Where to Visit in the Peak District

Where to Visit

Each cottage has a wide selection of information on place to visit or explore during your stay and here are some ideas to help you plan your visit to the Peak District.

Historic Homes
Chatsworth House www.chatsworth.org Bakewell	The family home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, everything about Chatsworth is on an impressive scale, from the sumptuous interiors to the breathtaking gardens and the 1,000 acre, ‘Capability’ Brown-designed estate is one of the most beautiful and historic man-made landscapes in Britain.
Haddon Hall www.haddonhall.co.uk Bakewell	A totally unspoilt medieval manor house and for that reason is often the first choice as a film location for period dramas, which have included the recent cinematic release of Pride and Prejudice, as well as in Henry VIII, Moll Flanders and the BBC’s 2006 adaptation of Jane Eyre.
Hardwick Hall www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick Chesterfield	Bess of Hardwick, the Countess of Shrewsbury, was the second wealthiest, second most powerful woman in Elizabethan England after the Queen herself and amassed a huge fortune through a series of marriages and astute business deals. Builder of the original Chatsworth House, her lasting legacy to the region is the impressive Hardwick Hall , one of the finest and most unchanged examples of Elizabethan architecture in England.
Kedleston Hall http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-kedlestonhall/ Derby	The Robert Adam-designed Kedleston Hall, home of the Curzon family, boasts some of the finest unaltered Adam interiors in England, while the magnificent state rooms are home to a stunning collection of paintings and furniture. The extensive surrounding parkland, also designed by Adam, is notable for its series of lakes and cascades, fishing pavilion and bridge.
Calke Abbey http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-calkeabbey/ Derby	Set amidst historic parkland to the south of Derby is the baroque mansion, Calke Abbey – a great day out if you’re with kids as it is considered the Trust’s most child-friendly and fun property! With interiors largely unchanged since the late 1800s, the Abbey’s highlights also include an intriguing natural history collection as well as underground tunnels, secret garden and restored Orangery.
Eyam Hall www.eyamhall.co.uk Eyam	This small, but charming manor house in the famous plague village of Eyam has been the home of the Wright family since 1671. A Jacobean staircase, fine tapestries, family portraits and costumes are among its interior treasures and the beautiful historic garden completes the visit.
Bolsover Castle http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/bolsover-castle/ Bolsover	Highlights include the sumptuously painted walls and ceilings of the Little Castle, intricately carved fireplaces and the magnificent indoor Riding School. There is plenty to do for all the family in the Discovery Centre with its fascinating audio-visual displays, and extensive grounds to explore with lots of green space for a family picnic. And with panoramic views over the Vale of Scarsdale, Bolsover has everything you need for a fun day out in Derbyshire.
Tissington Hall www.tissington-hall.com Tissington	Home of the FitzHerbert family for over 500 years. The Hall stands in a superbly maintained Estate village and contains wonderful panelling and fine old masters. A 10 acre garden and arboretum.
Caves & Caverns
Poole’s Cavern www.poolescavern.co.uk Buxton	Poole's Cavern is a 2 million year old, natural limestone cave situated in the beautiful woodland of Buxton Country Park. One of the great caves of the Peak District.
Treak Cliff Cavern http://www.bluejohnstone.com/ Castleton	Treak Cliff Cavern is of international fame and geological importance. It has been a designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for many years and by agreement with English Nature all the Blue John Stone deposits on the visitor route are preserved.
Peak Cavern http://www.devilsarse.com/ Castleton	Unusual rock formations, the eerie sound of running water and echoes of a bygone age await you. Set in the middle of the picturesque Peak District, deep into the cliff is the Cavern's imposing entrance chamber - the largest natural cave entrance in the British Isles.
Bluejohn Cavern www.bluejohn-cavern.com Castleton	The Blue John Cavern in the Peak District is a series of caverns considered to be the finest range in Great Britain. The Cavern Tours are of educational interest showing clearly how the caverns are formed in limestone strata and how the limestone itself had much earlier been formed by the deposits on the floors of great oceans which have long since receded, as the fossilised remains of marine animals now show.
