. I also believe that you’ll fall in love with the area in the same way I did. If you have any other suggestions, then please let me know. I will definitely be back!

Interested to read more?

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Sue Cockell

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18 comments.

I loved your video on Derwent water and learnt about the bombing practices I didn’t know were held there. I have been to Chatsworth and Bakewell but haven’t explored any further afield, which I now think I should!

Thank you Angie & glad to have given you a few more places to add to your list 😉

It’s amazing to me, having lived in the UK for 6 months and visited many times over the years, how little of it I’ve really seen! Thank you for this beautiful post and helping me add more places to my growing list.

Thank you Heather, I lived here for my whole life & it was still my first visit to the Peak District! Appreciate your kind words.

This itinerary does seem ideal with a perfect mix of beautiful scenery, historic homes, churches & walking. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you! That’s why I wanted to share it – offers everything.

Yay! Eyam made it to the list!

I loved this region, there’s just a kind of likability to it that I can’t quite describe.

Thank you Teja & that’s a great way of putting it!

Love these ideas for a road trip! I’ve only been to one location in the Peak District, but really want to head back and explore it more. I’ll definitely keep this itinerary in mind for trip planning!

Thank you Krista. I want to explore more too! May see you there 😉

It looks like we will certainly have to include the Peak District on our long list of travel spots when we plan our UK trip. Who could pass on great natural beauty, castles and architecture. This sounds like a great 6 day itinerary to see a variety of sites. Great to be able to hike and bike to break up time in the car. We need to plan more of that on our road trips. And a distillery stop for gin would be right up my alley! Good thing I have a designated driver.

Thank you Linda & if you follow the route, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

What a great itinerary for exploring this fabulous area! We are so looking forward to visiting the UK as travel restrictions ease. Thank you for this post!

Thank you Susan & hope you can make it here soon. Fingers crossed

This is so useful. Love the layout.

Thank you Dee!

Hi Sue, we are planning some time in the Peak District and need inspiration. We currently live in the Netherlands (one Kiwi, and one Dutch). Thank you so much for your ideas and insights. Very valuable and very generous of you. We are confident that our trip will be all the more successful thanks to you.

Thank you Helen & I’m so pleased that you found my insights helpful. It’s such a beautiful part of the country. I hope you enjoy your time in the Peak District & please let me know if you uncover a gem that I missed! Sue x

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I aim to inspire women in mid-life to embrace the power of solo travel. I have been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years having visited over 80 countries across 6 continents. Here I share my travel tales, tips & recommendations to help you rediscover yourself while exploring the world. I’d love for you to join me on the journey.

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• Jan 10, 2022

Car-free guide to the Peak District

As part of our Green Traveller's Guide to the Peak District , here is our guide to how to travel to and around the Peak District National Park without a car.

The Peak District is one of the most visited National Parks in the world. Slap bang in the centre of England, close to the cities of the Midlands, it is well connected by rail and coach both north and south of the country. Huge efforts are also underway to establish it as one of the UK’s top cycle destinations.

A. Travelling to the Peak District without a car

By Train: Well positioned between Manchester and Sheffield, the Peak District has great rail connections from both cities, as well as Derby and Stoke-on-Trent. To any of these cities, it’s easy to make connections on fast mainline trains from across the rest of the country.

The Derwent Valley line runs from Derby up through Duffield, Belper, Ambergate, Whatstandwell, Cromford and Matlock Bath to the former spa town of Matlock.

The Hope Valley line runs through the High Peak area, connecting Sheffield and Manchester via various stations in the park, including Hope itself, as well as Edale (for the Pennine Way).

The Glossop line connects Manchester to Hadfield and Glosso

p, the pretty ‘gateway to the Peak District’.

The Buxton line links the famous honeypot town of Buxton (and key hub for Peak District accommodation) to Manchester via some of the steepest railways – and prettiest scenery - in the country.

By Coach or Bus: National Express runs a direct service ( route 440 ) from London and Leicester to Derby. At Derby it’s possible to get buses onto Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton with TransPeak buses . Both National Express and Megabus run various services from around the country to Manchester, Sheffield, Derby, and other towns in the surrounding area; from here you can make onward connections into the National Park.

Many local services connect the surrounding towns with destinations within the Peak District - see below for more information. The principal long distance service across the National Park is the TransPeak from Manchester to Derby , via the area’s main towns, Buxton, Bakewell, and Matlock.

B. Travelling around the Peak District without a car

By Train: The four train lines that connect the Peak District with Manchester, Sheffield and Derby also stop at various points within the national park, the Hope Valley line in particular has several rural stops, which make ideal starting points for a hike, stroll, or cycle.

If you want sample a slice of local heritage, there are two special railway services: Peak Rail runs authentic steam trains between Matlock and Rowsley, and has disabled access; whilst ‘ Folk Trains ’ run from Sheffield to Edable, and from Manchester to Hathersage or Glossop. Local folk musicians play on the train, and when it reaches its destination, passengers are all invited to alight and hear further music in a local ‘hostelry’.

By Bus: The Peak District has a comprehensive bus network across the National Park that links with railway services at major centres such as Matlock and Buxton. Your bus ticket can often entitle you to reductions across a range of attractions in the National Park. Full bus timetable information can be found here: Derbyshire County Council bus timetables . High Peak Buses serve wide swathes of the park with regular services throughout the week. Have a look at High Peak bus routes and timetables ; here are some of the key services for visitors:

6.1: Bakewell – Matlock – Wirksworth – Belper – Derby (for Haddon Hall, Peak Rail, and Cromford Mill)

66: Chesterfield – Baslow – Nether End – Eyam – Tideswell – Buxton

140, 141: Matlock – Matlock Bath – Cromford – Crich – Alfreton (for the National Tramway Museum)

17, 110, 111, 112: Sheffield – Chesterfield – Matlock – Matlock Bath – Carsington Water – Ashbourne

173: Bakewell – Great Longstone – Monsal Head – Tideswell – Castleton – Chesterfield – Bakewell (circular route, take for Peveril Castle)

63, 64: Chesterfield – Ashover – Matlock

70, 77: Renishaw Hall Gardens – Cresswell Crag

58: Macclesfield – Buxton – Bakewell – Chatsworth

170: Chesterfield – Bakewell

215, 218: Sheffield – Chatsworth House – Matlock

For more information and links to timetables, check out the Peak District Bus Routes . Here, you can also find PDF leaflets detailing walks and trails accessible by bus , with exact directions for how to reach them.

C. Cycling: The Peak District has ambitious plans to become one of the UK’s leading cycle destinations, and it is already well on its way. With over 65 miles of off-road cycling trails and a network of quiet country roads, huge amounts of the National Park’s glorious scenery are easily accessible by bike. Of course, the Peak District didn’t gain its name for nothing, so have a careful look at any intended routes and think about what you can manage and realistically carry with you before setting off up those hills!

National rail services to the Peak District can carry (a limited number of) bicycles, but it is highly advised to call up the rail operator to reserve a place for your bike on the train: this is mandatory on many mainline services. Unfortunately, most bus services in the Peak District are not equipped to carry bikes - fold-up bikes can be stored in the luggage area when there is room (though this remains at the discretion of the driver); however only Staffordshire's Moorlands Connect services have space for bike storage. These services connect the Peak District hubs of Buxton and Ashbourne with the Staffordshire town of Leek and some of the south-eastern parts of the National Park, so it is worth considering arriving by train to Buxton if you wish to make onward bus travel with your bike. The bus is an on-demand service and needs to be booked in advance by phone or email.

The Peak District National Park has four cycle hire centres , offering a range of different bikes, in Ashbourne Town Centre , Manifold , at Parsley Hay , and in Derwent . There are various private cycle hire centres, including Monsal Trail Cycle Hire , which connects to the long distance Monsal Trail, a cycle route taking you through some of the National Park’s most breathtaking landscapes.

As part of its plan to become a premier cycling destination, the Peak District has helpfully gathered together a wide selection of the best cycling routes, for cyclists of all abilities , and has helpful information about accessibility. On the cycle routes page you can browse the different routes by difficulty and download PDF leaflets packed with information and clear but detailed route maps. Further information, maps, advice, and facilities can be found on-site at the Peak District’s four cycle hire centres (above).

Find out more about cycling in the Peak District on the National Park's cycling mini-site , from Sustrans (in the Peaks and the rest of the country).

Maps and further information For maps and more information about travelling in the Peak District without a car, or for general advice about your visit, head to one of the National Park’s four visitor centres.

Bakewell Visitor Centre

Castleton Visitor Centre

The Moorland Centre in Edale

Upper Derwent Visitor Centre

The Peak District National Park website also has some handy maps of the Peak District , a range of information on car-free access to the area, and more.

For great places to eat and stay, as well as ideas for days out in the Peak District, see our: Green Traveller's Guide to the Peak District

• Car-Free Guides
• Green Traveller's Guides

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Peak District, England: 14 Unmissable Things to Do + Best Walks + Map

The First National Park in England , the Peak District boasts of having one of the most stunning landscapes in the UK. Spread over 500 square miles mostly in Derbyshire, Peak District is very famous for its rugged rolling hills, magnificent valleys, breath-taking rocky edges, idyllic reservoirs, and spectacular show caves. 

It’s extremely popular with the walkers, climbers, cyclists and potholers. Some of the elegant country houses and bustling small towns are also located in the Peak District. Plus, Peak District hosts some unique festivals like Garland Day and Well Dressing Festival. 

It attracts over 10 million visitors every year from all over the world. Visiting Peak district would definitely be a memorable experience. Here is our 4 days travel itinerary for the Peak District.

Getting to Peak District:

The attractions, that we talked about above, are huddled around 3 main villages and small town: Castleton, Bamford and Bakewell.  All of them are well connected with Sheffield by bus.

Castleton :

Bus 272 runs from Sheffield Interchange to Castleton few times day. It takes about an hour to reach. If you are coming by car, it would be about 35 minutes via A57.

Bamford falls on the Hope Valley Railway which connects Sheffield with Manchester. By train, this village is about 15 minutes from Sheffield, but the village centre is almost 15 minutes walk from the train station. If you are coming by bus from Sheffield, it would take about 35 minutes. By Car, Bamford is 25 minutes from Sheffield via A57.

Take the bus 218 from Sheffield Interchange to reach Bakewell. It takes roughly an hour. If you are coming by car, it would take almost 40 minutes via A625.

🇬🇧 14 Awesome Things to do in Peak District, England

Day-1 in peak district:, 1. chatsworth house.

Chatsworth House is one of the top tourist attractions of the Peak District in Derbyshire. Since it was built in the 1500s, Chatsworth House has been the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire (Cavendish family). This is one of the most visited country houses in Britain.

Once here, explore the grand Painted Hall, beautifully decorated State Rooms and the Sculpture Gallery of the Cavendish family. The film adaption of Jane Austen’s romantic novel, Pride and Prejudice has made the Sculpture Gallery more popular. They have a tearoom as well where you can enjoy some light bites and indulge in an afternoon tea. 

