The 10 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Peak District, England

Longshaw is a beautiful part of the Peak District looked after by the National Trust. From a family day out to a base for serious walkers and cyclists, Longshaw has trails for all abilities and interests. Look out for spectacular wildlife and opportunities for photographers, too.

The construction of the Cromford Canal by William Jessop and Benjamin Outram, partners in the Butterley company, was completed in 1794. It is 14.5 miles long and joined Cromford with the Erewash Canal at Langley Mill. The site has a wealth of industrial heritage and lies in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage site. The canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its entire length from Cromford to Ambergate. The 3.3km southern section from Whatstandwell Bridge to Ambergate is a Local Nature Reserve. The canal is a haven for water vole, a threatened and declining species, and for grass snakes, little grebes, moorhen and coots. The southern end towards Poyser's Bridge is excellent for dragonflies. The canal can be explored from the towpath between Cromford Wharf and Ambergate, a distance of just over five miles. The walk from Cromford Wharf to High Peak Junction is suitable for pushchair's and wheel chairs. We manage the section from Cromford to Ambergate for recreation and wildlife. The canal has a very rich and diverse wildlife running through the attractive Derwent Valley and part of it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve can be accessed from the north end at Whatstandwell or at the southern end from Ambergate by a towpath off Chase Road. The old towing path which follows the canal is a public footpath - please note that this path is narrow and uneven in places. Birdswood, a restored narrow boat is run on scheduled trips through the year by the Friends of Cromford Canal. Open to all members of the public. Come and enjoy a peaceful journey along the canal, from Cromford Wharf to High Peak Junction, introduced by a booming announcement from the FCC President, Brian Blessed. Birdswood is also available for private hire and for specialist educational trips. Limited canoeing is permitted on the Cromford Canal between Cromford Wharf and High Peak Junction. Because of the sensitive nature of the canal, numbers are strictly controlled. There's a Changing Places toilet for use by the public in the car park at Cromford Wharf.

Trout fishing reservoir open to everyone. We are a stocked trout fishery with the chance of catching rainbow, blue and brown trout. If you are new or just fancy trying fly fishing we have fishing tackle available to hire. We have both bank and boat fishing available and are open 7 days a week.

Cascades Gardens is a beautiful and interesting garden to visit in Derbyshire, in the historic village of Bonsall near Matlock. Ideal for garden enthusiasts, plantsmen and for those who just want to relax in the beautiful natural surroundings and visit a garden in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Come and explore this fascinating garden which originates from the 18th century and surrounds the ruins of a corn mill, with pond and mill race, canal and an old lead mine. Cascades gardens is set on many levels with a new "garden room" around every corner-perennial flower beds, roses, waterside planting and alpine and conifer rockeries. There is a great view from the cliff top path. Every season brings new surprises with hosts of snowdrops, hellebores, hosta, daffodils, unusual perennial flowers, shrubs, trees and conifers. A wide range of plants in the garden are available for sale in the nursery. The informal gardens have been designed to blend in with the spectacular natural landscape of rocks, cliffs and woodland. The Bonsall brook runs through the garden and flows over the ruined corn mill and many waterfalls which gives the house it's name. In the winter the water can be a torrent and in the summer a gentle trickle. Group visits are most welcome and refreshments for groups can be made available by prior arrangement. Talks are given by Alan Clements, the owner, to clubs and societies. Please contact us for details The historic village of Bonsall has many old buildings, and is a great place to walk in the hills. It has two attractive old pubs that offer a warm welcome and serve good food.

Coombes Valley is a wonderful woodland nature reserve. There is something for everyone including a play trail, woodland walks and plenty of wildlife

Set in the heart of the Staffordshire Peak District; Peak Wildlife Park offers a truly unique and immersive animal experience. Our large walkthroughs allow you to come face to face with exotic and endangered animals from across three continents. Whether you love lemurs, have a passion for penguins or want to wander with the wallabies (and feed them with your hand!)our park has something for you. Our regular keeper talks and on site facilities provide everything you need for an entertaining, exciting and educational day out. The kids will have a wild time enjoying our play area with space hoppers, trikes and large bouncy castle, whilst you can enjoy a relaxing hot drink and delicious snack. Once you’ve done all that…Make sure you meet our Meerkats, look out for otters, see if you can hear the Rheas and DON’T miss our african village (or our Pygmy Goats won’t be happy!). You can do all of this whilst helping to contribute to the conservation of some of the word’s most amazing animals