Heights of Abraham www.heightsofabraham.com Matlock Bath	Since first opening its gates to visitors in 1780 the Heights of Abraham has remained one of the Peak District’s most popular destinations. Visitors have travelled from all over the world to experience its unique blend of spectacular underground caverns, stunning views and acres of beautiful woodland. In recent times however, the Heights has become rightly famous for its landmark Cable Car system which was introduced in 1984 - the first of its kind in the whole of the British Isles.
Speedwell Cavern www.speedwellcavern.co.uk Castleton	Enter the inner world of the underground cave system in the heart of the Peak District National Park and absorb the atmosphere as a watery silence echoes all around you. Set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass, high above the village of Castleton, Speedwell Cavern takes you on an incredible underground boat journey.
Museums, Railways & Theme Parks
Peak District Mining Museum http://www.peakmines.co.uk/ Matlock Bath	Visit a museum where you can experience and wonder at the forgotten world of a Derbyshire lead miner. For centuries, men have toiled underground in cramped and hazardous conditions to earn a meager living by extracting the mineral galena (lead ore). See the tools they used, clothes they wore, the advances in technology and the importance of this metal in our modern day lives.
Arkwright's Mill http://www.arkwrightsociety.org.uk/ Cromford Nr Matlock Bath	In 1979 the Arkwright Society purchased Sir Richard Arkwright's Cromford Mill and began restoring the Grade I listed building. There are shops, a restaurant, meeting rooms and an exhibition. The mill and the surrounding area have now been given the status of a World Heritage Centre.
Alton Towers www.altontowers.com Alton	Fantastic day out for all the family at Britain's best theme park, just 20 minutes from Ashbourne. Take a splash in the water park, play some golf, relax in the wondrous spa or experience the thrill of some of the exhilarating rides.
National Stone Centre http://www.nationalstonecentre.org.uk/ Wirksworth	Set in fifty acres of Derbyshire countryside, the National Stone Centre site contains six former quarries, four lime kilns and over one hundred and twenty disused lead mine shafts. Visit the Discovery Centre to see the 'Story of Stone' exhibition, browse through the best rock and mineral shop in the Midlands, or have some light refreshment in the café area.
Crich Tramway Museum www.tramway.co.uk Crich, Nr Matlock	Nestling high up in the heart of Derbyshire, overlooking the famous Derwent Valley, the Crich Tramway Museum is a unique place to visit, whatever your interests. Take a ride on a restored tram, paying with an old penny that you are given on entry. You are free to ride the trams all day.
Gullivers Kingdon www.gulliversfun.co.uk/ Matlock Bath	A family theme park, opened in 1978, caters for families with children aged 2 to 13. There are rides, attractions, shows, restaurants and shops - not forgetting the resident characters Gully and Gilly Mouse.
Chestnut Centre Conservation & Wildlife Park http://www.chestnutcentre.co.uk/ Chapel-en-Le-frith	Conservation and Wildlife Park, located in scenic Peak District National Park of Derbyshire, is set in 50 acres of landscaped grounds and is home, not only to a unique collection of birds and animals, but to many wild birds and mammals. As you walk about the Wildlife Park you'll see some of Europe's largest gathering of otters, 16 species of owls and other indigenous wildlife all in their natural surroundings including, buzzards, pine martens, polecats, foxes, Scottish wildcats and deer.
Heage Windmill http://www.heagewindmill.co.uk/ Heage	Built in 1797 and restored in 2002 Heage Windmill is the only working, stone-towered, multi-sailed windmill in England. This unique Grade II* listed building is set in the Derbyshire countryside, providing spectacular views towards the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. There are guided tours, hands-on activities for children and an Interpretation Centre.
Peak Rail www.peakrail.co.uk Matlock - Darley Dale - Rowsley	Peak Rail re-opened in 1997 and now runs regular steam and diesel hauled heritage passenger trains between Matlock Riverside and Rowsley. Open most weekends throughout the year.
Barrow Hill Round-House Railway Centre http://www.barrowhill.org/index.html Barrow Hill, Nr Chesterfield	Barrow Hill is Britain's last surviving working Roundhouse - a truly enthralling and atmospheric place to be, especially when galas and events take place in the unique surroundings. Of course, no trip to the Roundhouse would be complete without a ride on the train, and the organisers of all the special events make sure train rides are available
Hope House Costume Museum http://www.hopehousemuseum.co.uk/ Alstonfield, Nr Ashbourne	Hope House Costume Museum and Restoration Workshop is the realisation of a dream that Notty Hornblower has nurtured for more than twenty years. She began seriously collecting period costumes when in her thirties and has now amassed a huge collection that includes outfits and accessories dating from 1790 up to the 1970's, including menswear, ladieswear, children and baby outfits, christening robes, military uniforms and exquisite wedding dresses.