The estate boasts of having one of the finest gardens in the UK. The centrepiece of the 105 acres garden is the Emperor Fountain which sits at the north end of the Canal Pond. It was built in the 1800s when Tsar Nicholas I of Russia was expected to visit here. At the time of construction, it was the world’s highest fountain. The garden has many other elegant features such as cascading steps, rock gardens, Greenhouse where Sir Joseph Paxton – the head gardener of the 6th Duke of Devonshire, cultivated the famous Cavendish Banana.

You would also enjoy the walk along the bank of River Derwent which flows by the estate. Plus, don’t miss the stone arched bridge near the car park. You would get to admire a brilliant view across the estate and the river.

2. Explore Edensor

This small village lies quite close to the Chatsworth House estate in Derbyshire. Originally Edensor (pronounced as ‘Enza’) was located just outside the Chatsworth House down the River Derwent. But in the 1800s, it was removed by the 6th Duke of Devonshire, William Cavendish as the village was obstructing the view from the estate. So, he decided to relocate the village near the Parish Church.

Present Day Edensor is incredibly picturesque. The buildings in this small village have strikingly varied architectural styles from Tudor to Swiss Chalet. It’s believed the 6th Duke couldn’t make up his mind when the architect John Robertson showed him a wide range of designs.

At the heart of this village, lies St Peter’s church. In the churchyard over there, most of the past Dukes of Devonshire are buried. Also, there is a memorial to Kathleen Kennedy, the sister of the late US president, John F Kennedy and the wife of William Cavendish, the eldest son of the 10th Duke. This village’s former post office is now the Edensor Tea Cottage, a nice spot for lunch.

3. Roam around the Village of Bakewell

This market town in Derbyshire is best known for inventing the famous delicious dessert, Bakewell Pudding – a strawberry jam-filled pastry topped with almond custard. If you have a sweet tooth, you will have to pay a visit here.

The story goes that a local cook made this by mistake in the 1800s after misreading the instructions and since then it’s a firm favourite. Once in Bakewell, pop into The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop near Rutland Square, and enjoy this tasty treat. You may have to queue for some time, but it’s totally worth it.

Not only the pudding, Bakewell has plenty of other things to do as well. Explore the medieval five arched stone bridge, take a stroll along the River Wye and admire the view of the town, enjoy a moment with your loved ones at the Love Locks Bridge.

If you are here on Monday, visit the bustling local market which takes place near the Visitor Centre. Plus, the Bath Gardens just opposite the Rutland Arms Hotel is a nice place to sit and relax in quiet and enjoy the garden.

4. Haddon Hall, Peak District

Not too far from Bakewell, Haddon Hall is an elegant medieval manor house in the Peak District. Built in the 11 th century, Haddon Hall is home to the Lord and Lady Edward Manners. Once here, explore the grand interiors and enjoy a meander around the magnificent cascading garden. Plus, Haddon hosts several events and exhibitions throughout the year. Haddon Hall has appeared in many films and documentaries. 

DAY-2 in Peak District:

5. ridge walk in mam tor.

Mam Tor is one of the most scenic ridge walks in the UK offering a stunning view over Hope Valley and the Vale of Edale. This ‘shivering mountain’ is situated on an active landslide and ever year, it moves about a quarter of a meter. In fact, ‘Mam Tor’ means Mother Hill because all the surrounding small hills were formed due to its movement over the last 4000 years.

This 517 meter high hill is a firm favourite with the walkers and climbers. The most popular walking trail starts from the Mam Tor Car park and the summit can be reached by accessing a series of steps. This 3-mile long circular path continues along the flagstone path over the Great Ridge. It’s quite an easy walk and typically takes about 2 hours to complete unless you get too carried away with the view.

You can also do a bit longer circular trail (about 6.5 miles) from Castleton. Part of the path can be a bit boggy, particularly on a wet day.

On a sunny day, Mam Tor is very popular with paragliders as well. As you walk along, you can see many people floating around and enjoying the breath-taking view of the Great Ridge and the valleys on its two sides.

6. Blue John Cavern

Not too far from Mam Tor, Blue John Cavern is a very popular tourist attraction in the Peak District. This is considered one of the finest show caves in Western Europe. Now, if you are wondering what Blue John is, it’s a rare mineral that was first discovered in the Peak District about 2000 years ago by the Romans. Even, Vases made of Blue John were found during the excavation of the Pompeii in Italy.

Once here, take a guided tour and enjoy this vast underground cavern of the magic mineral. The miners still dig this precious stone by hand and turn those into jewellery. If you fancy wearing a Blue John jewellery, pop into their shop at the cavern or the Original Blue John Craft Shop in the nearby village, Castleton.

7. Winnats Pass

Winnats Pass is one of the famous hill passes in the UK and lies very close to Castleton. The name derives from the Windy Gates – won’t be hard to realise the origin of the name if you pass through this limestone valley on a windy day. The road is extremely photogenic with limestone ridges on either side. If you are travelling by car in the Peak District, you have to drive through here. As you can see, it can be busy sometimes particularly in summer but totally worth it.

8. Treak Cliff Cavern, Peak District

After Visiting Blue John Cavern, if you are in for another Blue John stone wonderland, pop into Treak Cliff Cavern . This one is nestled in the Treak Cliff Hill and falls on the way to Castleton from Blue John Cavern. Take their guided tours and experience the jaw-dropping cave formations, most remarkably The Pillar – the largest Blue John stone and The Stork – the most impressive rock formation in the cave. They have self-guided audio tours available as well.

DAY-3 in Peak District:

9. explore castleton.

Located at the head of Hope Valley in the Peak District, Castleton is a picture-perfect village . Having an abundance of rolling hills nearby, Castleton offers some of the scenic walking opportunities in the UK. This is also a great base to explore the famous show caves of the Peak District.

Once here, simply take a ramble around the village and take in the stunning view of the surrounding hills. Also, look up to the Norman ruins of Peveril Castle as well which overlooks this beautiful village. 

Plus, Castleton hosts a very offbeat festival every year on 29th May – Castleton Garland Day. It’s totally one-of-a-kind festival where the Garland King on a horseback is completely covered with a bell-shaped flower frame (weighs almost 30 kg!).

He and his consort then parade through this village and stops at every village pubs. That’s an extremely popular event and thousands of people flock to Castleton to attend this event.

10. Cave Dale

Cave Dale is a hidden gem in Castleton. Just a short walk from the bustling village centre, this is like an oasis of calm. Take a stroll along this rugged limestone valley and get an amazing view of Peveril Castle.

The walk from the cave-like entrance of this dale is moderately easy but at places, it can be a bit wet, slippery and steep. On your walk, you will get to see small caves tucked away in the hills. Cave Dale was featured in the 2008 film, The Other Boleyn Girl.

11. Peak Cavern, Peak District

Known to the local as the Devil’s Arse, Peak Cavern in the Peak District has the largest natural cave mouth in the UK. Located in Castleton just beneath the imposing Peveril Castle, the entrance to this cave is simply spectacular which was used by the ropemakers until the 19th century for the local mining industry.  Take their guided tour and visit the impressive chambers of this cavern – Orchestral Chamber, Devil’s Cellar, Pluto’s Dining Room.

If you want to enjoy a live music performance inside this cavern, check out their website. They host a number of concerts and events throughout the year.

DAY-4 in Peak District:

12. hike up to bamford edge.

Bamford Edge in the Hope Valley is an overhang of gritstone rock formations. Climbing Bamford Edge should definitely be on your Peak District travel itinerary. It’s quite an easy hike and extremely popular with walkers and climbers in all seasons.

Nearby Bamford Village would be a good starting point for the walk. From the village centre, it would take about 1-1.5 hours depending on your fitness level. Once you reach the top, which is about 420 m high, you would get a spell-binding view across the Hope Valley and Ladybower Reservoir with Ashopton Viaduct.

When we were there, it was almost the end of summer. Though the moorland heathers were not in full bloom anymore, the purple colour was not completely faded. It was beautiful. You can extend the walk to Stanage Edge, another impressive gritstone Edge popular with rock climbers and hikers.

13. Ladybower Reservoir, Peak District

Ladybower Reservoir is a large Y-shaped reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District. Centrepiece of the Ladybower Reservoir is certainly Ashopton Viaduct. Plus, this reservoir is historically very significant. During the World War II, pilots of 617 squadron did a bombing practice here before attacking the great dams of Germany as part of Operation Chastise (or Dam Busters) led by Guy Gibson.

The entire Upper Derwent Valley offers plenty of opportunities to walk, cycle and fish and enjoy the stunning scenery. Having plenty of woodlands, rolling hills and rare birds in the surrounding area, this is a great place to commune with the nature.

14. Bamford Village

Located about 11 miles west of Sheffield, Bamford is a great base to explore the famous Bamford Edge and Upper Derwent Valley which consists of three reservoirs. Originally this village in the Hope Valley was developed around a corn mill and the population increased when the dams in the Upper Derwent Valley were built.  Bamford is also a popular rail station on the Hope Valley line which connects Sheffield and Manchester. 

Well Dressing festival, a popular flower decoration festival around the wells and water sources in rural England, takes place in this village in July every year.

After a long walk, Angler’s Rest at the centre of the village is a good spot for a pint and light refreshments. 

🗺️ Map of the attractions in Peak District

Here is the Google map of all the Best things to do in the Peak District, England for 4 days.

  Click here to open it in Google maps .

Planing a Trip to England?

For further reading on other ENGLAND destinations:

Best Time to Visit Peak District:

Peak district is beautiful in all seasons. But days being longer, summer months are a better choice for outdoor activities. Plus, some of the popular festivals like Garland Day and Well Dressing Festival take place in summer. 

4 thoughts on “Peak District, England: 14 Unmissable Things to Do + Best Walks + Map”

I love Derbyshire! I was born there in the early 1940’s and have a deep fondness for all that Derbyshire offers. Chatsworth House is fantastic. On a return visit 12 years ago all of my large family met there for a wonderful picnic. So happy that it has been kept up so nicely.

Love your blog. Thank you. Could you also add some info on where best to stay to do all of these activities? Thank you.

Thank you, for sharing such a piece of detailed information. This helps to make the most of it when one visits this wonderland, the Peak District.

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A Perfect Peak District Weekend Itinerary

I recently moved to West Sheffield on the cusp of the Peak District National Park. It’s only been a few months, but it has superseded my expectations by an absolute mile. With every bit of free time I’ve had, I’ve jammed in exploring this postcard-perfect part of England.

In 15 minutes I’m out of the city and cruising around doing some epic Peak District weekend road trips, exploring the area’s iconic landscapes, historic villages and tourist attractions.

The Peak District was actually the UK’s first-ever national park and is one of the country’s most popular parks to visit , probably due to the ease of access being close to major cities like Manchester and Sheffield. But there’s absolutely no denying it’s impossibly beautiful and interesting too! It really has an abundance of varied attractions, no matter what you’re into – whether that’s walking or biking through iconic landscapes, uncovering fascinating history, visiting pretty villages or simply eating local delicacies!

