Tucked between several of England’s major cities lies a landscape whose true magic is its sheer variety. This is the Peak District, where rolling, sheep-dotted dales meet wild gritstone moors.
The choice of adventure is yours: follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen’s characters at Lyme Park, head deep underground into vast show caverns, cycle around reservoirs steeped in wartime history, or browse bustling market towns filled with charm.
Explore on foot, by bike, or even by steam train, and you’ll uncover the timeless charm that has captivated artists and adventurers for generations. Whether you’re a hiker, history buff, or foodie, Britain’s first national park packs a range of authentic experiences into one compact and beautiful region.
For more Peak District inspiration, see our guides to the National Park’s best hotels, restaurants, walks and things to do.
In this guide:
How to spend the perfect day
Morning
Begin your Peak District adventure in the elegant spa town of Buxton at Noonology, a stylish café-bar where excellent breakfasts meet some of the best coffee in town. Fuelled up, take a morning stroll through the town’s Georgian grandeur: admire the stately Crescent, inspired by Bath’s famous sweep, and wander Pavilion Gardens – 23 acres of manicured Victorian landscaped grounds complete with boating lake and grand Octagon Hall.
From here, it’s a short walk to Poole’s Cavern, dubbed a “Wonder of the Peak”. Towering limestone chambers and glistening formations reveal a subterranean world shaped over millions of years. Guided tours bring the cavern’s long history to life, highlighting prehistoric occupation and the underground drama that lies beneath the Peak District’s surface. On emerging, hike through Buxton Country Park up to Solomon’s Temple, a Victorian lookout offering panoramic views over the town and moors.
From its tower, Buxton’s elegant architecture spreads below, framed by the hills of the Peak District stretching to the horizon.
Afternoon
Drive south to the prestigious Chatsworth Estate, starting with lunch at the acclaimed Farm Shop Café in Pilsley village. This bright barn conversion features floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing rolling countryside views toward St Peter’s Church in Edensor, while the seasonal menu celebrates produce sourced within 30 miles of the estate. Try the renowned Chatsworth beef burger or traditional Derbyshire oatcakes with local cheese.
Take a stroll through Pilsley, a perfectly preserved model estate village, before heading into Chatsworth’s magnificent 1,000-acre parkland. Even if the house tours are fully booked, the free-access estate grounds offer iconic views of Europe’s grandest Baroque palace from across the River Derwent. Walk among the herds of red and fallow deer that roam freely across the rolling landscape, and discover why this setting has captivated visitors for hundreds of years.
Night
End your day at Fischer’s Baslow Hall, a country house turned fine dining destination led by chef John Shuttleworth. Seasonal tasting menus showcase wild Derbyshire lamb and ingredients grown in the kitchen garden, all plated with creative flair. Inside, elegant period interiors and open fires deliver Peak atmosphere. If you’re staying the night, treat yourself to a nightcap in the drawing room or stroll the tranquil grounds under starlight.
How to spend a week-long holiday
After soaking up Buxton’s refined charm and Chatsworth’s stately splendour, head north to the dramatic Derwent Valley reservoirs, the training ground for the Dambusters. Cycle or walk the serene, car-free route around Derwent Dam, where Gothic towers rise above mirrored water.
Bike hire is available at Fairholmes visitor centre, making this an accessible adventure for all abilities. About halfway, Slippery Stones offers those brave enough the chance to wild swim in the secluded plunge pools of the River Derwent. It’s cold, but unforgettable.
Dedicate a full day to the southern limestone landscapes around Dovedale, where the famous stepping stones provide the Peak District’s most photographed river crossing. The Victorian-era popularity of this romantic valley continues today – just make sure you arrive early to dodge the crowds. Extend your exploration to nearby Ilam Park and the mysterious Manifold Valley, where Thor’s Cave perches high above the point where the river disappears underground through limestone swallow holes before re-emerging miles downstream.
History lovers should board a heritage steam train on Peak Rail and glide through the scenic Derwent Valley, then head back to Matlock Bath’s unique cable car experience at the Heights of Abraham. The spectacular flight over the valley to the hilltop park combines Victorian ingenuity with natural beauty, while the guided tours through Great Masson and Rutland caverns reveal the area’s lead mining past, which shaped this landscape for centuries.
