What to do and see in Peak District, England: The Best Valleys

December 6, 2021 Oliva Fomby

Discover the best top things to do in Peak District, United Kingdom including Chee Dale, Padley Gorge, Dovedale, RSPB Coombes Valley Nature Reserve, Cave Dale.
Restaurants in Peak District

1. Chee Dale

Monsal Trail, Peak District National Park SK17 8TD England
Excellent
90%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Chee Dale

Reviewed By Charlotte_Lottie23 - Derby, United Kingdom

Another beautiful part of the Peak District. Parking was easy to find. Toilets and a cafe, following all COVID-19 rules. Easy to follow path with lots of signs along the way. Lots of opportunities to take some lovely pictures.

2. Padley Gorge

Peak District National Park England
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Padley Gorge

Reviewed By 385gillp - Shrewsbury, United Kingdom

The autumn colour in late October was stunning especially against the wet tree trunks due to recent rain. A bonus of choosing to go on a wet day was far fewer people with the same idea. It's such a beautiful place with the babbling brook, ancient twisted trees and moss covered boulders, walls and trees. Parked at Grindleford station and walked up the right hand side of the brook then across the footbridge at the top and down the other side of the brook. Ground was carpeted with leaves and rocks but as they're gritstone they're not slippery when wet like the limestone area can be. Highly recommended in autumn and I would think springtime would be lovely too.

3. Dovedale

Thorpe, Ashbourne DE6 2AY England +44 1335 350503 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,731 reviews

Dovedale

The National Trust is a registered charity. With your help, we protect some of the most important spaces and places in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We take care of historic houses, gardens, mills, coastline, forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, nature reserves, villages and pubs - and then we open them up for ever, for everyone. Dovedale valley is owned and cared for by the National Trust, with important woodlands, wildflower meadows and impressive limestone rock features throughout the valley. Please note; there is a privately owned car park a short and easy walk from the famous Stepping Stones. This is not a National Trust car park. The nearest National Trust car park is a mile away at Ilam Park, where National Trust member can park for free. There are toilets beside the Dovedale car park and these are owned and maintained by the Peak District National Park Authority. There is a charge of 20p to use these toilets.

Reviewed By dramsman - Hartlepool, United Kingdom

we had a gorgeous days walking here in June, starting from Ilam and heading along the beautiful valley to Millers dale. the perfect clean waters of the river dove sparkled in the sunshine, the lovely rock formations and caves, flowers and wildlife are ever so enthralling. we paused for a coffee and a delicious Cornish pasty at the little shop before heading back to complete a wonderful seven mile walk.

4. RSPB Coombes Valley Nature Reserve

Six Oaks Farm, Ashenhurst Lane Six Oaks Farm, Bradnop, Leek ST13 7EU England +44 1538 384017 [email protected] http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/seenature/reserves/guide/c/coombeschurnet/about.aspx
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 83 reviews

RSPB Coombes Valley Nature Reserve

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

Reviewed By Ethleigh - Coventry, United Kingdom

One of my favourite places. We seek out reserves that have a no dog policy so that we can enjoy wildlife and nature without dog walkers dominating. It's beautiful one of the few places I can relax outside. Everybody is friendly and calm. We always see plenty of birds and like how each bit of the reserve has a different feel and there is some hilly sections up into the woods. The lady who is in the shop is really nice and enjoyed talking to her. It would be a nice place to take children too as there is a big flat accessible walk with a play trail.

5. Cave Dale

Castleton, Peak District National Park England
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Cave Dale

Reviewed By ropentastones - St Helens, United Kingdom

To see the best views (and escape from the maddening crowds) then you need to climb up through Cave Dale. At the bottom is an interesting information board, and then a steady climb up a small rock strewn path leads up to the top and level with the castle. When you reach the top and then head right, and not through the gate, and you will see Peveril Castle. As you walk towards the castle the area at the end facing the castle is the original entrance to it. Where you are standing is actually where a small market was held selling wares to the castle inhabitants. Lovely bit of history and the views down Cave Dale and over Castleton are amazing. Definitely worth the walk up.

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