Top Things to do in Peak District National Park
Top Hotels in Peak District National Park
Top 10 Things to do in Peak District National Park, England
When it comes to outdoor activities, the Peak District National Park is the whole package. Located in the north of England, the park offers everything from horse riding to rock climbing, windsurfing to paragliding, plus walking trails galore. One trail, Derwent Valley Heritage Way, allows you to take in the area’s open landscape while also showcasing its industrial roots. Discovering hidden underground formations at such spots as Titan Cave (the highest natural cavern in the U.K.) is another popular pastime. Best of all, there are camp- and RV sites throughout so guests can settle into these surroundings.
Restaurants in Peak District National Park
1. Kinder Scout
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 290 reviews
Reviewed By amdgriggs - Sheffield, United Kingdom
I’ve been walking on and around Kinder for nearly 60 years now and it’s probably my favourite place in England for grand walking, certainly if all the places you can reach easily from Sheffield. It boasts a couple of true classic routes (eg up Grindsbrook from Edale, round the southern edge of the plateau westward to Edale Rocks and then down Jacobs Ladder and via Upper Booth, with options to go up Ringing Roger to start to avoid the Grindsbrook crowds, and to extend by heading north across the plateau to Kinder Gates and Kinder Downfall before heading south along the western edge to Jacobs Ladder) - great walks and spectacular in good weather but also never to be underestimated. Kinder is very different in cold, wet or misty weather - I well remember wintry walks on Kinder with my dad as a child, but also more recent occasions when I’ve marvelled at inexperienced and under-equipped walkers up there in descending mist with no map or compass and only a sketchy idea where they want to be. There’s a reason the Edale Mountain Rescue Team is so busy.... Things have changed in the past few years and much of the popular stretch of the plateau edge from Grindsbrook to Jacobs Ladder is now well-engineered with millstone slabs (to control erosion; the centre of the plateau also has far more vegetation than 60 years ago, thanks to extensive replanting of heather and the construction of hundreds of leaky dams which have prevented the further erosion of many of the peat hags. My favourite sections to walk are now some of the quieter and more remote areas at the eastern or northern ends of the plateau, where there are a surprising number of clear but little-used paths and some wonderful rock outcrops. A great walk is to walk up to Hope Cross (eg from Bagshaw Bridge on the Edale side), up to the plateau and then do as long an anti-clockwise circuit as you have the energy for, cutting across to the south side at one of the narrower points and using your navigation skills. There are also paths across the plateau, most not shown on OS maps but clearly shown on (eg) Open CycleMap, which comes free with the ViewRanger app. There’s another fine walk too from the Snake Inn west up Ashop Clough to Ashop Head, then east along the plateau’s northern edge before descending again off Fairbrook Naze. Kinder gets really popular at weekends and in good weather - good to see, of course, and not surprising too as it’s also the start of the Pennine Way - and it’s always good to know there are quieter parts which are just as dramatic and just as wild: check out the iconic Kinder Gates, or the Madwoman’s Stone. Very highly recommended.
2. Ridge Walk Mam Tor to Losehill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 756 reviews
Reviewed By 677KarenL
Highly recommend this walk in the Peak District - it's a firm favourite. I love the great outdoors and this really is an area of unspoilt natural beauty. Walks for all abilities - simply from the NT car park up to the top of Mam Tor peak to take in the views or to carry on and follow the ridge all along and descend into Castletown for a walk around. It's a stunning walk that I will happily do time and time again!
3. Chatsworth House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,431 reviews
Chatsworth, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, is set in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, on the banks of the river Derwent. Explore the historic house for fascinating stories and one of Europe's most significant art collections. In the garden, discover water features, giant sculptures and beautiful flowers set in Britain's most stunning and surprising country estate. Or come face to face with our farm animals in our working farmyard and enjoy adventurous fun in the playground. Furthermore, with holiday cottages and hotels, shops and restaurants, including Britain's best farm shop, you can really make the most of your time with us.
Reviewed By 186louisem - Solihull, United Kingdom
Christmas market???? was Wonderful very well organised lots of different lovely stalls ,food????,drink????, and lovely Christmas presents ideas????.Will be returning next year .As a family we had a lovely day would highly recommend this event.At different times we have also visited the house and gardens which are beautiful
4. Treak Cliff Cavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 738 reviews
Started as a Blue John mine over 300 years ago, Treak Cliff Cavern continues to mine, process and manufacture ornamental items and jewellery from Blue John Stone today. On the 40 minute guided tour visitors can see the most abundant veins of Blue John Stone in the world and some of the 'finest stalactites' in the Peak District. We also have a shop with a vast array of rocks and minerals from around the world. Visit our free to enter museum and read about the history of the mine and see some beautiful antique Blue John ornaments, after which you can enjoy a slice of Blue John cake and refreshments from our on site cafe while admiring the view down the valley.
Reviewed By Sozlovesholisays - Ipswich, United Kingdom
We managed to nip into the cavern just before a bus of school children arrived. We had a private tour with Lorna, she was such a knowledgeable guide as well as being amusing too. We really enjoyed the whole experience including a lovely cup of tea from the on site cafe. All the staff were so friendly it made it so much more enjoyable.
5. Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 436 reviews
Reviewed By My-Nayvee
Pleasant stroll in the sun , walking from Parsley Hay to Hartington and back ... nice and level made for a nice amble... Great for walking and cycling alike ... Off down the other way tomorrow ;)
6. River Wye
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By Fishker82 - Oxford, United Kingdom
Nice run out to Bakewell in the car from Sheffield on a sunny but cold November Sunday afternoon. Many cafe's and shops were open in accordance with COVID-19 rules (lots of queues outside etc.) but you could get fish and chips, cups of tea, snacks etc with ease. Bought some duck food from a local pet shop and fed the ducks whilst walking down the river. Really nice day.
7. Longshaw Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Charlotte_Lottie23 - Derby, United Kingdom
Another amazing walk in the peaks today. Started off at froggart, into the Longshaw estate, on to padley gorge, owlet hill, surprise view and Bole hill. Spectacular views and something for everyone. Quite technical at times but well worth it. Can’t wait to get out again.
8. Derwent Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 364 reviews
Reviewed By 336SarahG336 - Folkestone, United Kingdom
Stunning place for a lovely walk or a bike ride. Car parking all day £5 the cash machines take coins, but visitor centre will take card. There are a number of coloured routes. I started off on the red route which takes you on a circular walk to Derwent Dam. I then did part of the yellow route which took me up to Howden Dam. The views were breathtaking. Would come back again and do the full yellow route approx 10miles
9. Monsal Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,693 reviews
Reviewed By 502albertb - Birmingham, United Kingdom
We hired bikes lovely trail to see amazing views along the way cafes and toilets along the way good for all people of all needs paths wide and safe well recommend
10. Bakewell Old House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
Now open Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 10.30 - 16.00 Atmospheric Tudor building with a large collection of eclectic items. Tudor rooms with massive open fireplaces, wattle and daub screens and beamed ceilings.Discover the history of this Old House and the town of Bakewell. Historic wedding gowns from 1840s upwards currently on display.
Reviewed By wendyY5284AG
It’s housed in a historic building and gives an insight into the growth of the area as you walk through the different rooms with a wide variety of interesting displays and information. We really enjoyed ourselves! Thank you.
