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12 January 2024
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The Peak District is one of the UK’s most breathtaking road trip destinations – but if you’ve never visited before, you might be wondering where to start! That’s why we’ve come up with the top 10 things to do in this beautiful National Park.
The Peak District is relatively compact in size but reaches into five counties: Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. It’s estimated that 20 million people live within an hour’s drive of this scenic part of England. This makes it perfect for day-tripping and weekend explorations. You don’t have to use up all your annual leave – although you might want to, once you start exploring! From charming stone-built villages and dramatic limestone valleys to rolling hills and heather-covered moorlands, the Peaks are an adventurer’s dream! Read on to discover our top 10 things to do in the Peak District…Â
First on our list of things to do in the Peak District is to pay a visit to Chatsworth House. History buffs eager to absorb centuries of grandeur will find much to enjoy here. Nestling in the eastern part of the Peaks, the house has been home to the Cavendish family for over 450 years. It’s also a truly magical place to visit at Christmas time! The interior includes more than 25 rooms filled with artwork that spans 4,000 years. Stroll around the impressive 105-acre gardens and you’ll find fountains, lush lawns and over 1,000 acres of parkland. No wonder Chatsworth House is often called the jewel of the Peaks!
The Peak District is home to some gorgeous reservoirs that are perfect for a wander! That’s why we’ve included a couple of them in our list of things to do in the Peaks. Ladybower Reservoir is a Y-shaped lake surrounded by scenic countryside and numerous walking trails. Look out for the dramatic ‘plugholes’, known as shaft spillways, which were designed to regulate water levels. After exploring Ladybower, you’ll reach the beautiful Derwent Reservoir, which played a key role during the Second World War. Yes, really! Derwent Dam was a practice location for the famous Dambusters Raid. Thankfully, it’s a place of peace and tranquillity these days!
Next on our list of things to do in the Peak District is to hike up Mam Tor. This is a truly iconic landmark, one of the very best in the area. Mam Tor, meaning ‘Mother Hill’, stands at 517 metres tall and has been nicknamed the Shivering Mountain due to its history of landslides. Despite its nickname, it’s not a mountain, it’s a hill, albeit an impressive one. The summit also bears the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, built around 1200 BC. For a relatively easy climb, start from the National Trust car park. The views from the top of Mam Tor on a clear day are spectacular, particularly at sunrise. Perfect for keen photographers!
Peak Cavern, with its humorous nickname The Devil’s Arse, has the largest cave entrance in Britain. The rather indelicate name comes from the rope-makers who worked at the entrance for centuries! There are hour-long tours explaining how rope was made for lead miners. As well as the tours, Peak Cavern also hosts live gigs, with past performers including Jarvis Cocker and Kim Wilde. Unlike Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club venue, this one really is a bona fide cavern!
A trip to Bakewell is an absolute must if you’re looking for things to do in the Peak District! This picture-perfect market town is often seen as the unofficial capital of the Peaks. It’s full of charm and character with its stone cottages, historic bridge and cobbled lanes. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to stop at Bloomers or The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop for a proper Bakewell tart! Thornbridge Brewery is another gem in Bakewell. The award-winning brewery produces world-famous beers like Jaipur IPA and Lord Marples bitter. Visit the Tap Room to sample their latest brews straight from the source! Daily tours are also held, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. Cheers!
For a perfect family day out, you must visit Dovedale and its famous stepping stones across the River Dove. Set in the heart of the White Peak, known for its limestone valleys, Dovedale is a go-to spot. As well as crossing those iconic stones across the River Dove, you can climb Thorpe Cloud for sweeping views over the dale. The path to the stepping stones from the car park is mostly level gravel and tarmac, so it’s ideal for a short and scenic outing. Things get a little more challenging if you do decide to head up Thorpe Cloud, but it’s well worth doing if you’re able!
Head to the northern part of the Peak District for this one (otherwise known as the Dark Peak) and you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views. Bamford Edge is a impressive gritstone crag overlooking Ladybower Reservoir. If you’re lucky, you can park up at a nearby lay-by, or it’s a 5km walk if you choose to park at Heatherdene car park. From there, you’ll follow the trail through a picturesque woodland before climbing to the viewing point. This hike is definitely one of the best things to do in the Peak District. The views will take your breath away!
England’s highest spa town, Buxton sits on the edge of the Peak District and is famous for its thermal spa waters. Take a stroll to admire the incredible Georgian and Victorian architecture, including Buxton Opera House and the Buxton Crescent, both rich in local history. Buxton has been welcoming visitors since Roman times for some much-needed rest and relaxation. There’s also plenty of local boutiques, restaurants and bars to discover. Additionally, Buxton is known for hosting vibrant festivals, particularly those celebrating music and theatre.
A road-tripper’s delight, Winnats Pass is an iconic spot whether you’re hiking or just driving through. The pass is a narrow winding road with dramatic limestone ridges looming above on either side. Situated to the west of Castleton, this limestone gorge displays the rugged beauty of the Peak District in all its glory. It’s also said to be haunted! As the legend goes, two lovers were murdered by miners in 1758 as they travelled through the pass to be married. It’s said their screams can still be heard at sunset! If you’ve got a campervan or motorhome, you might be better off parking up instead of driving. Those in smaller vehicles will be able to enjoy spectacular views from behind the wheel. And if you’re on foot, the views from the top of the pass are jaw-dropping!
Last but by no means least, we’ve put the Monsal Trail on our list of things to do in the Peak District. The 8.5-mile Monsal Trail goes through spectacular limestone dales and serves up incredible views. 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 and now crossed by the Monsal Trail. The trail is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders, with tunnels, cafes and epic views along the way!
Of course, there are many more things to do in the Peak District – and the good news is, we’ve covered it all in our exciting new travel guidebook! Road Trip Peak District, the latest publication from No Fuss Travel Guides, is jam-packed with the best attractions and must-sees in this magnificent National Park. In short, if you’re looking for things to do in the Peak District, it’s all in the book! There’s also lots of useful information on campsites, B&Bs, cafés, restaurants, travel itineraries, as well as general tips, hacks, and so much more. We have no doubt it will come in handy when you embark on your Peak District adventure! Safe travels!
