Today, we will be looking at our top things to do in the Peak District.
The Peak District is a beautiful area in England, with many different things to see and do, so it’s pretty easy to have a great day out there! Here are just some of the best things you can do in the Peak District.
The Peak District National Park was created in 1951 and is the first national park to contain parts in different counties, and the Peak district spans Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire, so there’s something for everyone!
The Peak District also has many beautiful places to visit scattered throughout the area, and we are going to look at what we think the best things to do in the Peak District are, so sit back and enjoy.
Monsal Trail
The first of the things to do in the Peak District is the Monsal Trail, an abandoned railway line that’s now a popular Peak District trail used by cyclists, bikers, and walkers.
The Monsal Trail starts in the valley of the River Wye east of Buxton and runs all the way through Calver Peak to Coombs Dale near Bakewell. It is very popular with Peak District enthusiasts due to its varied landscape, including tunnels, viaducts, cuttings and two reservoirs. The Monsal trail follows the route of three different closed railway lines.
The Monsal trail is an 8 mile (13km) stretch with tunnels reaching up to 800ft (244m). It connects Monsal Head, Monsal Dale, Blackwell Mill, Hassop Station and Miller’s Dale. Monsal Head is the Monsal Trail’s highest point at 569 feet (173m). The Monsal trail follows a former Midland Railway route closed in 1968 and reopened as a National Trail in 1981.
The Monsal trail offers visitors to the Peak District an insight into the area’s industrial history, including disused quarries, lime kilns and reservoirs. Monsal Dale is very narrow, with sheer limestone cliffs reaching up to 130 feet (40m) high.
Famous Monsal Trail Highlights include Monsal Head Viaduct, Monsal Dale Viaduct, Cressbrook Mill and the Monsal Tunnel. The trail also passes through a series of small towns and villages, including Monsal Head, Monsal Dale, Blackwell Mill, Hassop Station and Miller’s Dale.
Crich Tramway Village
Crich Tramway Village is in the heart of Crich, situated on the Derbyshire / Nottinghamshire border.
Crich is a small village with just under 4000 people, making Crich a trendy destination for tourists all year round. Crich Tramway is an award-winning heritage attraction with Victorian carriages that have been restored to their original condition. Crich Tramway is one of Crich’s significant attractions, and it tends to be Crich’s busiest attraction all year round.
Crich Tramway is one of Crich’s major attractions, and it tends to be Crich’s busiest attraction all year round. Crich Tramway Museum has six beautifully restored British Victorian carriages and offers full tours with two ‘ghosts’ who tell visitors about Crich’s very own legend. Crich also has the largest working model railway with Crich scenery too full of history, and it is situated right in the heart of Crich.
Buxton Country Park
Buxton Country Park is set in over 200 acres of ancient woodland and offers things to do for all the family.
The park is home to two well-stocked fishing lakes, a café with lovely views over the woods, Buxton’s gorgeous Georgian Opera House and stunning gardens.
Towards the edge of the country, the park is St Ann’s Well Gardens, a unique romantic garden now maintained by a charitable trust.
Being bordered by the River Wye and set in 200 acres of ancient woodland, Buxton Country Park is a great place for things to do during your stay in Buxton.
On-site, you will find two well-stocked fishing lakes for both novice and experienced anglers alike. The park also boasts a café providing lovely views over the woods. In addition, Buxton’s gorgeous Georgian Opera House and stunning gardens can be found within the park.
To finish things off, try visiting the nearby River Wye, a Site of Special Scientific Interest where things to do include nature trails and birdwatching.
Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House is a gorgeous stately home in Derbyshire, England. It’s one of our favourite things to do in the Peak District.
You can do many things at Chatsworth House, which is good if you’re only visiting for the day! Here are just a few things you can get up to while at Chatsworth House.
Chatsworth Farmyard
Our favourite things to do in Chatsworth House is seeing the farm animals, including pigs, chickens and cows! They also have an adorable miniature Shetland Pony called Titch, who lives at Chatsworth House. Don’t worry if the kids are scared of animals, though, because there are no farm animals in the house itself!
Chatsworth House Gardens
The 10 acre walled garden at Chatsworth is well worth a visit. It has everything from topiary to colourful displays, not to mention two pretty lawns where you can sit and enjoy the view after your stroll around this National Trust owned garden.