Bakewell Old House Museum http://www.oldhousemuseum.org.uk/ Bakewell	Explore 10 beamed rooms with wattle and daub partitions and a great open fireplace. Discover a rare Tudor toilet and a Victorian privy. Experience life in a Victorian mill workers dwelling. See displays of lace, textiles and elegant costumes in tableau settings. View historical toys as featured on BBC 2 Restoration Roadshow. Play with our dolls house Have fun with our Tudor dressing up box.
Go-Ape www.goape.co.uk Buxton	The award-winning, high wire forest adventure course comprises rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides set high in the trees tops. Based at Poole’s Cavern in Buxton, the 1km course is suitable for a wide range of ages (minimum age 10, minimum height 1.40m) and offers three hours of memorable, adrenaline-fuelled fun for those looking for a unique and exhilarating outdoor adventure.
Out & About
Carsington Water http://www.moretoexperience.co.uk/server.php?show=nav.5997 Carsington, between Ashbourne & Wirksworth	Carsington Water is a local centre for outdoor activities - there is a sailing club active next door to the Visitor Centre, and there are many opportunities for walking and cycling around the reservoir and the surrounding villages. Cycle hire is available and there is plentiful car parking. For young children there is a children's playground near the visitor centre.
Derwent Valley www.moretoexperience.co.uk/server.php?show=nav.6009 Derwent Valley	The Upper Valley of the Derwent is a deep valley surrounded by gritstone edges and dominated by three great reservoirs, constructed by the Derwent Valley Water Board primarily to provide water for Sheffield, Derby, Nottingham and Leicester.
High Peak Trail Cromford Nr Matlock Bath	The High Peak Trail takes the line of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway between Parsley Hey and Cromford. Cycle hire is available at Parsley Hay (tel: 01298 84493) and Middleton Top (tel: 01629 823204).
High Peak Junction & Leawood Pumphouse http://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/leisure /countryside/ Cromford	Nestled in the Derwent Valley it was the hub of transport activity, now a true haven of heritage and wildlife. The junction is literally the junction of the Cromford Canal and the High Peak Trail. It lies a mile to the south east of Cromford village. It is in the beautiful Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. It is a haven for wildlife and is the ideal location for a stroll or a heritage or nature walk.
The Monsal Trail Bakewell	The Monsal Trail is a traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales. The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell. Most of the route was opened to the public in 1981 but four former railway tunnels had to remain closed due to safety reasons, with public footpaths taking people around them. From 2 2011 the four railway tunnels - Headstone Tunnel, Cressbrook Tunnel, Litton Tunnel, Chee Tor Tunnel – were opened for trail users. Each tunnel is about 400 metres long and will be lit during normal daylight hours. Two shorter tunnels - Chee Tor No.2 and Rusher Cutting – already formed part of the Monsal Trail. You can now experience the full length of the former railway route at their own pace and see breathtaking views at places like Water-cum-Jolly Dale that have remained hidden since the railway closed in 1968.
Tissington Trail Ashbourne / Tissington	The London and North-Western railway opened its line between Buxton and Ashbourne in 1899 and closed it in 1966. The line was purchased by the Peak National Park and Derbyshire County Council in 1971 and reopened as the Tissington Trail, for cyclists and walkers. The southern end of the trail starts just out of Ashbourne, on the Mapledon road.
Arbor Low Arbor Low is just off the minor road which leads from Parsley Hey to Youlgrave	Arbor Low is the finest Stone Age 'henge' monument in the North of England, a site of unique archaeological and cultural interest. The site is situated on a high point 375 metres above sea level and, though it this not an impressive hill, the view on a fine day is stunning. It can be a bleak place in bad weather and a gorgeous spot on a fine spring morning, so the monument and its situation can hardly fail to impress the visitor.
Buxton Crescent Buxton	In the late 18th century Buxton followed the fashion of Bath and other centres and was developed as a spa by the great local landowner, the 5th Duke of Devonshire. At the time, he was making vast profits from his copper mines at nearby Ecton in the Manifold valley, and these are reputed to have paid for his building work in Buxton.
