Situated at the heart of England, the Peak District and Derbyshire offers a world of contrasting natural beauty, waiting to be discovered.
Explore world-class heritage sites including some of Britain’s finest stately homes, wander through quaint villages and pretty market towns, and experience award-winning attractions and outdoor activities, ranging from caverns and castles to world-class walking and cycling routes.
Less than 1 hour from Manchester and Sheffield, and just 90 minutes by train from London, this beautiful region is as accessible as it is diverse.
There are so many reasons why you should visit the Peak District & Derbyshire but here are some of our top suggestions:
Explore Britain’s original National Park
The Peak District is home to Britain’s first National Park, an area of rich natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, with heather-clad moorland, soaring gritstone edges, rolling limestone dales and winding river valleys. Unsurprisingly, the Peak District is a popular destination for walking and cycling. There are routes to suit all abilities from challenging hikes to circular walks from railway stations, and over 400km (260 miles) of traffic-free cycle trails to explore. If you’re feeling energetic, climb to the top of Kinder Scout – the highest point in the Peak District – which boasts unforgettable views and even a waterfall at 2,087ft above sea level!
Discover charming towns and villages
As well as beautiful countryside, the area is known for its quintessentially English towns and villages. These include the chocolate-box village of Castleton, which is famed for its show caverns and Blue John stone; the quaint village of Eyam, which has a rich yet tragic history and is known as the ‘Plague Village’; and Edensor, a picturesque village with pretty Alpine style houses on the Chatsworth Estate. Beautiful market towns include Bakewell, birthplace of the famous local delicacy, Bakewell Pudding, and Buxton, which is famed for its Victorian and Georgian architecture and has attracted visitors to its healing spa waters for centuries.
Find great things to do, whatever the weather
No matter the season, or the weather, there is always something to do in the Peak District and Derbyshire. At Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton, you can discover an underground wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites and the unique Blue John Stone, found nowhere else on earth! Fly high above the Derwent Valley on a cable-car adventure to the Heights of Abraham hilltop estate, which boasts show caverns, exhibitions and woodland walks, discover the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, or take a journey through British motoring history at the Great British Car Journey. If you’re lucky enough to visit between May and September, you’ll have a good chance of seeing one of the area’s most famous local customs: Well Dressing. Well Dressings are colourful works of art created by hand using natural materials such as petals and seeds, and can be found at many local towns and villages.
Immerse yourself in history and heritage
History-lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the magnificent Chatsworth, widely regarded as one Britain’s finest stately homes. With over 25 rooms to explore, one of Europe’s best art collections, 105-acres of gardens, restaurants, shops, and acres of stunning parkland, Chatsworth offers a fantastic day out for the whole family.
The nearby Haddon Hall is one of England’s best-kept medieval houses with many original, untouched Tudor features, including the oldest medieval kitchens in England! Both houses have featured in famous TV shows and films including Jane Eyre and Pride & Prejudice. The area has many more historic houses to discover too, including Hardwick Hall which is known for its fine tapestries, and Bolsover Castle, which was built as a 17th century ‘party palace’.
Rest and recharge in unique places to stay
Accommodation in the Peak District and Derbyshire ranges from boutique hotels to peaceful woodland lodges and cosy inns with rooms. Stay in a luxury treehouse or woodland Hive at Wildhive Callow Hall, relax in Georgian splendour at the Grade I listed Buxton Crescent Hotel & Spa, or pack your walking boots for a trip to the new Bike & Boot Peak District, designed especially for walkers, cyclists and dog-owners.
Find out more here.