Chatsworth House Stables
The stables at Chatsworth House are open to the public every day (except Christmas Day), but extra things happen throughout the year! You can find out more about what’s happening here.
Chatsworth house is such a great day out, and it is why I am happy to add it to our list of top things to do in the Peak District.
Tissington Trail
The Tissington trail is a 10-mile trail through the Derbyshire Peak District, and it begins at Parsley Hay, passing settlements including Tissington, Ashbourne Green and Alsop en le Dale before ending at Thorpe Cloud. Part of the trail is built on what was once the Midland Railway line that ran from Ashbourne to Buxton.
The line was closed in the 1960s, and the Trail opened in 1981. The trail is suitable for bikes, horses and pedestrians, and it offers some incredible views along its route and passes through meadows and woodland before opening out into rolling hillsides. Parts of the Tissington Trail follow old disused railway lines that run from Ashbourne to Buxton. The Tissington Trail is also part of the popular National Cycle Network. If you like cycling, then you will enjoy this trail.
Dovedale
Dovedale is a beautiful valley in the Peak District National Park of England, and it is located in the southernmost part of the Peak District, about 8 miles east of Ashbourne and close to the town of Ilam.
Dovedale consists of a series of limestone gorges along its 3-mile length, with Dovedale itself being at the eastern end; Thorpe Cloud and Milldale lie to its west. The River Dove flows through the dale and is joined by a number of other streams and brooks along the way, including Thorpe Water.
A walk following Dovedale from Ilam up to Thorpe Cloud affords some lovely views of the dale, of which our three favourite things to do are:
- Bouldering in Thorpe Cloud Quarry
- Climbing the impressive millstone grit cliffs at Milldale
- Kayaking down Dovedale
The views from the top of Brown Knoll of Dovedale and beyond towards Wales add drama to an already stunning valley.
The River Dove is renowned internationally as one of the world’s best river fly fishing destinations. It has also been identified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its geological significance. Those two reasons alone are enough to add to our list of things to do in the Peak District.
Ridge Walk Mam Tor to Losehill
For all things outdoors activities in the Peak District, this is one of our favourite things to do in the Peak District.
At 4 miles long, starting on top of Mam Tor and finishing at Losehill, it’s a fantastic route that has some genuinely amazing views along the way. You can either park up at Mam Tor or Losehill, and we tend to park at the bottom of Mam tor and walk up to it as part of the route, then go back down to my car after reaching Losehill.
It is one of the great things to do in the Peak District if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, especially with mountains and hills. Ridge Walk Mam Tor to Losehill is one of my favourite things to do in the Peak District.
If you are looking for things to do in the Peak District, get out there, take your car and head out to Ridge Walk Mam Tor to Losehill. You won’t be disappointed.
Derwent Dam
The Derwent Dam is found on the river of Derwent. It was first bought by the North East Corporation Water Works in 1899 and opened for use in 1904. The dam costs £1,500,000 to make and had a water capacity of about 18,660 million gallons. It has an overflow elevation which is 575 ft above sea level. It is one of the biggest dams in the UK and holds no less than four records.
The dams are popular with climbers due to their unique design. The designers left a gap between the parapet and the tower, allowing climbers to enjoy exploring it.
Dams tend to make great photos as they are dramatic, and if you are creative with the lighting and get lucky with the weather, you could get some great photos.
You can find Derwent Dam in Derbyshire. This could be an excellent place to start if you are ever looking for things to do in Derby!
Kinder Scout, More than just a hill
The Kinder Scout is one of the things that local people take for granted in their everyday lives. They see it every day, but how many of them actually stop to look at what’s around them? Whether you live here or are visiting this area, there is more to the beautiful Peak District than just a hill. Here it is on our list of top things to do in the Peak District, including things to do on Kinder Scout!
Kinder Scout is 636 metres above sea level and provides panoramic views of the surrounding areas, including Manchester towards the south and Sheffield towards the north-west. It’s also one of 11 hills in the Peak District, so it’s a great day out for families and friends. There is also a monument on Kinder Scout called the Jubilee Tower, celebrating 50 years since Queen Victoria ascended to the throne.
The easiest way to get there is by car, but you can also walk across Kinder Scout in 5 hours!
Treak Cliff Cavern
Treak Cliff Cavern is one of the things to do in the Peak District National Park. It is a challenging yet rewarding experience for those who choose to enter an underground wonderland that has captured many peoples imaginations.
