10 Reasons to Visit the Peak District

The Peak District is known for its fantastic National Park, stunning scenery, and old-town feel, to name but a few things… But that’s not all the area has to offer! Here are our top 10 reasons to visit the Peak District.

The views

Of course, one of the main selling points of the Peak District is its gorgeous views, whether you’re an avid photographer or simply a lover of nature.

You’d definitely be hard-pressed to find a place with more striking natural landscapes in this part of the country. Some of the most beautiful places to visit include Dovedale, Curbar Edge, Higger Tor, The Roaches and Wolfscote Dale.

The cycle trails

The gentle hills of the Peak District make for perfect cycling routes. There are numerous trails to suit all levels, and with a number of bike hire facilities available, you’ll be able to catch a ride with ease. Some of the best trails to ride include the Monsal Trail, Tissington Trail, and High Peak Trail.

The walking routes

If you love a good walk, then the Peak District has plenty to offer. One gorgeous route is from Winnats Pass to Hope Valley. Pass through the hills, peppered with limestone rock, and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding flora and fauna.

For a slightly harder walk, try Chrome Hill to Parkhouse Hill. This trail leads you through stunning countryside and gives you great views from the summit of both hills.

Another much-loved route is the Great Ridge Walk. This takes you along the famous Great Ridge of Mam Tor, up to its summit, and then across the various caverns on your way back. This walk does get quite busy, so expect company!

However, if you fancy a less crowded walk, why not try Stanage Edge? This unique rock face is excellent for walking or climbing and it gives you a lovely view of the Derbyshire countryside.

For something a bit different, Lud’s Church is an excellent walking route that takes you through the chasms of the Millstone Grit bedrock. Positively eerie and full of history, you’ll definitely want to read up on the place before you visit – there’s a reason they call it ‘Church’!

Finally, the Ladybower Reservoir allows you to take in the fresh air with gorgeous views of the waterside and surrounding woodland.

The market and spa towns

The Peak District has many claims to fame. However, the most notable ones come from two of its most well-known towns, Bakewell and Buxton.

The market town of Bakewell is home to the infamous Bakewell Pudding, and there are so many reasons to visit. You can visit the bustling market every Monday and pick up everything from local produce to fine china, taking in the pretty village setting at a leisurely pace.

Don’t forget to stop by The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop and have a taste of the traditional Bakewell Pudding recipe!

Buxton, the famous spa town, also has much to offer. You could enjoy a visit to Buxton Opera House and watch one of the fabulous live performances on offer. Alternatively, the cinema is just next door, where you can catch a number of new releases at an affordable price.

The pretty villages

The Peak District has so many pretty villages that it would be impossible to include all that there is to see here. However, we do recommend that you visit at least a few of these during your stay:

• Ashford in the Water
• Castleton
• Eyam
• Edale
• Tissington
• Hartington
• Matlock Bath
• Youlgrave
• Baslow

The amazing food

We’ve already mentioned the Bakewell Pudding, but there are so many other traditional foods from Derbyshire that you simply must try.

There’s the Ashbourne Gingerbread, the Bakewell Tart, Hartington Stilton Cheese… the list goes on! Whether you pick up some treats from a local shop or indulge in a visit to a cosy local pub, you’ll not be left disappointed.

The historic houses

The Peak District is home to some of the most visually stunning and historically rich stately homes in England. Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is certainly one you should visit when in the area. You can enjoy the beautiful architecture, art and gardens of the estate and you can even take a guided tour to learn more about the home.

Once described as “the most perfect house to survive from the middle ages”, Haddon Hall is sure to leave you speechless. The beauty of this home and its Elizabethan gardens are simply unmatched. It has also starred in at least 3 renditions of Jane Eyre, so you’ll have a claim to fame when you visit.

The famous attractions

If you want a super kid-friendly place to go, then look no further than Lyme Park. There’s so much to see and so on this large estate, from cycling to guided walks, and there’s even a deer park! You could spend hours here exploring the grounds and enjoying some quality family time.

For the adventurous, you could take to the skies at The Heights of Abraham. This is a dog-friendly ride, so your four-legged friend can come along, too. The ride also gives you a fantastic view of Derwent Valley, so remember to bring your camera.

Masson Mills is a working textile museum where you can get a sense of what it might have been like in a real 18th-century textile mill. All of the machinery in the museum is authentic, and much of it dates back to 1783. They even have the original work bell – the 18th-century worker’s alarm clock!

The traditions

Possibly one of the most intriguing things about the Peak District is the well-preserved tradition of Well Dressing. The locals all get together to decorate wells in flowers petals and the designs can get quite intricate. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during a Well Dressing season, do come along and experience this local tradition.

The chance to de-stress

Of course, the Peak District is a very relaxing place to be. The small towns are a world apart from the busy city scenes that most of us are used to, and the National Park offers a chance to well and truly disconnect and take in the fresh, rural air. Many people choose the Peak District as their countryside retreat, and for good reason.

So many reasons to visit!

If you’d like to experience the Peak District in all its glory, why not book a stay at one of our luxury holiday cottages? You can explore the area by day and come back to luxurious accommodation at night. Better yet, we’re also dog friendly, and pets stay for free! Call us on 01629 815 683 to book.