Is two days enough time to visit the Peak District? Honestly, for a 1,438sq km national park, no it’s not. Ideally you need five days to a week. However, two days will allow you to speed visit a few of the Peak’s highlights.

So, having done many trips across the national park, I thought I’d share my favourite Peak District weekend road trip itinerary, which suggests where to go and what to see within two days and two nights.

So, be prepared to wake up early and wear a comfy pair of shoes. Let’s dive in!

*This post may contain affiliate links meaning should you purchase a product via this link, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my privacy and disclosure policy for more.*

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Don’t own a car?

Don’t worry – you can still do a Peak District road trip! 

There are lots of car rental options in the area as hiring a car to explore the Peaks is quite common. Compare local car hire here .

Remember many roads in England, and especially in the Peak District, are very narrow and windy. Sometimes the roads only fit a single car, so you should always drive with caution and be prepared to pull over or reverse to a passing place with more space to allow you both through.

If you don’t have a driver’s licence then your next best bet is joining a group tour which will drive you to the highlights in a mini bus. 

How to spend a weekend in the Peak District:

The suggested Peak District weekend itinerary map, displayed as a circular route from and to Sheffield

As with any weekend trip, I would suggest shooting off on a Friday evening to make your weekend feel longer (in fact, it’s one of my go-to tips if you’re looking to make more time for adventure when you work ).

That being said, this itinerary is based on exactly that: driving to your first destination in the evening and spending the night there initially.

This two day Peak District itinerary allows for two full days of exploring where I think are two of the best places to visit in the Peaks if you have limited time.

Although I’ve based this itinerary on spending one night in two different places, it’s absolutely possible to spend two nights in the same place to use it as your ‘base’ to explore the Peaks. Everything in the Peak District is fairly close and can be easily accessed by car in typically under an hour. 

Stop 1: Castleton

1 night, 1 day.

In my opinion, Castleton is one of the highlights of the Peak District. It’s somewhere I suggest everyone should visit at least once if you’re new to the area. You can easily spend the whole weekend just in Castleton alone, but if you’re looking to explore more of the Peaks, then you can just about squeeze in the highlights in one day.

About Castleton

Castleton is a small village located in the beautiful Hope Valley of the High Peak district in Derbyshire . It’s almost smack-bang in the middle of the national park, and only a 30-40 minute drive west from Sheffield.

The Hope Valley is a large and wide valley with gritstone moors to the north known as ‘Dark Peak’ and limestone outcrops and dales of the ‘White Peak’ to the south.

This fascinating varied geography means that Castleton is a haven for walkers and outdoor sport enthusiasts who use it as a base to explore the incredible hills, caves and epic gorges of the surrounding Hope Valley.

The village of Castleton itself was founded in the 12th century (in 1086) 100 years after the iconic Norman fortress Peveril Castle was built, which now lies in ruins on the hill above the town. So not only is it an extremely attractive village, but it’s full of history to learn and absorb through the atmosphere as well.

What to do in Castleton

I’ve outlined the best things to do in Castleton here which is where I’ve gone into much more detail, but here are the highlights for only a day in Castleton:

– Visit a cavern

Due to the interesting geography of the area, Castleton is home to many caves and former mines. There are four show caves/caverns you can visit, and each offers something quite different. 

Peak cavern is naturally formed and has the largest cave entrance in Britain. Speedwell is a former lead mine, now flooded and accessed only on a boat tour. Blue John and Treak Cliff Cavern are both famous active mines, where the rare fluorite Blue John Stone can be found, used for making into jewellery and ornaments.

It’s really hard to choose which is the best show cave to visit in Castleton, but I would probably recommend Treak Cliff Cavern . It’s the only cave where you can do a self-guided tour (or guided tours are available) and it has a small museum, interesting rock formations and you’ll get to see and learn all about the area’s famous Blue John Stone.

– Have a look around Castleton Village Museum

Located in the visitor centre, Castle Village Museum is a free activity giving an overview of the village’s fascinating geography and history over the centuries. The interactive boards and exhibits will help paint the picture of the area and what makes it so incredibly special.

– Visit Peveril Castle

If you love history, then visiting the ruins of Peveril Castle perched on the hill above the village is for you. It’s one of the UK’s earliest Norman fortresses built for its spectacular vantage point, and was even mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. 

However, considering only the keep remains, if you’re the kind of person who won’t take much enjoyment from reading information boards and having to use your imagination, then you likely won’t get much out of a visit to Peveril Castle, aside from the stunning views over towards the village and down along the valley of Cave Dale.  

If the chance arises, I would highly recommend joining a free tour led by a volunteer to make the ruins and history of this majestic castle come to life.

Peveril Castle is managed by the English Heritage and entrance tickets can be bought from the castle visitor centre.

– Walk through epic Cave Dale

Cave Dale, just next to Peveril Castle, is a true sight to behold. It’s a dry limestone valley formed by melting glacial water. The melted water became a river which found a path underground causing the formation of caves and caverns which subsequently collapsed, making the valley even deeper and gorge-like.

The perpendicular banks of the valley are rocky and carpeted in grass. From the village of Castleton, you can walk or cycle as far as you like along Cave Dale as it’s a public bridleway called the Limestone Way.

The Limestone Way begins in Castleton and through Cave Dale, so you can walk as far along the 46 mile route as you like, before walking back the way you came or looping over to Winnats Pass and back into Castleton.

– Wander through the town (visiting the church, shops & more)

Castleton is an extremely attractive village aesthetically, and there’s lots of scenic nooks and crannies to explore. A highlight is walking along the river to Peak Cavern, looking around all the jewellery shops selling the iconic Blue John Stone, and also paying a visit to the Carlton Emporium vintage shop. 

St Edmund’s Church is a grade II listed building and well worth having a look at before having lunch or a cream tea at one of the many tea rooms.

Just be respectful to the residents who live there and don’t go onto any private property or park in front of their houses.

Where to stay in Castleton

If you’re on a backpacker budget then one of the best hostels is by far Loosehill Hall YHA , which is a stunning Victorian gothic mansion with both dorm rooms and private rooms. 

If you’re looking for something a little more special and a whole private property for a family or a small group, then the beautifully finished three bedroom Grange Cottage may do the trick.

For simply a peaceful room in a country B&B close to Castleton, then there’s Dunscar Farm Bed & Breakfast . 

Where to park in Castleton

The main car parking in Castleton is a 24 hours pay and display carpark next to the visitor centre and toilets. It’s around £4 for 2-4 hours. If that’s full, there is also roadside pay and display parking, just across the roundabout to the west of the town (turning right coming out of the carpark).

Free car parking in Castleton can be found further along Old Mam Tor Road past the roadside pay and display, beyond the entrance to Peak Cliff Cavern. It requires a couple of minutes walk to get back into the village, but saves you a few pounds.

Stop 2: Castleton to Bakewell (via Winnats Pass)

1 day, 1 night.

When you leave Castleton you absolutely must drive through Winnats Pass to the west of Castleton, heading towards Sparrowpit.

Winnats Pass is one of the Peak District’s most famous roads, a snaking hill pass taking you through a stunning gorge. However it’s unsuitable for large/heavy vehicles as there’s a 28% incline in parts!

The scenery can be admired simply from the car by driving through, or you could pull over and take a steep scramble to the top of one of the banks to enjoy it all from a viewpoint.

Once you’ve driven through Winnats Pass, it’s time to head to the next destination on your Peak District weekend itinerary, Bakewell, just a 25 minute drive away.

About Bakewell

Bakewell is located 13 miles south of Castleton on the banks of the Wye River in the Derbyshire Dales. It’s the largest town in the Peak District National Park.

You may already know what the town’s most famous for – the birthplace of the Bakewell pudding. Legend has it, it was created by mistake by a local cook in the mid-19th century (and it was a hit!)

Bakewell is widely regarded as a ‘foodie’ destination. There’s a produce market every week which dates back to the 13th century, and wandering around you’ll find shops, restaurants and cafes selling all manner of tasty treats – handmade fudge, pasties, puddings, specialist whiskey and much more.

The market town was supposedly disguised as the fictional ‘Lambton’ in Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, (the author stayed at Bakewell’s Rutland Arms Hotel in 1811 when she was writing it). She also took inspiration from nearby Chatsworth House as Pemberley, the residence of handsome and proud Mr Darcy. Chatsworth was aptly used as a filming location for the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley.

Things to do in Bakewell

Bakewell is a busy and bustling town that I think can be explored with a good half day (probably an afternoon). The morning could be spent paying a visit to the nearby historic tourist attractions of Chatsworth House or Haddon Hall .

– Visit Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House is a stunning Grade I listed 17th century stately home and estate owned by the Devonshire family which has been passed down the family for 16 generations. 

Chatsworth is a 15 minute drive from Bakewell and is well and truly on the tourist radar – both international and local. It’s been chosen several times as Britain’s favourite country house . As a result, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, so expect it to be busy all year round.

Regardless of its popularity, Chatsworth is an absolutely mesmerising property with the original part of the building having been built in the Tudor times by Bess of Hardwick, and additional extensions added over the subsequent centuries.

There are over 25 rooms open to visit, including the State Rooms, the Painted Hall, Sculpture Gallery, a chapel and over 100 acres of varied gardens and grounds. There are also many shops throughout the estate including the beautiful Orangery selling gifts and homewares, home living shops in the old stables and the Estate Farm Shop selling local produce which is a short drive from the house. 

– Take a riverside stroll and admire the bridges

Arched over the river Wye to the west of the town is a Grade I 13th century five arch stone bridge, an iconic landmark of the Peak District and one of the last few remaining from that era.

Along this section of the river Wye towards the town, is a wide tarmac footpath suitable for anyone, including prams and wheelchairs, to take a stroll along the charming riverbank or perhaps feed the ducks. 

Along this route you’ll come across another interesting bridge – the Bakewell Love Lock Bridge. 

Since 2012, lovers and families all over the world have been publicly declaring their love by adding a lock to the bridge and flinging the key into the Wye river. Adorned with thousands of metal locks in all shapes and sizes, the bridge really has become a symbolic and eye-catching attraction in Bakewell.

– Try a tasty Bakewell pudding (or tart)

Sweet and sticky, the Bakewell pudding will delight the taste buds of anyone who likes almond and marzipan flavours.

The Bakewell pudding has a flaky pastry case, a layer of sieved smooth jam at the bottom, and filled with a filling made of egg and almonds. It’s often topped with flaked almonds and then baked.

The Bakewell tart is very similar to the Bakewell pudding, however the tart is made from shortcrust pastry instead of flaky pastry and is often topped with a white icing and a glacé cherry. 

The original home of the Bakewell pudding, where it was first commercialised after its accidental inception, is apparently the ‘ Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop’ in The Square. They also have a deli and restaurant serving lunches and cream teas.

However there are also many other places to buy and taste the famous dessert, including my favourite place, the smaller Bloomers of Bakewell bakery.

– Browse the independent shops

As mentioned, Bakewell is a foodie paradise, so bring your tote bags and go hungry so you can eat your way around the market town! 

