The Peak District is one of the UK’s largest National Parks measuring a whopping 1437 sq Kilometres. Located in the heart of England, the Peak District attracts almost 22 million visitors each year to the quaint market towns and villages dotted around the Park. Visitors are attracted to The Peaks because of the breath taking scenery, extensive mountain ranges and outdoor sports on offer. To help you with your visit to the peaks, we have outlined some of the best “Things to do”, “Where to stay” and “What to see” in the Peak District.
Chatsworth House
Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House is one of Britain’s most treasured stately homes. The house offers something for everyone with history, activities and fun in abundance. Chatsworth was recently used for the set of famous film, Pride and Prejudice and has recently undergone a series of restoration projects which have seen the house open a new visitor route, a completely new gallery exhibiting 450 years of family portraits and a complete redevelopment of the outer courtyards. Chatsworth isn’t a cheap day out with adult tickets starting at £19 and family tickets at £55, although prices are high, Chatsworth is worth every penny!
Market Towns and Villages
Photo is Courtesy of National Geographic
The Peak District is home to some of the most picturesque and quaint towns in the UK. The small village of Castleton is testament to this, with its historical ruins of Peveril Castle and surrounding walking routes, Castleton is a seriously worth a visit. Another quintessentially Peak District town is the market town of Ashbourne. Described as the “Gateway to Dovedale”, the town is perfect for a walking base or a simply a day out strolling the historic streets of Ashbourne. Holiday cottages , luxury hotels and holiday spas are all available to tourists throughout the Peaks and provide some of the best accommodation in the UK.
Outdoor Adventure
The Peak District offers some of the most adrenalin filled activities in the UK. Walking in the Peaks will be sure to challenge even the hardiest walker, with the many uphill treks and crags on offer. The Peaks does offer great walks for the more inexperienced walker with strolls around the surrounding country and towns in abundance. Outdoor activities in the Peaks don’t just stop with walking, some of the most challenging mountain bike trails lie within the park. Many other outdoor activities make The Peaks perfect for the adrenaline junky, including horse riding, caving, paragliding and sailing.
Eating out
The Peak district has a wide variety of eateries to suit the preferences of all diners. One of the more famous restaurants in the Peak District is the famous Barrel Inn which dates back to 1597. The Barrel Inn lays claim to be the highest pub in Derbyshire and supplies some of finest local ales and produce on their menu. For something a bit more modern why not head over to the award winning, Peacock hotel and restaurant to sample some of award winning chef Dan Smith’s amazing food. If hotels are your thing, you can’t get much better than the food on offer at the amazing Cavendish Hotel, that lies on the grounds of the stunning Chatsworth House.