Although stretching to include parts of Cheshire, Staffordshire, Greater Manchester, as well as south and west Yorkshire, most of the area known as the Peak District falls within the county of Derbyshire and under the auspices of the Peak District National Park. As the fifth largest national park in England and Wales, and one of the most-visited national parks in the world, the area offers the visitor a wonderfully diverse landscape of moorland and limestone countryside, in addition to beautiful towns and villages, and numerous historic country homes.
Things to do in the Peak District
The Peak District can offer the weary traveller some wonderful outdoor pursuits, with walking, mountain biking, rock climbing and canoeing at the forefront of many itineraries. Other more unusual and extreme sporting tastes are also catered for, whether hang gliding, paragliding or navigational training; alternatively take a more sedate approach to leisure, with craft courses and guided cultural tours.
In addition to the wonders of the Peak District National Park, there is a wide selection of places to visit, including the amazing stately estate at Chatsworth, the historic homes at Haddon and Hardwick Halls, the Zoos at Blackbrook and Twycross, sporting activities at the renowned Uttoxeter Racecourse and Doveridge Clay Sports, not to mention the theme park and other family activities at Alton Towers.
Top Destinations
Glossop - This former mill town lies just outside the National Park boundaries and is known to have been settled in the Bronze Age. As the wool and cotton spinning industries developed, the proximity of the town to a plentiful water supply enabled the new commerce in cotton to take advantage of Richard Arkwright’s water-powered spinning frame. By the mid 1800s, the arrival of the railway helped to increase the population six-fold in less than 50 years.
Buxton - Once a Roman spa town, the reputation of the spa waters was enhanced in Tudor times by the endorsement of Mary, Queen of Scots. The 5th Duke of Devonshire was responsible for much of the fine Georgian and Regency architecture, including the Crescent and the Great Stables (now known as the Devonshire Dome). The Pavilion, Gardens and Opera House are a testament to the further embellishments of the Victorian and Edwardian periods.
Bakewell - A small market town in the Derbyshire Dales, close to both Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall, Bakewell is still well-known as the home of the eponymous sweet pudding and tart.
Chatsworth - Home to the Dukes of Devonshire, the estate - including an award-winning farm shop - was developed into one of the leading 20th century English stately residences by the formidable Dowager Duchess, the former ‘Debo’ Mitford and widow of the 11th Duke.
Matlock - On the south eastern edge of the Peak District, this former spa town sits on the River Derwent; the county town, it was once home to the steepest tramway in the world.
Chesterfield - Derbyshire’s largest town is the site of one of the largest open air markets in the country. Best known for the ‘crooked spire’ of St Mary and All Saints church, the town was once at the centre of the coal mining industry. The Elizabethan splendour of Hardwick Hall lies nearby.
Situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park Situated on the very edge of The Peak District National Park, these delightful holiday barns (refs 27143, RCHP132, RCHP133, RCHP140) have been sympathetically ...
The Old Byre, Thorncliffe, Thorncliffe, Staffordshire
Situated on a country road, this attractive detached barn set in the grounds of the owners? home has been lovingly converted, retaining many original features and beams. Celebrating excellent views over the surrounding ...
Come and stay in a beautiful 18th century cottage in the scenic heart of the Peak District National Park.
Imagine your whole party of 11 people all seated around one table enjoying that special Aga cooked meal in front of ...
Recently Created, 1 Double room with on suite shower room and toilet
Open plan living area, with kitchen and sitting area
Very warm and cosy and surprisingly light for a Basement Flat
The flat has electronic access, ...
Hog Cottage, 18 Gorsey Bank, Wirksworth, Wirksworth, Derbyshire
Hog Cottage is an idilic Derbyshire Luxury Holiday Cottage and is located in the market town of Wirskworth. Leaving the town you start to climb up a hill towards the small hamlet of Gorsey Bank and its quaint haphazard ...
...Royals; our pick of the best castles in England will help you discover the thrill and realism of true medieval life! Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire Baked by the scorching sun for over 500 years, pink-tinged Bolsover Castle exudes a romanticism commonly associated with Royal palaces...
...region's dishes are influenced by port and wines too! Discover our pick of the county's best loved traditional foods - real ale optional. Market Drayton Gingerbread The history of Market Drayton and gingerbread have been intertwined for as long as anyone can remember. The earliest...
140 displayed of 140 properties found, no date selected
'Fine cottages and facilities ? in a county of unspoilt landscapes, deep dales and winding rivers . . .' This fine courtyard of old stone barns was part of a working farm, but has now been sensitively converted to offer ...
Ideal touring baseThis traditional terraced holiday cottage is set right in the heart of all the local amenities of Alfreton. It has been tastefully decorated to provide a cosy and welcoming environment. All the ...
This spacious, refurbished, terraced, holiday cottage is ideally situated close to the Peak District National Park, Peak Forest Canal and Whaley Bridge Basin. The Torrs and Sett Valley Trail are only 250 metres away. ...
