This two-day trip packs a mighty Peak District punch. You’ll visit some of the Peaks’ most impressive spots, mainly focused on the east and north, where the landscapes are truly spectacular.
Autumn is arguably the best time to visit this stand-out region. The ancient woodlands and scenic trails turn gold and red, the cool air is perfect for a hike, and the cosy, traditional pubs are cooking up comfort food and getting the log fires going. It’s time to head to the Peaks!
Planning a road trip to the Peak District? You can download our full guide as a PDF below to save for later and take with you on your trip. Or, keep reading for everything you need to know about exploring the Peak District in Autumn...
DAY ONE
Your road trip kicks off at the hugely impressive Chatsworth House, ‘the jewel of the Peak District’. Winding country roads will then take you to the delightful Bakewell, via Thornbridge Brewery if you fancy a pint, and on to Thornbridge Estate – ‘the quirkiest stately home in the UK’. Up on Monsal Head, you’ll be rewarded for a hike with some knockout views of this incredible landscape. Round off your day by heading to Curbar Edge, the perfect spot to catch the sunset. And of course, there are some top-notch cafés and pubs along the way for when you need to refuel.
WHAT TO SEE
Chatsworth House
This sprawling country manor is full to the brim with artwork that spans 4,000 years. Outside, the impressive gardens and 1,000 acres of parkland will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into an episode of The Crown (which was filmed here!). Dogs are welcome throughout the gardens and park but must be kept on leads.
Bakewell
This picture-perfect market town is full of stone cottages, cobbled lanes and independent shops, cafés and pubs. You have to stop at Bloomers or The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop for a proper Bakewell tart!
Thornbridge Brewery
If you’re a fan of good beer, you’ll want to make time for this stop. Visit the Taproom to sample their latest brews straight from the source, enjoy freshly made pizzas, and browse the shop for take-home bottles and merch. Join a guided tour for a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.
Thornbridge Estate & Gardens
Thornbridge Estate is not your bog-standard grand country house. Book ahead for a ‘never ordinary’ tour of the house, check out an enormous collection of ‘love locks’, wander through whimsical woods and stop by the smallholding with friendly animals. Dogs are welcome in the café and gardens on a lead.
Monsal Head
You’ll struggle to find a more photographed view in the Peaks than the one from Monsal Head. From the top, you can see the River Wye snaking through the valley, with the old Headstone Viaduct cutting across it below – once part of a Victorian railway. Well worth a stop for the views.
Curbar Edge
Curbar Edge, high above the Derwent Valley, offers some of the best views in the Peaks. The gritstone cliffs, quarried since Roman times, are now loved by walkers, climbers and photographers. Park up at Curbar Gap or Clodhall Lane. Once parked, follow the trail to the top of Curbar Edge, which takes under 10 minutes. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of the landscape, which is showing off its best autumn colours. Watching the sunset here is out of this world!
WHERE TO EAT
- The Ashford Arms, Bakewell – a smart country pub with a locally sourced, seasonal menu.
- Lambton, Bakewell – cracking coffee, pastries and lunches.
- The Prince of Wales, Baslow – top-notch food in a village pub & restaurant.
WHERE TO STAY
- White Peak Camping, Buxton – a peaceful, rural spot with scenic views
- Haddon Grove Farm, Bakewell – a family-run campsite with pizzas and a bar on-site at weekends.
- The Rutland Arms Hotel, Bakewell – Vibrant, classic country house chic with excellent food on-site.
DAY TWO
Now that you’ve settled into your road trip, it’s time to push the boat out. Today you’ll experience the full range of what the Peak District has to offer. Starting off at Padley Gorge, a fairytale woodland filled with gnarled trees and babbling brooks, you’ll continue on your way to Castleton, a picturesque village surrounded by hillside trails. Now it’s time for something a little different. Beneath the beautiful peaks you can see from here are caves which are ripe for exploring. Take a tour, or even a boat tour, through these amazing caverns. After all that, you’ll want to blow the cobwebs off – a walk to the incredible Winnats Pass will more than reward you for your efforts. If you’ve still got energy to burn, or you’ve had a few too many Bakewell tarts, you can hike up Mam Tor. There are harder and easier routes to choose from to reach the top! It’s a suitably dramatic finale for your autumn road trip to the Peak District.
WHAT TO SEE
Padley Gorge (National Trust)
A visit to Padley Gorge is like being whisked away into the pages of your favourite fairytales. The trails here take you past tumbling waterfalls, streams you can paddle in and woodlands that turn golden at this time of year. Parking in the area can be a little tough for larger vehicles, but there is plenty of room at the nearby Longshaw Estate Car Park, where you can walk up to Padley Gorge.
Castleton
Nestling in the heart of the Peaks is the picture-perfect village of Castleton, with a rich history dating back to 1086. Famed for its show caves and lead-mining heritage, the village is perfectly located for a hiking adventure in the surrounding hills, including the imposing Mam Tor. Near the car park you’ll find a visitor centre, plus plenty of brilliant bakeries, pubs, coffee shops and eateries.
Speedwell or Peak Cavern
It’s well worth checking out some of the extraordinary caves of the Peak District while you’re here. Choose from a visit to Speedwell or Peak Cavern, depending on how you feel about tight spaces!
Dating back more than 250 years, Speedwell Cavern offers a fascinating insight into the workings of an old lead mine. You can take a guided underground boat tour through the flooded mine shaft, but it’s extremely cramped and not recommended for anyone with claustrophobia.
Peak Cavern has the largest cave entrance in Britain and is also known as The Devil’s Arse! The name came from the rope-makers who worked at its entrance for centuries. Hour-long tours explain how rope was made for lead miners. Admission fees apply, and it’s worth booking ahead.
Winnats Pass
To the west of Castleton lies Winnats Pass, a limestone gorge showcasing the rugged beauty of the Peak District in all its glory. The pass is a narrow winding road with dramatic limestone ridges looming above on either side. Although you can drive through the pass, it can be tricky for larger vehicles, so we’d recommend enjoying it on foot. You can walk there from Castleton (about a mile away), and if you want to get a little closer, park at Speedwell Cavern, although spaces may be limited. The views from the top of the pass are spectacular and well worth the effort!
Mam Tor
Mam Tor, meaning ‘Mother Hill’, is one of the area’s best-loved landmarks. Despite being nicknamed the Shivering Mountain due to its history of landslides, it’s actually classed as a hill – albeit a pretty big one at 517 metres tall. It even bears the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, built around 1200 BC. The views from the top on a clear day are exceptional! Depending on your start point, it takes about an hour to reach the summit. For a relatively easy climb, park at the National Trust car park – and don’t forget your camera!
WHERE TO EAT
- Castleton Coffee Co., Castleton – top-notch coffee, cake and sandwiches.
- Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford – a classic country pub with excellent food.
- The Penny Pot Café – delicious coffee, cake & more.
WHERE TO STAY
- Castleton Club Campsite, Hope Valley – a Caravan & Motorhome Club campsite with excellent facilities.
- Greenacres Campsite, Nether Booth – a peaceful, family-run campsite.
- Losehill Hotel & Spa – a luxurious stay in an idyllic spot.
Planning your road trip around Scotland? Make the most of your journey with our Peak District Road Trip guidebook, packed with everything you need for the ultimate road trip.