Mam Tor Castleton	Mam Tor is a famous viewpoint and landmark, rearing up above the valleys of Hope and Edale. Known as the 'shivering mountain', it is comprised of shale and the East face is a dramatic and loose expanse of crumbling rock. The area below the face is constantly on the move and each period of heavy rain undermines the loose shale and causes it to slip further down the valley.
Stanton Moor Stanton in the Peak	Stanton Moor is in a fine position overlooking both the Derwent and Wye valleys. Possibly it is for this reason that it was chosen as a centre by the Bronze Age inhabitants of the area, who have left so many traces of their occupation upon the moor.
Dovedale Thorpe near Ashbourne	Dovedale is the name given to the section of the Dove valley between Milldale and Thorpe Cloud, which contains some of the most spectacular limestone gorge scenery available in this country. Everywhere the river is flanked by steep cliffs, with numerous caves and rock pillars, of which Ilam Rock is only the most spectacular. Below Ilam Rock the valley narrows, and the path even has a short stretch where duck-boards have been erected to save walkers from having to wade the river. Then it opens out again and high on the left lies Reynard's Cave, a large cave with a natural arch in front. From the cave you have a fine view of the Dale.
Peveril Castle http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/peveril-castle/ Castleton	The imposing ruins of Peveril Castle stand high above the pretty village of Castleton in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District. Mentioned in the Domesday survey, Peveril Castle is one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses. The keep was built by Henry II in 1176. A climb to the castle at the top of the hill to enjoy the breathtaking views over the Hope Valley is a highlight of a family day out in Castleton
Harboro Rocks Brassington Nr Matlock	Sculpted out of an outcrop of Dolomitic Limestone (most of the Peak is Carboniferous) on the high ridge above Brassington, Harboro Rocks are notable for their spiky outline, which can make them look really eery in misty conditions. They offer good quality, if short, rock climbs. The rocks are just off the High Peak Trail and there are no access problems.
Black Rocks Country Park Cromford Nr Matlock Bath	An outcrop of gritstone sculpted by the wind and rain, Black Rocks hang high above the village of Cromford with Cromford Moor behind and the High Peak Trail (the former Cromford and High Peak Railway) passing just below. It's a spectacular situation which affords a splendid view of the Derwent valley around Matlock and because of its popularity the area has been designated a country park.
Monsal Head Monsal Head	Monsal Head is a famous beauty spot with a magnificent view down Monsal Dale and up the Wye valley. The position is at a spot where the Wye, on its passage eastwards to meet the Derwent, encounters a band of harder rock and is forced to make a sharp turn southwards and carve its way through a high ridge of limestone. The view is spectacular, with the river far below, winding through a steep-sided and often rocky valley.
Stanage Edge Hathersage	Stanage is the largest and most impressive of the gritstone edges. Situated on the moors north of Hathersage, and visible from miles away down in the Hope Valley, it stretches for a length of approximately six kilometres (3.5 miles) from its northern tip at Stanage End to the southern point near the Cowper Stone. At about is mid-point the edge is crossed by Long Causeway, the old Roman road from Navio (Brough) to Doncaster. It is a famous location fro rock-climbing and a popular spot for walkers.
The Roaches Upperhulme	The Roaches, with Hen Cloud and Ramshaw Rocks, form a gritstone escarpment which marks the south-western edge of the Peak. Best viewed from the approach along the Leek road, they stand as a line of silent sentinels guarding the entrance to the Peak District, worn into fantastic shapes by the elements.
Youlgrave Church Youlgrave	Youlgrave was in the Domesday Book, and the first mention of the church was in 1150, when it was given to St Mary's Abbey in Leicester. However, it is quite likely that there was a church here in Saxon times. The Nave and North Aisle of the church are Norman and date from 1150-1170, but the arches above are early Gothic and it seems likely that the church was altered and added to over a period of years, with several changes in style.
Ashbourne Church Ashbourne	St Oswald's Church, Ashbourne, is one of the grandest churches in Derbyshire. The most noticeable feature is its very tall spire - 212 feet (65 metres) - which dominates the area even though the church lies in the bottom of the valley.

Where to Visit

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