DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT – WHY GO?
From rugged moorland to rolling hills and dales, and lush meadows to leafy forests, you'll find some fabulous landscapes to explore in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Add historic houses – many of which have been the settings for top Hollywood films – gorgeous gardens and a host of other attractions and you have the perfect recipe for a brilliant break.
MUST SEE, MUST DO
Take a hike
Walking hereabouts is a must, and you’ll want to hit one of the hill trails or moorland walks looping through the Peak District – whether it’s an easy ramble or a demanding climb with superlative views. If you’re into more adventurous stuff, mountain biking and potholing can all be arranged.
Devil’s delicates
Pretty villages include Castleton, watched over by the ruins of Peveril Castle, where you can explore the Peak cavern (less poetically known as the Devil’s Arse!) and Speedwell cavern, where a boat takes you along an underground canal. Buy some local blue stone jewellery from the village shops.
Spring up
Famous for its spring water and festival, Buxton makes a picturesque place to enjoy a day trip to explore the Spring and Pavilion Gardens, or visit the Opera House.
Wallaby spotting
Hikers can head to the craggy bluff of The Roaches to look out for birds of prey and if you’re lucky you’ll see one of a colony of Australian rock wallabies that are descendents of a handful released into the wild there in the 1930s.
Chatsworth House
One of the UK’s most prized stately homes, Chatsworth House and its beautiful gardens are a favourite with Hollywood film producers, having starred in Pride & Prejudice and The Duchess.
MAKE A DATE
July
The Buxton Festival is just the place for lovers of the high arts – two weeks of opera, classical music and literature.
April/May
Get your boots on for the annual Walking Festival.
DERBYSHIRE AND PEAK DISTRICT ROMANCE
Take each other’s breath away on a hike to one of the Peaks for a bird’s eye view of the world.