As well as the farmers market which is generally held on the last Saturday of the month, there are many permanent food shops in Bakewell to visit (and try a free sample or two!). There’s the Bakewell Cheese shop, Roly’s Fudge Pantry, the Wee Dram whiskey shop and more.

There are also many other cool shops such as the British Emporium which sells British-made homewares and gifts and the Rutland Arms Antiques Centre.

After a day of stocking up on some local goods to take a bit of Bakewell home with you, it would be ideal during your two night stay in the Peak District to spend the evening or afternoon here, to have a traditional Sunday lunch or pub meal at The Manners or the Joiners Arms.

– Visit the Old House Museum 

Although you may be a bit tight on time, if you do manage to find yourself with a spare hour and want to learn more history about the area, it’s well worth considering a visit to the Old House Museum .

The museum is housed in an old 16th century Yeomans home (meaning either a servant in a royal or noble household, or someone who owned or cultivated land). As well as exploring the building (complete with a Tudor toilet!), there are various artefacts and exhibits of local life.

Note that the museum costs around £6 per person and is only open 25 March – 5 November.

Where to stay in Bakewell

If you’re travelling on a budget, the Castle Inn , bang in the town centre have basic but comfortable double rooms available from £63 per night.

A highly rated accommodation option in Bakewell is Gardeners Cottage Bed & Breakfast set in secluded leafy grounds a short walk away from the town. As well as double rooms with shower ensuites, the price includes a full English, Irish or vegetarian cooked breakfast.

For a luxury whole traditional cottage with every detail thought about, the fantastic Ash Cottage will suit a couple celebrating a special occasion.

Where to park in Bakewell

Bakewell has multiple paid pay & display car parks, the most central is probably the Market Place Car Park. There is also Coombs Road Car Parking which can often be a little quieter as it requires a short walk across the Love Lock Bridge. 

Free short stay car parking in Bakewell can sometimes be found along Station Road (which is the first left just before the five arch bridge, if you’re coming from Sheffield). However, there are probably only about 5-10 car spaces so it’s limited.

A weekend in the Peak District is simply not enough time to see and do much in the area at all. However this Peak District weekend itinerary attempts to cram in what I think are some the highlights which consist of a good mix of activities allowing you explore this wonderful part of the English countryside by both foot and car.

I hope you enjoy your two night stay in the Peak District and have found this guide useful!

Heading to The UK Soon? Don’t forget these essentials!

Flights : compare and search using  Skyscanner

Accommodation : hotels to hostels, glamping to apartments I always use  Booking.com

Tours:  to search and compare the best group tours and activities worldwide (with up to 20% off), use  Viator

Visa : don’t forget to  check the entry requirements for the passport you are travelling with

Inspiration: Lonely Planet’s guide to Great Britain  or Lonely Planet’s guide to England

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8 thoughts on “A Perfect Peak District Weekend Itinerary”

Honestly, exploring Peak District or Lake District always feels a little confusing, but your break is so simple and beautiful!

How lovely! I would definitely want to try a Bakewell tart and peruse the independent shops!

The Peak District is so beautiful! Would love to hike there again and your guide inspired me a lot!

This sounds like a perfect weekend itinerary in the Peak District! I spent 3 weeks in England this past fall and can’t wait to return. I would love to explore this national park and the historic villages.

The Peak District sounds like the perfect place for a weekend getaway, so I understand why it’s so popular. Winnats Pass looks beautiful! 🙂

Travelling Tam’s vivid storytelling takes me on captivating journeys with every post! I’m always eager for the next adventure through Tam’s lens.

Wow, your Peak District weekend itinerary sounds like a dream come true! Moving to West Sheffield must have been such a treat with the stunning landscapes and endless adventures awaiting just outside your doorstep. It’s inspiring to see how much joy exploring the Peak District has brought you in such a short time.

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The Perfect Peak District Itinerary

By: Author Wandermust Mummy

Despite all of our international travel, I still love a UK staycation. The place that we go back to most often either for day trips or for weeks away is the Peak District. In this post we share our love for the Peak District and have created for you our perfect week in the Peak District itinerary! 

Table of Contents

Best Time Of Year to Visit the Peak District

In my opinion there is no bad time to visit the Peak District! Winter is personally my least favourite season to visit in but then winter is my least favourite season anywhere! The nice thing about visiting the Peak District in Winter is that there are lots of cosy pubs and lodges with roaring fires where you can settle in for the night! Also Christmas in the Peaks is a lovely time especially at some of the historic homes, when they decorate the houses for Christmas!

Last year we visited in Spring and what we loved most was visiting the many farm yard attractions during lambing time! The peaks are also a great place to see some spring blooms!

Autumn is great because the Peaks is one of the best places in England to see fall colours.

But my favourite time is of course summer, when you are likely to get the best weather and have longer days to experience more of the wonderful Peak District attractions!  The only downside to visiting in the Summer is that this is peak season and will be more crowded!

Whenever you decide to visit, I am sure you will have a great time!

Where to Stay in the Peak District

The Peak District has some beautiful properties to stay in. When we stay in the Peak District our preferred place to stay is a Peak District Lodge with a hot tub! We have in the past stayed at:

Darwin Forest Where to Stay in the Peak District on your perfect peak district itinerary

Darwin Forest Country Lodge  – Located at the Matlock end of the Peak District with very easy access to Chatsworth House, Hardwick Hall and Matlock Farm to name a few!

Check out our full review here! 

And most recently we stay at

Sandybrook Country Lodge – run by the same company as the above but this property is closer to Ashbourne, Bakewell and Dovedale! Please note we were guests at Sandybrook Lodge during our stay however we paid for our own stay at its sister property Darwin Forest and would happily pay to return tomorrow!

Check out our full review here!

Both of these properties are great with children as they have pools, and other family friendly amenities on site!

If you prefer a hotel then my in-laws make an annual visit to Biggin Hall Hotel . This is perhaps more suited to couples than families.

And finally if you want to stay in a more historic property, Chatsworth House Estate offers a variety of property from pub lodgings to on estate cottages. To find more information click here!

Our Perfect Peak District Itinerary including Best Things to Do in the Peak District

Note about itinerary : This itinerary is designed so that it can be done at any time of year however as mentioned above the best weather for the Peak District is in the summer months!

Although I have allocated days to the itinerary it is designed to be done in any order, however if you would like to see the Market at Bakewell you will need to make this your Monday activity!

If you only have 2 days in peak district etc. then do not worry, just pick the days you fancy doing most!

Please note: Although there is public transport in the Peak District, this itinerary is designed for those that have access to their own vehicle so is a Peak District driving itinerary. 

Day One –   Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House – one of the best things to do in the peak district with kids

Day one of our perfect week in the Peak District starts at my favourite historic home in  England – Chatsworth House. This is a must for any UK bucket list  and it is great whatever type of traveller you are.

The insides of the house are fascinating and you will get a real into the Devonshire family who own the property!

Outside however is my favourite part of the estate. There are beautiful gardens to stroll in from formal gardens, walled gardens, kitchen gardens – you have them all at Chatsworth and it is very easy to spend a whole afternoon in the gardens! The last time we visited there was an outdoor art installation which added an extra dimension to the visit! In the summer you will find plenty of lawn games and even a champagne van in the gardens! It is a very English afternoon out!

The gardens also lead to some fantastic trails for those that enjoy walking! Some walks are doable without paying admission into the house and gardens but I would recommend getting entrance!

For those that don’t like walking, you can see the gardens by train or horse drawn carriage to, which is great for those with accessibility issues. Children also love this!

Speaking of children, for families travelling to the Peak District the House also has an amazing outdoor adventure playground and a working farmyard (this is very special in spring time with all the new lambs)

For more things to do in the Peak District with kids check out this post! 

One of the things I love about visiting Chatsworth is that the entrance tickets are really flexible so you only choose which of the following you want admittance for

• House and Gardens
• Playground and Farmyard

which is great as you don’t have to pay for experiences you won’t use! I love all of them so always get the full ticket! For current prices click here !

Chatsworth is well worth allocating a whole day of your Peak District itinerary to!

Day Two – Dovedale, Ashbourne and Tissington

Today is about more outdoor endeavours! Your first stop is

Dovedale is actually the first place I visited in the Peak District when I went on a school trip! Dovedale is a beautiful valley in the Peak District that offers some really easy walks that are even suitable for those who have strollers with them!

One of the highlights of the walk in Dovedale is the iconic Dovedale Stepping Stones that go across the River Dove! Please note: given the ease of this walk and the iconicness of the stepping stones means that the stepping stones get very busy especially during the summer and at weekends. If you can do this day during the Week it would be preferable but not essential.

If you are a more competent hiker or looking to go further, there are extensions to the Stepping Stone Walk!

Once you have completed your morning at Dovedale head to the nearby town of

Ok, I know Asbourne itself is not technically in the Peak District but it is known as the gateway to Dovedale but is a lovely town itself! It is a great place to go shopping with lots of family run businesses, antique shops and has its own market!

Bonus Alternative for Day Two:  If you are a cycling enthusiast heading to the Peak District then you should head to the beautiful Tissington Trail! The trail runs for 13 miles from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay and the Trail is actually the site of the old railway! It is a really easy but picturesque cycle to do for all the family!

Day Three – Bakewell and Haddon Hall

Top Tip: If possible I would schedule to do this day on a Monday to coincide with the Bakewell Market!

When you think about quintessential Peak District Town you think of Bakewell! On a Monday you can enjoy the market that is on in the centre of town and partake in a bit of shopping. While in town you simply must stop and eat a Bakewell Tart at the Original Bakewell Tart Shoppe! It is simply sublime!

For your afternoon head to the nearby historic home – Haddon Hall!

Haddon Hall dates back to the Tudor Period and the house frequently appears in period film and television programmes.

Please note:  check the website The house closes from October until Spring so please for current opening times!

Day Four – Hardwick Hall and Bolsover Castle

Today is another day of historic homes and castles. Start your day off at one of my favourite historic homes in the country

Hardwick Hall

At Hardwick Hall you get two historic homes for the price of one in effect as both New and Old Hardwick on site! The home belonged to the infamous Bess of Hardwick. When new Hardwick was built, it was famed for having the most glass in England and is simply breathtaking and is in my opinion one of the best things to do in the Peak District in the rain.

There are also extensive gardens, trails and a great playground for kids to explore!

The house is frequently used in film and television programmes and eagle eyed Harry Potter fans will recognise it as Malfoy Manor from the film franchise!

The house is run by the National Trust and I don’t know about you, I always have to stop in a National Trust Cafe for a spot of tea and cake!

Once finished take a quick 15 minute drive to your second stop of the day

Bolsover Castle

Bolsover Castle is run by English Heritage and dates from the Stuart Period! It is a spectacular property but my favourite attributes are all on the outside including the Fountain Garden and the Wall Walk! But what will impress most children and adults alike is the Horsemanship displays! Bolsover was originally built by the Cavendish Family and William Cavendish was once the Royal Horse Master and is known as the Father of Dressage!  The shows only run in peak season and has a limited capacity so be sure to check the schedule and book online in advance!

