The first of Britain’s 15 National Parks, the Peak District resides in the heart of England. A living landscape with many façades, this incredible area is comprised of everything from striking sandstone ridges and undulating green valleys to cavernous limestone caves. Cleaved by 26,000 miles of dry-stone walls (enough to go around the earth) and brushed with miles of paths and trails, it really is a paradise for those seeking relaxation and exploration alike. It’s also the home of Bakewell Pudding, if you weren’t tempted already…
From the rugged reaches of the Dark Peak in the north to the softer scenery of the White Peak in the south, we’ve curated a guide to some of the top places to visit in the Peak District National Park.
Hills and Mountains
Lakes and Reservoirs
Towns and Villages
Beauty Spots
Attractions and Things to Do
Hills and Mountains
Kinder Scout
The 2,086ft-high-Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District National Park, boasting incredible views over the surrounding realms. There’s even a waterfall hidden amongst its rocky clefts. For some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking in the park, head over to Edale and pick up the 7-mile Kinder Scout circular walk over hill and down dale.
Mam Tor
Mam Tor is a 1,700ft hill near Castleton in the High Peak district of Derbyshire. Its name actually means "mother hill", owing to the number of mini hills sitting beneath its eastern flank. One of the best walks in the Peak District, Mam Tor is traced by an enchanting 3-mile circular route affording wonderful views of Hope Valley, Edale Valley, Kinder Scout, and the Derwent Moors. For a road trip in the car, it’s also worth detouring through nearby Winnats Pass en route for spellbinding scenery.
Bleaklow
For unforgettable escapades in the Peaks for experienced walkers, the 9.5-mile route between Bleaklow and Higher Shelf Stones is a treat. The second highest peak and one of only two mountains in this National Park, Bleaklow channels the wilder side of the Dark Peak. Meanwhile Higher Shelf Stones is famed for the remains of a World War Two bomber that can be seen scattered on its weathered face.
Win Hill
At 1,515ft above sea level, Win Hill is a small but mighty peak in the Peak District overlooking the glassy waters of Ladybower Reservoir. Woven with trails, this area offers a variety of walks for all ages and abilities, from lakeside wanders to invigorating rambles to the top. Adorn your cosiest outdoor attire, pack some artisan treats, and select your favourite route for soul-stirring reveries.
Shining Tor
Providing all the more incentive for an exhilarating walk in the Peak District, the panoramas from the top of the 1,834ft-high Shining Tor (Cheshire’s highest point) reach as far as Snowdonia on a clear day. To immerse yourself in Peak District beauty and admire sweeping vistas, follow the loop from Errwood Hall car park. Around 4 miles long, its ascents and descents provide a memorable challenge and reward hikers with fairytale scenery.
Lakes and Reservoirs
Ladybower Reservoir
A tranquil reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley, Ladybower is connected to Howden and Derwent reservoirs to create the largest expanse of water in the Peaks. A beloved destination for tranquil escapes, it’s a delightful place for picnics, dog walking, and cycling thanks to its many nearby trails and viewpoints, such as the 5-mile Ladybower Reservoir walk.
Derwent Reservoir
Located in the picturesque Derwent Valley, Derwent Reservoir is a freshwater jewel in the High Peak area. For the best introduction to this peaceful idyll, trace Derwent’s 4.5-mile reservoir walk through countryside, across moorland, and along the tranquil shores of the reservoir. Wandering beside the water, you’ll walk past the lost village of Derwent which was flooded in 1944 for the creation of the dam.
Carsington Water
If you adore being on the water just as much as you enjoy being beside it, venture over to Carsington Water between Wirksworth and Kniveton. One of the most sought-after destinations in the Peak District for water-based pursuits, it offers something for everyone. Some of the most tempting options including the site’s cycle hire and range of boat hire services and courses, available to visitors of all ages.
Linacre Reservoir
Featuring three reservoirs, Linacre is a haven for both nature-lovers and wildlife alike. Encouraging wanderlust strolls, a number of trails weave around the reservoirs, through the surrounding countryside, and between sun-dappled woodland. Encompassed by conifer, beech, larch, alder, and oak trees, and home to nuthatches, flycatchers, woodpeckers and more, the area brims with a plethora of wildlife species. Make sure to bring a wildlife guidebook and binoculars.
Doxey Pool
Head off the beaten track and visit one of the Peak District’s picturesque natural lakes. A petite body of water in the Roaches (a gritstone ridge in the Staffordshire Peak District), the atmospheric Doxey Pool can be reached as part of several different hikes. Absorb the storybook setting and keep an eye out for the Roaches’ resident colony of enigmatic wallabies as you go.
Towns and Villages
Matlock Bath
An adored spa town since the 17th century, Matlock Bath in Derbyshire is a 2-mile walk from neighbouring Matlock and is one of the best places to visit near the Peak District. Nestled within a limestone gorge on the River Derwent, its quaint main street, picturesque riverside gardens, and array of shops and cafés make for a welcome sight. For a special visit, take a trip in September and October to see the Matlock Bath Illuminations.