The Cavern runs special events throughout the year, perfect if you want something different to do over the weekend. The Cavern is “family-friendly” and suitable for all the family to enjoy. Disabled access facilities are also available by prior arrangement.
Treak Cliff Cavern has many things to do and see; each time you visit, there will be something new.
The Cavern is a great place to come and relax, and you will be sure of a warm welcome from the staff and animals.
As you can see from the photos, the Treak Cliff Cavern is indeed awe-inspiring and well worthy of being on our list of things to do in the Peak District.
Longshaw Estate
Longshaw Estate is located in the Peak District National Park, one of the UK’s most popular national parks. Covering 15% of Derbyshire, it offers a vast range of things do to for everyone. The name Longshaw Estate comes from ‘Long Wood’.
In 1928, only 24 young trees were left after a fire had destroyed most things leading up to the estate. However, things are very different now, and Longshaw Estate is an excellent location for days out and things to do in the Peak District.
There are many things we can recommend doing. Firstly, there’s Go Ape, outdoor activity with zip-wires and rope courses that will leave you feeling like Tarzan or Jane, depending on which course you choose.
Go Ape is perfect for children and adults alike. There are options to take children under eight years old, but they must be accompanied by an adult aged 16 or over who can supervise them at all times (costs £20 per adult). For the older child, Go Ape offers something unique and exciting. To book either children, adults or both, visit the website link in the references section to get things started!
There are walks galore for those who want a more relaxing day out in Longshaw Estate. There are many walks to follow around Derbyshire, but for those short on time, we recommend you walk up to Jack’s Waterfall, a four-mile return walk, taking around two hours to complete. Watch nature go by as you breathe in the fresh air and take things easy.
In terms of things to do in Longshaw Estate for children that it would be difficult to name them all here! From family walks to outdoor play, things to do in Longshaw Estate for children can include things like:
- Outdoor play at Clough Wood and Go Ape (see aforementioned)
- birdwatching walks and wildlife spotting
- family walks and hikes up Jack’s Waterfall (see previous)
For those who want to take things a little easier but still be adventuring, there is the option of staying in Longshaw Estate. Things to do in Longshaw Estate overnight, local walks and outdoor activities are always great fun. There are also things like
- cycling
- nice drives –
- horse riding –
- wandering around
Of course, there are things to do in the Peak District or everyone, which is why it’s so popular. Longshaw Estate is just one of the things to do in the Peak District, and there are lots more!
Lumsdale Valley
Lumsdale Valley is a hidden beauty spot tucked away in the Peak District, located around 2 miles from Whaley Bridge. Lumsdale Valley has an almost sunken like appearance, and it looks as though it could be lost amongst all the surrounding hills. It’s a great place to visit for a walk with some stunning views. However, there are other things to do here too!
If you’re driving from Whaley Bridge, follow signs for Chapel en le Frith, and once you reach there, you’ll spot a sign for Lumsdale Valley. You can either drive up or walk as it’s less than a mile from this point. The road has quite a few restrictions on it, so you won’t be able to drive the entire way.
There are many things to do here including walking, cycling or swimming! You can look for yourself, and this is an excellent place if you’re looking for things to do in the Peak District and things to do in Derbyshire.
The Roaches Peak District
The Roaches are one of the central points in this beautiful landscape, so why not visit them? But what should you look out for a while you’re there? Here are our top things to do in The Roaches Peak District.
Botanical Gardens and Nature Trails
The Roaches is full of beautiful things, and one of these things are the Botanical Gardens and Nature Trail. The gardens and trails were opened in the 1960s and have been ever-expanding since then. These days you can see a multitude of different species both native to the Peak District, to South-East England itself, all the way up to Mediterranean specimens.
If you’re a seasoned hiker, you can take a separate trail off the Botanical Gardens. There are multiple things to see along this path, although it is recommended for more experienced hikers only. The views will certainly be worth your while, but there are no guarantees on your safety or comfort throughout this trail.
So that’s It, All of Our Favourite things to do in the Peak District
We hope that you have enjoyed reading about our top things to do in the Peak District and that you have added at least some of our suggestions.
If you have enjoyed reading this, please look at our other “Top Things To Do In…” series as we have covered places like Bath, Manchester, Llandudno, The Isle of Skye, and the Isle Wight. All places are brilliant are well worth a visit.
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