Home to Britain’s first National Park, the Peak District is big on natural beauty and historic charm
This scenic destination spans the counties of Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. Peak District National Park draws keen walkers from around the world who come to enjoy the freedom of being able to hike 1600 miles of public rights of way, explore caves, castles and fortresses, and dine in cosy country pubs. Whether you'd prefer to lace up your hiking boots and explore the Peak District on foot, cycle or simply soak up the village atmosphere, the Peak District is waiting for you.
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Explore the town of Bakewell
Located on the River Wye, Bakewell is best known for its sweets. Most people have heard of a Bakewell tart, filled with layers of jam and frangipane, but Bakewell is also home to a matching almond-flavoured dessert which was accidentally invented in the 18th century and continues to be made to a top-secret recipe. Treat yourself one of the town’s famous tarts or puddings as you explore the arched bridges, narrow shopping streets and stone cottages which make this town so picturesque. If you’ve read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, you’ll probably recognise Bakewell as 'Lambton' in the novel.
Explore Longshaw Estate
Lace up your hiking boots and discover the ancient landscape, tumbling streams and fascinating history of Longshaw Estate which covers 1600 acres (647 hectares). Once used for shooting by the Duke of Rutland, the estate of moorland and woodland is now managed by the National Trust. Make your way through rhododendron bushes, past moss-covered barns and grazing sheep, over babbling brooks, boulders weathered into natural sculptures, and along the heather and gorse flanked packhorse trails which once connected Sheffield to the salt wells of Cheshire. The views of the Peak District are superb.
See the sights around Bamford
Bamford is a small village with a big choice of things to see and do. Ladybower Reservoir, one of Britain’s largest historic reservoirs, is a great spot to enjoy a picnic lunch and views over the water. If the reservoir is full, you’ll get to see what the locals call ‘the plughole’, a huge 78 foot (24m) wide drain that resembles the plughole in the bathtub back at your hotel. Bamford also has plenty of rolling hills and picturesque moorland for hiking adventures. Don’t miss the walk to the top of nearby Mam Tor.
Marvel at Blue John Cavern
Blue John Cavern is named after the fourteen known varieties of Blue John stone which have been mined in the caves using picks and shovels for centuries. Miners still work here during the tourist off-season. Tours of the cave take around 45 minutes and pass through caverns up to 150 feet (45 metres) high filled with stalactites, stalagmites and mining equipment used to remove Blue John stone from the veins of limestone. Ask as many questions as you like as your guide is also one of the miners who works the seams.
Have a pint at a historic pub
Whether you’re after a pint at a simple country pub or would prefer to dine on Michelin-starred cuisine, you’ll find what you’re looking for and more in the Peak District’s pubs. After you’ve checked out Ladybower Reservoir, head to the nearby Yorkshire Bridge Inn for a refreshing ale. Housed in a historic coaching inn, The Old Hall Inn at Whitehough has a bar specialising in local brews. Some grand estates even have their own pub, like The Devonshire Arms which is part of Chatsworth Estate. If the weather is chilly, there’s a cosy fire at The Castle in Castleton.
Tour castles and historic houses
The Peak District is packed with castles and historic houses to explore. Walk in the footsteps of Henry II at Peveril Castle in Castleton, one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses. The lush formal gardens and parklands at Elvaston Castle Country Park are free to explore with plenty of room to go for a stroll. Head to Hardwick Hall in Chesterfield and you’ll discover excellent walks and some of the world’s best Elizabethan tapestries. The atmospheric, crumbling grandeur of Calke Abbey provides an understanding of the hard work required to maintain a country estate.
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