For more information click here!

Day Five – Castleton And Eyam

Start your day in the pretty town of Castleton! Castleton is

One of the most unique features of the town of Castleton is its caves that are home to deposits of the semi-precious Blue-John!  One of the caves – Blue John Cavern is open for prebooked tours  and all tours must have a minimum of two paying adults!

Another alternative is to take a cave boat tour through the Speedwell Cavern  that leads to a subterranean lake known as the Bottomless Pit! The town of Castleton is also a great place to stop for a traditional English pub lunch!

After lunch you are heading to the small village of

Eyam is famously known as ‘The Plague Village’ as in the 17th Century the villagers decided to cut themselves out from the outside world when villagers started contracting the plague to stop the spread! In the centre of the village is the National Trust run Eyam Hall, a Jacobite Manor House which is also worth a visit!

Bonus:  For serious hikers you can add hiking the nearby Mam Tor to your itinerary instead!

Day 6 – Heights of Abraham and Matlock

The first stop of the day is the family friendly Heights of Abraham ! The Heights of Abraham is one of the most well known family attractions in the whole fo the Peak District as you will fly over the Peak District countryside by Cable Car!

Once you reach the top there are caves to explore, a playground and some trails!

For your afternoon head to the nearby  Matlock Farm which is especially good in Spring during Lambing Season!

Day 7 – Crich Tramway Museum and Home 

For your final day head to the Crich Tramway Museum! We love a transport museum and Crich sort of combines transport museum with a living history museum! Here you will find a reconstructed village, sculpture trail and also loads of tram rides!

And after, your perfect one week Peak District Itinerary has come to an end!

For those travelling with young families why not check out the theme park aimed at the younger child audience – Gullivers Kingdom!

Peak District Packing List

While always beautiful the Peak District weather can be unpredictable – we have had blazing sunshine in spring and downpours in Summer. When packing for the peak district layers and waterproofs are always an essential.

Our essentials on our Peak District Packing List always include:

• Hiking Boots There are loads of great walks through out the Peak District for all abilities from the easy trails at Dovedale to the more difficult Mam Tor! Be sure yo pack your hiking boots for a Peak District Holiday no matter what time of year you go!
• Trainers or Hiking Sandals Not all walks in the Peaks require hiking boots, and if the weather is nice you will definitely want trainers or hiking sandals with you!
• T Shirts –  
• Swimwear If you are stopping at a lodge with pool and hot tub facilities as we recommend this is an essential!

FAQS about our Perfect peak district itinerary

What should i do if i only have one day in peak district.

If you only have one day in pea district then just pick the day from the above that appeals to you the best. 

Is peak district worth visiting?

In our opinion the peak district is absolutely worth visiting as it has something on offer whether you like outdoor pursuits, stately home or something else – the peak district has plenty on offer for everyone. 

Have you been to the Peak District? What did your Peak District Itinerary Look Like? What did you Pack for the Peak District? 

Perfect Peak District Itinerary

Perfect Peak District Itinerary. One Week in the Peak District. Peak

Angie Vincent

Saturday 18th of May 2019

I loved reading this as it brought back happy memories. We used to visit often to see friends who lived there so l its of the places you mention are very familiar. It is a beautiful part of the country. I visited Chatsworth for the first time when I was a student at Nottingham University. I fell in love with it there and then and I think it was also then my love of historic country houses began! Lovely post #farawayfiles

USHA SITAARAAM

Friday 17th of May 2019

I love the Peak District. The stepping stone at Dovedale and Chatsworth s house are our favourite. Looks like you got to do and see any things. Beautiful photos and post. #Farawayfiles

Kids of the Wild

What a jam-packed itinerary. It includes some of my favourite Peak District locations and also some I've not visited yet, Chatsworth particularly. Great post #farawayfiles

Tanja/The Red Phone Box travels

Thursday 16th of May 2019

I'd love to visit this national park with its stately homes and beautiful nature #farawayfiles

Cristina - Memories of the Pacific

First time I hear about Peak District and I've already fallen in love with the place! So green! Staycations are a great idea. There's so much we haven't seen in our own countries.

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PEAK DISTRICT ITINERARY (2024): THE ULTIMATE 3 DAY GUIDE & BEST THINGS TO DO!

LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE PEAK DISTRICT ITINERARY?

Check out our blog post below to plan a wonderful Peak District itinerary for 3 day long weekend in 2024!

Living just a few hours from the Peak District, we have been lucky enough to visit this idyllic area quite a few times, having escaped to its lush green hills for multiple long weekends!

From our experiences, we have crafted the perfect ‘3 days in the Peak District’ itinerary to follow below!

Includes: The best things to do (especially for first time visitors), some of the best great easy / moderate walks, where to stay in the Peak District, top tips for getting around and much more!

PEAK DISTRICT ITINERARY: THE ULTIMATE LONG WEEKEND GUIDE!

For our long weekend in the Peak District itinerary, we first begin exploring the cluster of key sights in South Peak District, before heading to the mid and West areas.

This itinerary mainly keeps you outside on the best easy to moderate walks in the Peak District, as well as taking time to visit the famous towns of Bakewell and Buxton.

DAY 1: DOVEDALE STEPPING STONES, THOR’S CAVE & BAKEWELL TOWN

MORNING: DOVEDALE STEPPING STONES WALK Start your morning early on this popular return walking trail from Dovedale Stepping Stones to Dove Holes, through a beautiful natural limestone valley following the gentle River Dove.

This enchanting trail is one of the easiest Peak District walks, and offers a journey across a picture-perfect set of stepping stones, jaw-dropping rock formations and colossal caves. In our opinion, the Dovedale Valley is the prettiest part of the the Peak District!

Top Tip : Park at the designated ‘Pay and Display’ Dovedale car park (postcode DE6 2AY).

This car park gets incredibly busy especially at peak times (i.e. weekends and public holidays) and it is common to be completely full by 10am, so be sure you get here earl y!

EARLY AFTERNOON: THOR’S CAVE Just a further 15 minute drive from Dovedale, park up in the quaint village of Wetton to begin a short trail to one of the Peak District’s iconic cave formations – Thor’s Cave !

Head deep into the idyllic countryside for about 15 to 20 minutes, passing fields full of friendly cows, before making your way down to the impressive Thor’s Cave.

To explore inside, you’ll need to scramble slightly up a steep rock that graduates deep into the cave itself. Looking back inside the cave, take in the breathtaking countryside view, now framed by the cave face.

Top Tip : There is designated free field parking for Thor’s Cave in Wetton village, located here .

Top Tip : The best time to visit Thor’s Cave is during off-peaks times, ideally on a weekday. The steep cave entrance gets incredibly slippery and much harder to climb if many people have climbed up, distributing wet mud from their shoes. Getting down from inside Thor’s Cave may require you to go down on your bum, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Did You Know : UK’s National Parks, including Peak District National Park, are areas where people live and work (over 38,000 people live in the Peak District!). There are no specific opening times, barriers and no entry charge.

AFTERNOON: VISIT BAKEWELL TOWN One of the most popular towns to visit in the Peak District is Bakewell. Though relatively small in size, it is the Peak District’s main town! Famous for its iconic British pudding of Bakewell tarts, Bakewell is a great spot to spend the rest of this afternoon.

After all that walking today, treat yourself to a hearty pub lunch or enjoy a classic fish and chips along the River. Browse Bakewell’s independent shops, adding your own lock to the love-lock bridge or a relaxing stroll up to the Riverside Gardens from the quaint Bakewell bridge.

Top Tip : There are numerous car parks around Bakewell, all ‘Pay and Display’. The largest is located here on the other side of the river at an old agricultural farm, and is your best bet if you go on a busy day. It is just a 3 minute walk into Bakewell town by crossing the love-lock bridge. You can pay by coins, card or PayByPhone app here.

Top Tip : If stately homes and gardens are up your street, Chatsworth House is a great place to add to your Peak District itinerary! It is only a 11 minute drive from Bakewell.

DAY 2: MAM TOR RIDGE WALK, CASTLETON & BAMFORD EDGE SUNSET

MORNING: MAM TOR RIDGE WALK One of the most scenic trails in the Peak District is hands down the Mam Tor ridge walk . Proudly standing at 517 metres high, this majestic fortress of a hill was once a Celtic settlement with a populated fort where the summit now stands.

Today, there are well-maintained steps up to the summit and well-laid pathway all along the ridge, allowing walkers of all levels and ages (and easily dogs and children) to witness the jaw-dropping views from the top!

This is a popular walk, so we recommend to get here early to enjoy the peace and quiet of morning.

Top Tip : The best car park for the Mam Tor walk is the Mam Nick car park , which is right at the beginning of the trail. It is a National Trust “Pay & Display” car park, and you can only pay via the PayByPhone app, website or telephone number.

AFTERNOON: WINNATS PASS TO CASTLETON Just 2 miles (5 minute drive) away from the Mam Tor car park is the charming little village of Castleton, which is a great spot to grab a well deserved rest and wander after your Mam Tor walk.

The route from Mam Tor to Castleton with send you through the idyllic Winnats Pass, where the road now cuts straight through the heart of this historic limestone valley!

When arriving into the tiny village of Castleton, have a wander round, enjoy a scrumptious British brunch or cream tea at Tillys of Castleton before driving towards your next destination: Bamford Edge!

Fun Fact : Winnats Pass valley was historically engulfed by a tropical sea, and the limestone remaining today is still jam-packed with sea creatures fossils that lived over 350 million years ago! How Incredible!

Top Tip : There is one designated ‘Pay and Display’ car park in Castleton near the Visitors Centre, but there is the opportunity to park for free on this road-side here instead, still only few minutes walk away from the village centre.

Top Tip : Other popular sights to see around Castleton are Peveril Castle (an impressive ruin of an 11-century castle) or guided tours within some of the UK’s best underground caverns, including Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff.

LATE AFTERNOON: BAMFORD EDGE FOR SUNSET From Castleton, drive 15 minutes to New Road for our final short walk to Bamford Edge ! Park up for free along New Road before heading up on this relatively easy to moderate walk, perfect for beginners.

Ideally, park here along New Road to be next to the Bamford Edge trail starting point. We parked too far down the road by accident – save your time and avoid walking New Road’s incline!

Described as one of the best views to see sunset in the Peak District, allow just 25-35 minutes to reach the jaw-dropping Bamford Edge viewpoint.

Spend as much time as you need taking in the beautiful scenery and amazing panoramas at Ladybower Reservoir! Also look out for the plenty of roaming sheep as you walk along the trail.

Top Tip: There are no toilets along the walking route to Bamford Edge, but there are nearby public toilets in Bamford village, just a 5 minute drive away.

Top Tip: It is common for Bamford Edge viewpoint to be very windy, due to its exposed location!

DAY 3: CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES (MONSAL TRAIL), BUXTON & LUD’S CHURCH

MORNING: CHEE DALE STEPPING STONES WALK The Peak District is home to “ The Monsal Trail ” – an old, derelict railway line which has been revamped into a safe, traffic-free and incredibly scenic 8.5 mile walking and cycling route.

