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.
Swallow Croft is a detached bungalow just 1 mile from the popular town of Matlock on the edge of the Peak District. This holiday property is conveniently all on the ground floor level and has been tastefully decorated, ...
Railway Cottage, Longcliffe, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, Brassington
Railway Cottage is a truly wonderful, two bedroom, detached holiday cottage, set within the gorgeous High Peak, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the owner living next door. Situated in the grounds of a former ...
Framed by ancient copper beeches our farmstead nestles at the foot of Wetton Hill surrounded by miles of rolling countryside. Close to popular Dovedale, the Manifold Valley Cycle Trail, tranquil Alstonefield, busy ...
This imposing 19th century building was originally the coach house and stables for the nearby ‘Owl Coaching Inn’ (reputedly a haunt of highwayman Dick Turpin), that’s now a farm some 2 miles from the historic Derwent ...
If you’re looking for somewhere special to stay then look no further than Fishermans Lodge in the very heart of the Peak District, situated on the riverside with private fishing just at the bottom of your very own ...
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, ...
On the border of the Peak District National Park, this end terrace period holiday property dates back over 200 years. It is accessed via a short steep track and its superb elevated position means that it benefits from ...
This delightful, detached cottage lies within the village of Snelston, just 3 miles away from the thriving, picturesque market town of Ashbourne. Furnished to a high standard, this lovely property features a well-equipped ...
Far reaching views from every windowCrow 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 ...
Alphin Apartment is a beautiful first floor apartment that can be found on the edge of Saddleworth Moor, and is situated alongside a main road which makes for easy access to the surrounding area. Located in a converted ...
'Fine cottages and facilities – in a county of unspoilt landscapes, deep dales and winding rivers . . .''Fine cottages and facilities – in a county of unspoilt landscapes, deep dales and winding rivers . . .'This fine ...
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 ...
These three superb holiday apartments, Apartment 2 (UK4144), Apartment 1 (UK4145) and Apartment 3 (UK4146) can be found in the heart of historic Buxton, just a few steps from the wealth of attractions and facilities that ...
These three superb holiday apartments, Apartment 2 (UK4144), Apartment 1 (UK4145) and Apartment 3 (UK4146) can be found in the heart of historic Buxton, just a few steps from the wealth of attractions and facilities that ...
Appleshine Cottage is a Grade II listed barn, dating back to the 17th-Century, which has been lovingly restored into a characterful holiday home and has retained many of its original features including exposed stone walls ...
This delightful, spacious, mid-terraced holiday cottage is warm, cosy and beautifully presented with great finishing touches. It sits in a prime location within the Peak District National Park in the centre of Tideswell, a ...
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 ...
Bagteel Cottage is a wonderful terraced cottage which can be found on a quiet street in the shadow of the local parish church, in the heart of the Peak District village of Tideswell. Set over three floors, the finish ...
This detached barn conversion, adjacent to the owner’s home, is in a great holiday location in the heart of Bakewell and enjoys a quiet courtyard setting. Bakewell is an historic market town with high quality shops, ...
Barn End Cottage, Blackwell in the Peak, near Buxton, Derbyshire, Tideswell
With stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and centrally located in a quiet hamlet in the Peak District National Park, this sympathetic barn conversion adjoins the owner’s home.This is an ideal location for ...
Barn Owl Cottage originally started its life as an 18th-century barn which has been thoughtfully converted into a wonderful holiday cottage. The owners have taken great pride in maintaining some original features whilst ...
Barn Owl Lodge, near Carsington,, Brassington, Derbyshire
This inviting, semi-detached cottage has been thoughtfully and lovingly decorated throughout with contemporary and comfortable furnishings. Located within the owner’s grounds you are only a short walk from Carsington ...
Bentley's Barn, Press, near Matlock, Derbyshire, Chesterfield
Bentley’s Barn is a great example of an idyllically placed barn conversion situated on the edge of the small village of Press, near Ashover, and only 6 miles from the popular tourist town of Matlock. Beautifully placed ...
Situated on the very edge of the Peak District National Park, these delightful holiday barns (refs 27143, RCHP132, RCHP133, RCHP140) have been sympathetically converted and now form part of a courtyard. Furnished and ...
In what can only be described as a true rural location, Blackclough Farmhouse dates back over 100 years and offers magnificent panoramic views over the Peak District, Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire countryside. ...
Set between the Peak District villages of Calver and Baslow in the heart of the Peak District National Park and next to the owner’s home, Blackcurrant Cottage can be found at Stanton Ford Farm, a working beef farm, and ...
This delightful semi-detached bungalow lies in an idyllic location, surrounded by the spectacular countryside of the White Peak and close to the owner’s home, offering an ‘away from it all’ holiday retreat and is ...
This delightful semi-detached bungalow lies in an idyllic location, surrounded by the spectacular countryside of the White Peak and close to the owner’s home, offering an ‘away from it all’ holiday retreat and is ...
Brankley Cottage, Dunstall Cross, near Barton-under-Needwood,, Stafford, Staffordshire
Ground floor: Living room with tiled floor. Dining room/kitchen with tiled floor. Conservatory. Separate toilet. First floor: 2 double (5ft) bedrooms one with additional single with pull-out single. (for children). ...
Located in the heart of the Peak District National Park in the picturesque hamlet of Hulme End, this stylishly converted stone holiday cottage dates back to the 1880s and comes complete with the opportunity for free ...
From the spacious living room with high ceilings and quality furnishings, to the well-equipped kitchen/dining room with all the mod-cons you could need, this duplex apartment is perfect for couples and small families. ...
This detached house features bi-folding doors on two sides of the living room, which open out onto uninterrupted views. Enjoy your own private hot tub and take in the peaceful surroundings from the beautiful garden. Other ...
Butterton Cottage, Carsington, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, Brassington
'Fine cottages and facilities – in a county of unspoilt landscapes, deep dales and winding rivers . . .''Fine cottages and facilities – in a county of unspoilt landscapes, deep dales and winding rivers . . .'This fine ...
Ground floor: Living room with tiled floor. Dining room/kitchen with tiled floor. Bathroom with shower over bath and toilet. First floor: 2 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 twin, both with wooden floor. Z bed (for + child). ...
This detached barn conversion overlooks the village of Ashover. With a commanding position above the valley it sits in 25-acre grounds and lies adjacent to Goss Hall, the owners’ Grade II Elizabethan manor house. A ...
Callow Cottage, Carsington, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, Brassington
'Fine cottages and facilities – in a county of unspoilt landscapes, deep dales and winding rivers . . .''Fine cottages and facilities – in a county of unspoilt landscapes, deep dales and winding rivers . . .'This fine ...
This thoughtfully renovated, terraced cottage is perfectly situated in the pretty Derbyshire village of Elton, with delightful views over the surrounding Derbyshire countryside. Carpenters Cottage boasts a cosy living ...
United Kingdom cottages