Hathersage
For lovers of literature, a trip to Hathersage in the Hope Valley is a must. During the mid-1800s, it was here in this characterful village that author Charlotte Brontë stayed to explore the moors, and where she subsequently based her world-famous novel, Jane Eyre. Follow in the footsteps of this legendary writer and explore the beautiful surrounds of the village, enjoying the proximity to Stanage Edge and the Dark Peak moorlands.
Wirksworth
A market town in the Derbyshire Dales on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Wirksworth is known for its striking stone buildings and meandering network of attractive lanes and alleys. Considered one of the prettiest towns in the Peak District, it calls to all those looking for a taste of urban charm and the chance to peruse its local shops and cafés. Head to the award-winning heritage centre to learn about its history and visit in September for the annual Arts Festival.
Bakewell
The biggest town in the Peak District National Park, Bakewell sits on the banks of the River Wye and awaits with all kinds of delights. From its array of events and festivals, to its plethora of boutiques and restaurants, it has something for everyone in all seasons. Bakewell highlights include sampling the town’s famous Bakewell Pudding and taking a trip to Bakewell Bridge, a Grade I-listed Medieval five-arched bridge.
Edale
The first (or the last) stop of the 268-mile Pennine Way, Edale village is a magnet for walkers of all generations. Found within the Vale of Edale, it’s only a whisper from Jacob’s Ladder and Kinder Scout. To uncover more about local attractions and walks, a visit to the Edale’s Moorland Visitor Centre is a must, as is a drink in the Old Nag’s Head or the Rambler Inn to refuel afterwards.
Beauty Spots
Heights of Abraham
The Heights of Abraham in Matlock is one of the best family-friendly attractions near the Peak District. Home to a 60-acre, dog-friendly hilltop estate, this heavenly beauty spot showcases a range of scenery and landscapes to captivate even the most seasoned travellers. Take a ride on a cable car above the Derwent Valley, explore two famous show caverns (Great Masson and Rutlands Cavern), and follow the Willow Sculpture Trail for artistic allure.
Stanage Edge
Inspiring walkers, rock climbers, photographers and more, Stanage Edge near Hathersage has long captured hearts and imaginations. Set between the High Peak of Derbyshire and the borders of South Yorkshire, this 4-mile-long gritstone edge boasts magnifcent views of the Dark Park moors and the Hope Valley. For breathtaking exploration, complete the 9-mile walk from Hathersage to the cliffs of Stanage and back.
Padley Gorge
With trickling streams and cascading waterfalls all surrounded by thick woodland, Padley Gorge in the Hope Valley promises magic around every corner. Tread the Padley Gorge Trail to discover the area on foot and enjoy the photogenic setting for waterside picnics underneath tangled branches. You can also extend your adventures with trips to the nearby National Trust Longshaw Estate and Grindleford village.
River Wye
Exuding beauty at every turn, the 22-mile-long River Wye is a limestone river that winds its way through the Derbyshire Peak District. Perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike, its flowing waterways and leafy banks provide the perfect backdrop for walks and picnics under beaming sunshine. The 3-mile Millers Dale walk is particularly lovely for taking in the river and the Peak District Wye Valley.
Treak Cliff Cavern
Renowned for its Blue John Stone, Treak Cliff Cavern is a world-famous cavern and museum in Castleton. Etched with beautiful caves and boasting impressive viewpoints across the Hope Valley, the site is open for self-guided audio tours, perfect for solo exploration. For more natural wonders in the Peak District, you can also visit Poole’s Cavern in Buxton Country Park, Peak Cavern (which features the biggest natural cave entrance in Britain), and Speedwell Cavern in Castleton.
Attractions and Things to Do
Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail is one of the most cherished trails in the Peak District amongst walkers, cyclists, and horse-riders with 8.5 miles of mostly level and traffic-free trail. Following a former, disused railway line between Chee Dale and Bakewell, it showcases some of the Peak District’s most spectacular scenery, including limestone dales, the Monsal Dale Headstone Viaduct, and the Monsal waterfall.
Chatsworth House
Used as the location for the film Pride and Prejudice, Chatsworth House near Bakewell is one of the finest estates in the country. Home to a collection of over 25 rooms, a 105-acre garden, and 1,000 acres of Capability Brown-designed parkland, it is a truly enchanting setting full of history and intrigue. Venture over to this regal manor (home to the same family for 16 generations) and step back in time for a magical journey of discovery.
Crich Tramway Village
The home of the National Tramway Museum, Crich Tramway Village near Matlock is a brilliant family-friendly attraction in the Peaks. Displaying over 60 vintage trams that date from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century, this recreated period village provides a novel experience for all. Head over to see the Crich Tramway’s historic working pub, café, sweetshop, and trams for a memorable day out for all.
Haddon Hall
One of the best-preserved houses from the Middle Ages in the world, Haddon Hall in Bakewell is renowned for its original Tudor interiors and Elizabethan gardens. Revealing 900 years of history, its immaculately kept rooms exhibit all kinds of historic gems, from remarkable tapestries to early English furniture. Explore its interiors and stroll through the Medieval deer park, before refuelling at its onsite restaurant with delectable dishes of home-cooked fare.
Feeling inspired for an otherworldly sojourn? Take a look at our luxury cottages in the Peak District and Derbyshire.