The trail is ever-changing, passing derelict limestone kilns and breathtaking scenery whilst soaring over grand viaducts and through old railway tunnels!

While you may not complete the entire stretch on your long weekend Peak District itinerary, a brilliant point to pick it up from is at Millers Dale car park, roughly halfway along the trail, to complete the Chee Dale stepping stones walk.

This is a beautiful river-side walk deep into the enchanting Chee Dale valley, before heading up to the viaduct and rejoining the Monsal trail on your return back.

Top Tip : The Millers Dale car park is the closest car park for the Chee dale walk. It is a “pay and display” (coins, card and payment apps accepted) with refreshment and toilet facilities on-site. The car park is small and gets filled up quickly, so if you prefer this option, set off early!

Or equally, you can respectively park along the road-side for free in the nearby village of Wormhill and walk your way down to Chee Dale. The describe this route in our Chee Dale stepping stones walking guide .

AFTERNOON: EXPLORE BUXTON Drive a short 14 minutes to the town of Buxton, one of the UK’s most renowned spa towns, skirting the Peak District.

Take time to simply wander the town, or a top paid thing to do is enjoy a spa afternoon at the newly renovated 5* Ensana Buxton Crescent & Thermal Spa Hotel. Book this in advance, or even opt to stay overnight here tonight.

Other things to do in and around Buxton are the wandering the idyllic Pavilion gardens, browsing all its quirky independent shops or venturing to nearby Soloman’s Temple!

Fun Fact : Wonder why the name Buxton sounds so familiar? Buxton is the birthplace of bottled Buxton mineral water!

LATE AFTERNOON: WALK THROUGH LUD’S CHURCH A lost jurassic world lies just a 20-minute drive away from Buxton. Park at Gradbach car park for free, heading through the woods and down into the otherworldly chasm of Lud’s Church .

Giving you the feeling of being on a real Indiana Jones cross Jurassic Park movie set, walk through its towering cliff faces, laced in vibrant green fauna, ferns and moss. Enjoy getting lost in it secret passages and small caves.

Top tip : While the car park at Gradbach is free, it only has space for approx. 20 cars, and (dependant on day and weather), can fill up quickly. This is why we suggest to come here later in the evening, to avoid peak times when most people have gone home.

Top tip : If you had the time, a popular circular walk from Gradbach car park is Hens Cloud, The Roaches, Lud’s Church and back to Gradbach.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

⭐ The Cow Shed (Perfect for 2 people. Quaint self-contained stone cottage with free parking, outside space and outdoor hot tub)

⭐ Little Barn Peak District (Perfect for 2 people. Quaint self-contained stone cottage with modern interior, rural setting with amazing countryside views)

⭐ Peak Edge Hotel (Perfect for 2 people. Large, modern and stylish boutique hotel located just outside of the Peak District)

⭐ Bankside Cottage (Perfect for 4 adults, 2 children max. Quaint self-contained stone cottage holiday home in Milldale, right next to walking trail to Dovedale Stepping Stones).

PEAK DISTRICT PACKING LIST

• Loose comfortable clothing for walking, such as tank tops, cotton shorts or leggings. If you visit in the colder months, pack additional layers.
• Comfortable lightweight walking shoes with good grip and thick thermal socks .
• An additional pair of comfortable shoes to walk around the Peak District towns in, i.e. Bakewell or Buxton. These could be trainers, converses, etc.
• Refillable water bottle to bring on your Peak District walking trails.
• High factor sun cream for warmer months.
• Sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses for warmer months.
• Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone.
• A lightweight rain poncho just in case – you never know with our unpredictable English weather!

HOW TO GET AROUND THE PEAK DISTRICT

Getting around peak district by car.

Ideally, the best way to get around the Peak District is by self-driving your own vehicle. This gives you absolute freedom on your Peak District itinerary with no restrictions on waiting for bus timetables, etc.

If you are visiting the UK and do not own your own vehicle, you can quite easily rent a car for multiple days !

GETTING AROUND PEAK DISTRICT BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

If you do not want to drive the Peak District, or cannot drive, you’ll be pleased to know there is a good public transport system in place to get around the Peak District without a car. Click here for the official Peak District’s transport planner page .

ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

What are the roads like to drive on in the peak district.

The majority of Peak District roads and predominantly single carriageway. These are usually well kept sealed roads, which is easy to drive on.

That said, there are a few country roads dotted around which are slightly tighter and have numerous pot holes, so just take these much more carefully if encountered.

PARKING IN THE PEAK DISTRICT

At most key attractions in the Peak District, you will need to use a ‘Pay and display’ car park. The average cost was typically £2-£4. Occasionally, there is the opportunity to find suitable free spaces to park, which if there is, we would have highlighted in our Peak District itinerary above.

Top tip : Some parking metres, like the one in Dovedale for example, only accept coins due to lack of phone service. Make sure you always have change on you.

Likewise, some (like the one at Mam Tor for example) only allow payment via the ‘PayByPhone’ (click to download on Apple / Android )’ parking app. Make sure you set yourself up on this app before your Peak District trip!

VISITING THE PEAK DISTRICT: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

Where is the peak district.

The Peak District National Park is set in the very central heart of the UK in the Midlands. The Peak District National Park is the most accessible of all UK National Parks, spanning across 5 different counties: Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Yorkshire. In fact, approximately 20 million UK people live within a 1 hour travel time to the Peak Distrct!

WHY SHOULD I VISIT THE PEAK DISTRICT? WHAT MAKES THE PEAK DISTRICT SPECIAL?

Why should you visit the Peak District National Park? It is one of the UK’s most beautiful countryside areas, hosting a vast green landscape made up of idyllic rolling hills, enchanting woodlands, dramatic cliff edges, mysterious dry valleys and gentle rivers.

It is also home to a seriously impressive collection of colossal caves – what the Peak District is famous for!

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN THE PEAK DISTRICT?

I think a shorter list would be, ‘What isn’t there to do’! Whether you are an active adventurer itching to trek / cycle miles across its beautiful landscape, a keen shopper wanting to explore its quaint little towns or simply in search of a quiet countryside cabin escape, the Peak District has something for everyone.

It is the perfect long weekend getaway for anyone. There are plenty of free things to do in the Peak District such as cycling, walking, climbing, wildlife-watching – to additional paid activities such as visiting majestic stately homes, caving tours, paragliding from the peak tops and indulging in tearooms or country pubs.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT PEAK DISTRICT?

UK SUMMER = JUNE TO AUGUST UK AUTUMN = SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER UK WINTER = DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY UK SPRING = MARCH TO MAY

From our experience, we believe the best months to visit the Peak District is between the two off-peak seasons, either late Spring in May or the start of Autumn months in September.

During these months, it will be far less busy and there is still a good chance for some mild and warmer weather. The UK’s Summer has a habit of starting late, with warm weather usually carrying on into September!

On the contrary, we would advise not to visit the Peak District during the Summer school holidays, between July and August. This is when the Peak District will be it’s most busiest and accommodation prices at their highest.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN THE PEAK DISTRICT?

We would suggest for most, the minimum Peak District itinerary would be across a long weekend, i.e. 3 days and 2 nights.

This will give you enough time to see the majority of key sights. If you are an avid walker, the hundreds of countryside walks on offer here would keep you occupied for even longer, though we include a few of the most idyllic walks in our Peak District itinerary above!

PEAK DISTRICT FUN FACTS

• The Peak District National Park was actually the first official National Park in the UK, established back in 1951!
• The Peak District National Park is one of the UK’s best holiday destinations, welcoming over 13 million people a year!
• Covering 5 counties, the Peak District makes up an area of 555 square miles – the equivalent of the size of Greater London!
• The Peak is most famous for its multiple giant caves, which incredibly remained inhabited by people until 1910! The tallest of which being the ‘Titan Shaft’ in Castleton, which is taller than the London Eye at 142 metres! There are also many free caves to see in the Peak District, a few of which we covered in our Peak District itinerary above!
• The Peak Districts idyllic setting has made it a the perfect filming location for multiple films and TV series, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pride and Prejudice, The Duchess and more recently BBC’s Peaky Blinders final series.
• There is 26,000 miles of dry stone wall in the Peak District – which staggeringly, equates to a wall around the entire Earth!
• The Peak District is home to an amazing array of wildlife, including the Mountain Hare (only UK population found outside of Scotland!), Red deer, birds of prey and the Ring ouzel birds.
• There is a small village in the Peak District called Eyam with a heart-breaking and incredulous story. In 1665, after a small cloth from London infected the majority of the village with bubonic plague, they took it upon themselves to completely self-quarantine from the rest of the world to stop any further spread.

CONCLUSION: PEAK DISTRICT ITINERARY

In conclusion, we believe this long weekend Peak District itinerary gives a great glimpse into this beautiful region.

This guide makes the very most of the best easy to moderate walking trails found in the Peak District, whilst also allowing for some much needed down time to explore and relax.

We hope you have a reinvigorating, relaxing and wonderful trip to the Peak District!

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

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The Peak District, England

Peak District

Why we love the Peak District

Britain’s oldest national park has never felt fresher. For hikers, cyclists, horse riders and thrill seekers, the Peak District offers adventures galore – plus a thriving food scene and festivals of all shapes and sizes.

Established as a national park in 1951, the Peak District is made up of two distinct terrains: ‘Dark Peak’, with untamed moors and windswept hills; and ‘White Peak’, a patchwork of sheep-grazed fields and quaint villages. Despite its name, the park has no mountains – but it does have hidden depths, in the form of spectacular caves. The likes of Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern offer a glimpse of this eerie underworld, crafted by nature over millions of years.

For all its wilderness, the Peak District is also one of Britain’s most accessible national parks – an easy trip from Manchester, Leeds and Nottingham, while Sheffield is the perfect gateway for ease of access to climbing, mountain biking and hiking adventures. Whether stopping by for a quick break or a longer jaunt, here’s how to plan your trip.

Find your perfect path

Dark or White – or both? The two areas of the Peak District offer contrasting walks: to the north lie invigorating trails through open moorland and craggy gritstone, and up to the park’s highest point, Kinder Scout. To the south, the White Peak’s pastoral valleys and villages make for gentler hikes.

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Explore the underworld

Millions of years in the making, the many caves of the Peak District are filled with sculpturesque stalagmites, vast grottoes and even a unique semi-precious mineral called Blue John. The Castleton area has four impressive show caverns, or you could venture deeper on a specialist caving trip.

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Ride the old rails

Get in the saddle! For cyclists and horse riders, the park is criss-crossed with glorious traffic-free trails – including the old railway routes of Monsal (8.5 miles/13.6 km), High Peak (17 miles/27 km), Thornhill (two miles/three km) and Tissington (13 miles/21 km). Several bike hire centres and riding schools operate in the area.