This delightful, spacious, terraced holiday cottage sits in the centre of Tideswell, the cathedral in the Peaks, with excellent walks from the doorstep, cycle trails, climbing nearby and watersports at the beautiful ...
This modern, stone-built, detached cottage, located on the edge of Hathersage village, offers the perfect base from which to experience the spectacular Peak District landscapes, traditions and attractions. Within a 5 ...
This attractive 18th century stone cottage is situated between Clay Cross and Ashover. It has a garage and an enclosed garden. It is within easy reach of the ?crooked spire? town of Chesterfield, also Bakewell and Matlock. ...
With spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, guests can relax and unwind in a wonderful peaceful setting in this beautifully renovated detached holiday barn, in the owners? grounds, next to RSPB Coombes Valley ...
Rural locationThis superb barn renovation, situated on a working farm, is done to a very good standard. The kitchen has all amenities and leads into a living/dining room of good proportions with a full height picture ...
Set in a quiet hamlet this sympathetic end of barn conversion, adjoining owner?s home, is an ideal holiday location for walking direct from the door. Alternatively both Bakewell and the spa town of Buxton are within 5 ...
Situated on a quiet peaceful lane, this 400 year old detached holiday cottage has been renovated to a very good standard whilst still retaining the original inglenook fireplace and beams. This charming rural village is ...
Situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park Situated on the very edge of The Peak District National Park, these delightful holiday barns (refs 27143, RCHP132, RCHP133, RCHP140) have been sympathetically ...
Situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park Situated on the very edge of The Peak District National Park, these delightful holiday barns (refs 27143, RCHP132, RCHP133, RCHP140) have been sympathetically ...
'Fine cottages and facilities ? in a county of unspoilt landscapes, deep dales and winding rivers . . .' This fine courtyard of old stone barns was part of a working farm, but has now been sensitively converted to offer ...
Cedar Cottage, Waterhouses, Waterhouses, Staffordshire
Situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park Situated on the very edge of The Peak District National Park, these delightful holiday barns (refs 27143, RCHP132, RCHP133, RCHP140) have been sympathetically ...
Excellent touring baseSituated on a working farm, this Grade II listed property is located adjacently on a former manor house and chapel site dating back to 1369. This semi-detached converted barn has been internally ...
This charming and tastefully modernised, semi-detached traditional stone cottage sits hidden in the centre of Tideswell (the Cathedral in the Peaks) with so much to occupy your time you will be spoilt for choice. Enjoy ...
This delightful 18th century semi-detached holiday cottage stands in the village square of Castleton, surrounded by spectacular Peak District countryside. Perfectly located for outdoor enthusiasts, there is good cycling, ...
Scenic location Chestnut Farm, a 17th century Derbyshire farm, longbarn and dairy have been sympathetically converted into five individual properties that combine modern comfort with the distinctive construction methods ...
This tastefully refurbished traditional terraced stone cottage is located in a quiet lane across from Matlock Golf Course and lies only 1½ miles from the centre of Matlock. The large south facing sun lounge, offering ...
Clifton Cottages, comprising spacious Clifton Cottage, a large Georgian house and formerly the owners? home, together with the smaller former groom?s cottage, Clifton Edge, has been converted with much care to provide ...
This beautifully restored semi-detached 18th century cottage, created from one of the oldest buildings in the area, adjoins the owner?s antique shop in the Peak District village of Whaley Bridge some 8 miles from Buxton, ...
On the border of the Peak National Park, this end terrace, period holiday property, over 200 years old, is in an elevated position with countryside views. Ideally located for outdoor pursuits, both the Dark Peaks and the ...
With views over the church and surrounding countryside, this pretty cottage lies just a short stroll from the centre of Bakewell with its specialist array of shops, pubs and restaurants. Furnished to a high standard, it ...
This spacious end terrace cottage, with country views, stands above the Tideswell village market place. In the heart of the White Peak, it has been modernised from three 18th-century tithe cottages to provide comfortable ...
This well-preserved, three-storey weaver?s cottage is one of a row set in the quiet Sir Richard Arkwright Society Heritage Site. Beautifully restored, it was built in the 1770s for the weavers who worked at the world?s ...
Quiet village locationSituated on the edge of the owner?s small holding, this pretty semi-detached barn has been converted to offer excellent holiday accommodation, retaining many of its original features. There is also an ...
Crow Hill, a country house estate, is on the edge of the National Trust Marsden Moor, in the heart of beautiful Yorkshire. This dramatic moor landscape offers the most amazing location for each of these properties, ...
This detached, chalet-style holiday property is conveniently situated in a peaceful setting on the outskirts of Matlock, with local amenities on the doorstep. Popular local attractions include Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall ...
Stunning views This beautiful 17th century Grade II listed cottage in the centre of the charming village of Beeley, part of the Chatsworth Estate, offers the comforts of modern living whilst retaining its character, ...
Enjoying a rural location and wonderful views, these two barn conversions (refs RB8 and RTT4) are furnished to a high standard throughout. Dewsnaps Spring is single storey and lies close to Dewsnaps Frost, which adjoins ...