No serious walker should leave without attempting Kinder Scout via Edale, known for the historic Mass Trespass. This demanding moorland crossing tackles the Peak District’s highest trig point while connecting you to the pivotal 1932 protest that transformed British access rights. The notorious peat bog terrain and confusing plateau paths demand serious preparation, but create an unforgettable hiking experience. Celebrate with a pint at the Nags Head, a pub that practically runs on boot mud and stories.
End your week with contrast. In the north, Castleton’s gritstone cliffs and crumbling Peveril Castle offer brooding drama. In the south, Bakewell tempts with riverside calm and the original pudding shop, offering authentic tastes of Derbyshire heritage along the River Wye.
When to go
The Peak District never looks the same twice, with dramatic seasonal shifts that make every visit feel like discovering a new destination. Spring brings thundering waterfalls and woodland floors blanketed in bluebells while summer delivers long days that are perfect for conquering high moorland routes when the heather blooms purple across the hills.
As the temperature cools, autumn transforms the landscape into a photographer’s paradise of gold and russet hues, ideal for photographers and pub-goers alike. Winter is equally captivating, bringing stark beauty to snow-dusted peaks and festive markets at grand estates like Chatsworth; just be aware that some higher routes become impassable.
Where to stay
Luxury living
Buxton Crescent, a Georgian masterpiece, has been given a new lease of life following an ambitious £80 million renovation. Luxurious rooms, brilliant food and an extensive thermal spa make it a wonderful place to relax and recharge. The superb walks in the Peak District are a big draw, too.
Read the full review here.
Boutique beauty
The Old Hall Inn is a lovely Derbyshire boutique and the kind of local every village should have. Characterful buildings, comfortable rooms, excellent food, warm atmosphere and a belting selection of beers? It’s got the lot.
Read the full review here.
Budget bolthole
Three Horseshoes Country Inn & Spa is an extended country inn that is well-placed for exploring the Staffordshire and Cheshire chunks of the Peak District, with dramatic scenery right on its doorstep offering plenty of scope for activities in the great outdoors. The welcome is warm, the rooms comfortable and it has a popular restaurant plus a lovely little spa.
Read the full review here.
How to get there and how to get around
If you’re travelling by car, the M1 motorway provides the main access from the south and north, while the M6 serves western approaches. This is the most convenient way to explore the Peak District due to its scattered villages, remote walking trails and cosy pubs.
For those reliant on public transport, the Hope Valley railway line offers a scenic route, connecting Manchester and Sheffield through the heart of the national park with stops at Edale, Hope, Bamford and Hathersage. Buxton also enjoys direct rail connections from Manchester.
The Peak Sightseer open-top service offers hop-on-hop-off access to major attractions, with day tickets providing excellent value for car-free exploration. Most towns and larger villages have a metered taxi service; just ask in the pub or village shop for a taxi number.
Know before you go
Essential information
Bakewell visitor centre: peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/visitor-centres/bakewell
Tourist information: visitpeakdistrict.com; peakdistrict.org
Travel time from London: 3.5 hours by car, 4 hours by train (with a change)
Local laws and etiquette
When exploring the Peak District, it’s important to follow the Countryside Code: respect everyone, protect the environment and enjoy the outdoors. This includes leaving no trace of your visit, keeping to footpaths and leaving gates as you find them. Be considerate of local communities by parking responsibly and keeping noise to a minimum.
Accessibility
Many attractions offer accessible facilities, with bike hire centres providing Tramper all-terrain mobility scooters. Miles without Stiles routes accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs, while major attractions like Chatsworth House provide excellent accessible amenities.
Dog-friendly information
The Peak District welcomes dogs throughout most areas, though leads are mandatory around livestock and during bird nesting season (March-July). Most pubs and accommodations are dog-friendly, but always confirm when booking.
About our expert
Alex Hesp-Gollins was born and raised around the Peak District, and has long considered the national park his own backyard. As the owner of PeakDistrict.org, he can often be found hiking the hills (come rain or shine) before settling into a cosy pub.