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Sail, swim and splash

Make waves on the Peak District’s reservoirs : the likes of Carsington Water and Derwent Waterside Park offer paddleboarding, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing and more. The River Derwent is another popular Peak spot to take to the water. Whether you hire your own boat or join a lesson, it’s a great way to explore – and there are cycling trails and picnic spots nearby too.

VisitBritain/Mel Rogerson

Bathe in Buxton’s beauty

The town of Buxton is the Peak District’s ‘capital’, famed for its thermal spa baths, elegant Pavilion Gardens, Poole’s Cavern showcaves and abundance of art galleries and theatre venues. It sits just outside the national park boundary, and hosts jazz, opera and folklore festivals year-round.

VisitBritain/Tomo Brejc

Get a fresh perspective

With pristine gardens and opulent interiors, the Peak District’s historic houses are always impressive – but you can delve even further. Look out for Haddon Hall’s live concerts and Christmas markets; outdoor cinema and theatre at Chatsworth House; and Lyme Park’s behind-the-scenes tours.

Things to do in the Peak District

Chatsworth house.

One of Britain’s grandest stately homes, the beautiful Chatsworth House sits in a 1,000-acre park in the Peak District.

VisitBritain

Visit one Britain’s most beautiful towns – Buxton in the Peak District, famous for its thermal spa and water.

Heights of Abraham

Take a cable car to the popular Peak District attraction, Heights of Abraham, a 60-acre hilltop park and caverns above pretty Matlock Bath.

life_at_fox_hollow

Monsal Trail

Enjoy a peaceful meander through the Peak District National Park on the Monsal Trail, a flat route along a disused railway.

Longshaw Estate

Explore the moorlands, woodlands and dramatic views of Derwent Valley at the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate.

sarkadventures

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop

Sink your spoon into a traditional Bakewell pudding at this famous bakery and tea room.

Solomon’s Temple

Follow the woodland trails from Poole's Cavern Visitor Centre to this mysterious Victorian tower.

VisitBritain/Peak District

High Peak Trail

A traffic-free hiking and cycling route – for 17 miles (27 km) of Peak District splendour.

Matt Smith / Alamy Stock Photo

Tissington Trail

For over 50 years, this traffic-free pathway has welcomed cyclists, hikers and horse riders.

Alamy Stock Photo

Tittesworth Water Sports

The beautiful Tittesworth Reservoir is yours to explore on canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding adventures.

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Rock Climbing with Dolomite Training

This course is ideal for intermediate indoor climbers looking for a challenging, exhilarating outdoor experience.

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Matlock Cycle Routes

This Peak District town has a wealth of traffic-free trails and thrilling hill climbs.

Visit Peak District

Beyond The Edge

Take your adventures to the next level – with rock climbing, scrambling, fell running and more.

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Sheffield Cable Waterski and Aqua Park

Grab a wetsuit, and leap into watersports and activities at this outdoor adventure centre.

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery

Immerse yourself in 360 million years' worth of history and heritage in the Peak District.

Lovage by Lee Smith

Stand-out dishes include slow-roasted duck and English cheese platters, with premium wine pairings.

Restaurant Lovage

The Devonshire Arms at Beeley

This charming inn sits on the Chatsworth Estate, and serves top-quality local beers, spirits and food.

Hartington Cheese Shop

This specialist cheese shop is packed with Derbyshire Stilton, Dovedale Blue, cheddars, brie, Yorkshire Wensleydale, red Leicester and much more.

Pride and Prejudice Bespoke Tour

Following in the footsteps of Colin Firth and Keira Knightley, explore the Peak District’s regency gems.

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Haddon Hall

This magnificent Medieval and Tudor residence hosts live music, seasonal festivals, craft markets and more.

Crich Tramway Village

Ride heritage trams, sip beer in a traditional pub and discover pioneering inventions through the ages.

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Treak Cliff Cavern

Explore on a self-guided tour, and search for your own precious piece of ‘Blue John’ gemstone.

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Kedleston Hall

Discover the gleaming Marble Hall, an abundant antiques collection, and 800 acres of pristine countryside.

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Peveril Castle

This Norman fortress presides over the Hope Valley, with panoramic views of the Peak District National Park.

Historic England/English Heritage

Discover ‘Plague Cottage’ and the Eyam Museum, along with a bounty of welcoming hotels and pubs.

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Arbor Low Stone Circle

Welcome to the ‘Stonehenge of the North’, a Neolithic henge monument surrounded by wild moorland.

Historic England

Chesterfield Pride

A fun-packed day with entertainment for everyone.

Bloodstock Open Air

Every August, the otherwise tranquil Catton Hall transforms into one of Britain’s biggest heavy metal festivals.

Chatsworth Country Fair

Featuring a vintage fun fair, thrilling country shows and gourmet food – in the grounds of Chatsworth House.

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Buxton International Festival

This annual celebration of art, music, books and dance features talents from all over the world.

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Derwent Dam

This wheelchair-accessible trail loops around the Derwent and Ladybower reservoirs, with glorious views throughout.

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Alpaca Experience at Naze View Farm

With their furry faces and inquisitive characters, the alpacas of Naze View Farm make fabulous walking companions.

Naze View Farm

Castleton's Caverns

Explore four impressive show caves, with film screenings, live concerts and boat trips – all underground!

Shutterstock / Alexey Fedorenko

Speedwell Cavern

Take a boat trip through a 200-year-old lead mine, discovering a warren of hand-carved passageways.

Well Dressings

Adding a dash of colour to Peak District villages, this curious tradition has been upheld for centuries.

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Buxton Crescent Health Spa Hotel

Bathe in Buxton mineral water, unwind in the infrared sauna and breathe deep in the salt cave.

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A feast of exquisite Georgian and Tudor architecture, located right on the Tissington Trail.

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Think gorgeous thatched cottages, a historic market area and an abundance of guesthouses and restaurants.

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Tagg Lane Dairy

Feast on award-winning gelato, hot toasted teacakes and artisan coffees at this family-run spot.

Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop

Searching for gifts? Look out for homemade chutneys, biscuits and liqueurs at Chatsworth’s official shop.

Featured things to do

VisitDerbyshire

Peak District, Derbyshire

Cute capers

Chatsworth House is famed for its lavish decor and rich history, but it’s also a working farm – and during the spring lambing, visitors can bottle-feed the adorable newborns by hand.

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’Tis the season for festivals – including live music and camping at Y Not Festival and farm-themed fun at the Ashover Show.

Natural highs

Got a head for heights? Ride a cable car to the Heights of Abraham, a hilltop estate with wild woodlands and caves to explore. In autumn, you’ll get a bird's-eye view of the red treetops.

Bakes and brews

Taste the Peak District’s epicurean joys: from Bakewell pudding and Ashbourne gingerbread, to artisan cheeses from Hartington Creamery. Many distilleries and breweries offer tasting tours too.

Places to stay in the Peak District

City breaks.

With Sheffield, Manchester and Derby just a train ride away, why not combine your Peak District adventure with a city trip?

Boutique retreats

The national park has hotels to suit every style: from romantic boltholes and grand rural mansions, to homely family-run bed and breakfasts.

Woodland cabins

Want something wilder? You’ll find forest lodges and glamping sites all over the Peak District – and even treehouses too.

Explore nearby

World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival

From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

Oh Me Oh My

Yorkshire Dales

Proof that perfection can’t be rushed, the Yorkshire Dales was millions of years in-the-making.

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Steeped in legends that surround Robin Hood to literary greats, discover what this city has to offer.

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Getting to the Peak District

Sitting between Manchester and Sheffield, with Derby to the south, the Peak District is simple to reach by bus, train or coach , and has great motorway links. Trains from London St Pancras to Derby take around 90 minutes. The closest airports are Manchester (33 miles/53 km from Bakewell) and East Midlands (40 miles/64 km); they’re served by direct flights from all over the world.

Getting around

The Peak District’s trains are far-reaching, with the likes of the Derwent Valley Line and Hope Valley Line making car-free travel easy. Some brilliant walks can be reached directly from its rail stations , and bikes can be rented throughout the national park. Electric car-charging points are available throughout the region.

The local bus network is excellent. Daily Peak Sightseer services operate in the summer, taking in Chatsworth House, Castleton and Bakewell.

By heritage train

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway offers picturesque trips between Wirksworth and Duffield, powered by gleaming vintage locomotives. Peak Rail serves afternoon tea on its steam trains.

By motorhome

Ideal for active holidays with a dash of adventure, hiring a motorhome or campervan gives you the ultimate freedom – and there are campsites throughout the region.

Want to know more?

For more epic Peak District adventures and great places to stay, check out its official website.

Destination Chesterfield

• Chesterfield News

Peak District ‘Car-free Adventures’ campaign wins top award

‘ Car-free Adventures ‘ – a marketing campaign created by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire – has won Gold at the prestigious Travel Marketing Awards 2024.

The campaign won the Marketing Responsible and Sustainable Travel award, which recognises organisations that have successfully promoted a more responsible and sustainable way to travel and genuinely made a positive impact on the planet.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Car-free Adventures campaign ran throughout 2023 and encouraged visitors to choose greener transport options when travelling to, and getting around, the destination to help reduce congestion and protect local landscapes.

Developed in consultation with partners including the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) team at Derbyshire County Council and public transport operators Stagecoach and Northern, the campaign aimed to get more visitors out of their cars and onto public transport by promoting the area’s great bus and rail links.

It showcased new and extended bus services – including Stagecoach’s hop on, hop off open-top Peak Sightseer bus – and highlighted using public transport as a practical way for visitors to save money and reduce their carbon footprint, showing them how they can make their journeys part of the holiday experience.

The Peak Sightseer open-top bus can be picked up from Chesterfield Rail Station at the start and end of each day.

The blue route serves Baslow, Calver, Grindleford, the National Trust Longshaw Estate, Surprise View, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope, Castleton and the spectacular Winnat’s Pass to Blue John Cavern. Whilst the red route links Pilsley, Hassop Station (for the Monsal Trail), Bakewell and the village of Ashford-in-the-Water.

The campaign included the development of leaflets promoting days out by bus, downloadable ‘car-free’ itineraries encouraging sustainable travel, and social media content including video reels showcasing greener days out that have so far reached over three million people.

There was also a special focus on attractions offering discounts to visitors arriving by public transport and travel schemes including the current £2 bus fare cap (running until 31st December 2024).

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’re delighted to have received this prestigious award which recognises our ongoing commitment to growing and developing the area’s sustainable tourism offer.

“Working with our valued partners we are committed to reducing car journeys and supporting and promoting a greener way of getting to and around the Peak District and Derbyshire – protecting our precious landscapes and supporting local communities at the same time.

“Sustainable tourism plays a vital in role in growing our visitor economy and ensuring its long-term success, making a real difference to both visitors and residents alike, and we’re thrilled this campaign has not only achieved brilliant results, but also worthy recognition on a national level.”

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Charlotte Cupit, said: “The campaign that Visit Peak District & Derbyshire devised last year was a fantastic way to promote both our wonderful county, and the public transport options that we have available so we can all enjoy it.

“We were pleased to support this campaign through our Bus Service Improvement Plan and I’m delighted that the team were successful and won this prestigious award, and look forward to working with them on future campaigns to promote bus travel to our visitors.” Louise Holroyde, Marketing Manager for Stagecoach in Derbyshire said: “Visit Peak District & Derbyshire has been a key partner in helping us encourage people to use the bus more in the Derbyshire region over the past 18 months. Their passion, insight and excellent marketing support helped us to launch our first successful open-top bus in the region as well as seeing other key tourist routes grow from strength to strength.

“Their exceptional tourist videos, social media posts and media support helped us to reach a much larger audience than we expected encouraging more people to enjoy the Peak District in a more sustainable way. The team absolutely deserve this recognition for all of their hard work and dedication.”

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is the lead partner of the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and sustainability is a core pillar of the organisation’s tourism strategy.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s Sustainable Tourism Action Plan, produced in partnership with stakeholders including the Peak District National Park Authority and the National Forest, sets out the destination’s ambition to become a world-leading beacon for sustainable tourism.

For more ideas to explore Chesterfield and the Peak District this summer visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer .

Car-free Adventures in the Peak District wins Gold Award at the Travel Marketing Awards 2024

Tara Underhill

Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator

Over twenty venues in and around Chesterfield town centre have been recognised for helping to create a safer night out with reduced alcohol-related crime.

A state-of-the-art eye care hospital is set to open in Chesterfield, and promises to reduce waiting times for patients in our area. 

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has been Downing Street to discuss more powers and funding for the East Midlands.

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Car-free walks: Great walks from train stations in the Peak District and Derbyshire

Leave the car at home, pull on your walking boots and hop on the train to discover some of the best walks in the Peak District & Derbyshire that can be easily accessed by train.

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Leave the car at home, pull on your walking boots and hop on the train to discover some of the best walks in the Peak District & Derbyshire that can be easily accessed by train. Explore iconic beauty spots in Britain's original National Park, find hidden Derbyshire gems on foot and enjoy great places to eat and drink along the way .

Here, Lucy Thorpe rounds up some of the best walks that start and end at train stations in the Peak District & Derbyshire.

The Peak District & Derbyshire has excellent public transport links to the cities of Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham, Nottingham and Derby and regular local train services provide a wealth of opportunities for walkers.

The Hope Valley Line runs between Manchester and Sheffield, giving direct access to popular outdoor stops like Grindleford, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope and Edale. The Manchester to Glossop Line offers access to the dramatic reservoirs and wild moorland of the Dark Peak; the Derwent Valley Line between Derby and Matlock covers the highlights of the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site; and the Manchester to Buxton Line allows you to explore the tranquil yet dramatic Goyt Valley on the fringe of the National Park.

Buxton to Solomon's Temple: 2 miles

A great walk for the whole family to enjoy. Explore the Victorian Folly of Solomon's Temple on the summit of Grin Low hill and enjoy some spectacular views across Buxton on this short, circular walk, which takes around 50 minutes (2 miles). Afterwards, pop into the nearby Poole's Cavern for an underground adventure!

Download the route here .

Edale to Kinder Scout: 8 miles

This circular walk takes you from the pretty village of Edale to the windswept moors of the Kinder plateau, the highest point in the Peak District. The route ascends via the rocky ravine of Grindsbrook Clough and then follows the edge of the plateau, passing Crowden Tower, the Wool Packs and the Noe Stool, before descending via Jacob's Ladder and returning to Edale on the final section of the Pennine Way. There are truly spectacular views along the way over the Edale Valley and the western edges of the Peak District.

Hathersage to Stanage Edge: 9 miles

Starting in the village of Hathersage, this 9 mile walk takes you along the wonderful cliffs of Stanage Edge with superb views of the Derwent & Hope Valleys, Mam Tor and Kinder Scout. On the way to the Stanage Edge, you will pass North Lees Hall which is a building steeped in history and literary connections. This 16th century manor is thought to have been the inspiration behind Mr Rochester’s home in Jane Eyre. Stanage Edge is also famed locally as a Pride & Prejudice filming location; it's the spot where a windswept Keira Knightley dreamed of her dashing Mr Darcy!

Download the route here.

Matlock Bath to High Tor and Giddy Edge: 4 miles

A linear walk with superb cliff-top views, you'll need a head for heights to tackle this breathtaking walk! There are train stations at both Matlock and Matlock Bath, so you can walk from either end, and you could even catch the train back to your starting point if preferred. This walk is considered to be unsuitable for young children due to steep drops and cliff edges and includes fairly strenuous uphill sections, but the views are worth it!

Grindleford to Padley Gorge

This 6 mile walk starts from Grindleford train station, making it very easy to travel to. You'll wander through the picturesque woodland surroundings of Padley Gorge - famed for its brook which flows over rocks and under wooden bridges.

At the train station, walk uphill towards Grindleford Station Cafe. Turn left, and follow the lane uphill as it bears slightly left, before turning off right. Follow the sign for Longshaw Estate via Padley Gorge.

Padley Gorge is a great spot to pause and admire the wildlife and beautiful scenery. When the path splits, take the left fork and walk up the hill away from the water, keeping Burbage Brook on your right-hand side at all times.

Take path through open countryside. Upon reaching the second bridge, turn left to follow a grassy path that runs between large rocks towards a gate beside the road. Through this gate, cross the road (with care), and take the public footpath directly opposite.

Continue along this path, passing through a gate to Hathersage Moor. Take the left fork in the path and after a short distance, you'll spot the iconic Higger Tor rock formation (a former Iron Age hill fort). Continue along this path until you reach a fork next to a bench.

Bear left and climb to the top of the small hill. Next, go straight over the crossroad of paths to walk downhill. When you reach the T-junction of paths at the bottom of the hill, turn left and follow the trail towards the rocky outcrop called Over Owler Tor.

At the next fork in the path, head left and continue straight on, passing Over Owler Tor on the left. Walk uphill, staying on the path instead of climbing the stile. The path will be on the left of the fence with stunning views across the valley to your right.

Go through a gate marked Access Land, where you’ll find a bench with lovely views across the Derwent Valley. Continue walking with the stone wall on your right. Cross the road and follow the public footpath to Lawrence Field. Here, the stone wall will be on your left. Follow it until you reach a gate that takes you back down to Padley Gorge and the path you started on. Retrace your steps to Grindleford railway station.

Hope to Edale via Castleton: 4 miles

Both of these idyllic villages are situated on the Hope Valley Line (easy to access from Manchester, Stockport or Sheffield), offering beautiful scenery, impressive hikes and quality places to eat and drink, whichever way around you choose to do the walk. The route takes you through Castleton, famous for its show caverns and caves, and offers great sites to explore along the way such as Treak Cliff Cavern, where you can head in search of Blue John Stone.

It’s a pleasant 4-mile walk between the two villages, with a moderate climb and beautiful views of the Hope Valley along the way. Starting out at Hope near the Church, head south to a public footpath alongside Peakshole Water (part of the River Noe) towards Castleton.

Once in Castleton, head north west and pass Dunscar Farm, climbing to Hollins Cross. This is the lowest point of the Great Ridge between Castleton and Edale and is very popular with walkers, so we recommend enjoying this walk during the week or at quieter times of the year if possible. Don't forget to take your camera to capture the iconic views of Mam Tor and the Hope Valley.

You then start to descend to the idyllic village of Edale, crossing the River Noe en route. From here, you can either catch the train from Edale station back to your starting point, or extend your walk on one of the numerous paths that climb to the Kinder Scout plateau - the highest point in the Peak District National Park.

Hadfield to Longdendale: 9 miles

In the dramatic northern reaches of the Peak District, this walk start at Hadfield train station (accessible on the Glossop Line from Manchester). The route takes you up the Longdendale Valley, across the route of the old Woodhead Railway.

After leaving Hadfield station, go left into the car park and join the scenic Longdendale Trail, a popular walking and cycling route. Follow the trail up though the valley where it meets the road near Woodhead Dam.

You’ll see some amazing views as you head down to leave the trail, following a concessionary footpath that crosses a weir by the dam. You’ll then turn east by the shore of Torside Reservoir for just over a mile, intersecting with the Pennine Way (England's first long-distance footpath) briefly.

Don’t follow the Pennine Way, instead take the lower of two tracks to the north of Rhodeswood Reservoir. You’ll see Bramah Edge and the Devil’s Elbow above you. Once you reach the dam, cross it and follow the tarmac lane by Deepclough.

Follow this until it crosses over the Longdendale Trail, following the signposted path on the right, passing through fields to a walled lane between houses at Padfield. Go right, then take the second left onto Post Street to a T-junction. After this, go right again on Platt Street which leads downhill back under the Longdendale Trail and back to the railway station.

Grindleford to Hathersage: 6 miles

Two of the Peak District's most popular hubs for outdoor-lovers, the villages of Hathersage and Grindleford sit on the Hope Valley Line, accessible from Manchester or Sheffield. Starting out at Grindleford Station, head towards Hathersage, a village known for its literary links (it's thought to have inspired Charlotte Bronte when writing Jane Eyre).

Continue along the lane to the end, where it meets the main road. Turn left and head down the road (which has a pavement all the way) towards Hathersage. Just after a right-hand bend you will see a footpath sign to the left.

Continue straight along the road into the town. Follow the road through Hathersage and turn left at the junction opposite the George Hotel at the bottom of the hill (signposted for Grindleford and the David Mellor Cutlery Factory). On the edge of town, you will see a left turn signed Station Approach which leads to Hathersage Railway Station, where you can hop on a train back to your starting point.

New Mills Millennium Walkway, River & Canal Walk: 5 miles

Close to Manchester and Stockport, the heritage-rich town of New Mills is situated in a dramatic position alongside the River Goyt and near to the Peak Forest Canal. From New Mills Central Station (on the Hope Valley Line - there’s also a station at New Mills Newtown on the Buxton Line), follow the trail along the Torrs Riverside Park and cross over the magnificent Millennium Walkway , a 160-metre long aerial walkway spanning the cliffside above the River Goyt. Soak up views of the dramatic railway arches, Torrs Hydro and bridge walkway, whilst looking out for information boards explaining more about the area's industrial heritage.

From Torrs Riverside Park, head south along the Goyt Way towards the canal. Follow the path west past Newtown and Brunswick Mill to Woodend, where you can rejoin the river and walk through the peaceful Mousley Bottom Nature Reserve. After passing through the nature reserve, you either head back to the main road and back to the station. For a longer walk, continue along the tranquil canal path towards Marple Canal Locks and hop on the train there.

Stay Peak District Proud: Help us keep the Peak District special for the next 70 years and beyond. Whether you live locally, or you're visiting for a day or two, ensure your visit is a responsible one by following our visitor charter. Stay #PeakDistrictProud by always sticking to the Countryside Code: remember to keep dogs on leads, take your litter home, don't 'wild camp', and never light BBQs or campfires, as they are a risk to public safety and the wildlife that live here.

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• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Bykovo Manor
• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Saturn Stadium

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