Central Location

The beauty of the Peak District is in its central location. Situated right in the centre of England, it is easily accessible by car from all directions, with a multitude of A roads serving the larger towns in the area. The Peak District’s proximity to the M1 makes it a perfect rural escape for those living in the capital and, with a number of airports within easy reach, those travelling from further afield needn’t miss out on all the area has to offer. If you are looking to enjoy the best of both worlds and want a side order of city life to go alongside your time in the countryside, Manchester and Sheffield – both cities investing in the regeneration of their main shopping areas – are within easy reach.

Breath-taking Scenery

The stunning scenery of the Peak District is beautiful at all times of year, with the wide expanses of moorland changing colour with the seasons against the angular faces of the area’s famous gritstone and limestone backdrops. From the muted purple heather to the sunshine yellow of bog asphodel, the rich flora and fauna of the region brings a natural beauty and softens what could otherwise be a harsh landscape. The eagle-eyed will spot species such as hares and buzzards in the wild, too.

The striking landscapes have appeared in both the BBC’s ‘Jane Eyre’ and ITV’s ‘Peak Practice,’ sharing the beauty of the region with the nation, whilst the Hollywood adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’, which was filmed in the area, took it one step further, bringing the breath-taking scenery of the Peak District to the international stage.

The Outdoor Life

If you are a person who enjoys the outdoor lifestyle, the Peak District is the perfect place for a visit. Ramblers love the variety of country walks and the rock-climbing community adore Stanage Edge, Burbage, and Curbar Edge – even if you are not a climber yourself, it can be fun to watch others scaling the rockfaces. Mam Tor and Kinder Scout are popular routes for hillwalkers – make sure to take photos when you reach the top!

Cyclists have plenty of options too, from the easy-going tunnels of the Monsal Trail to the more challenging ride up Winnets Pass. If you don’t have a bike of your own, the Peak District National Park has hire centres in Ashbourne, Derwent, Manifold, and Parsley Hay.

For a splash of outdoor swimming, there’s the heated pool in Hathersage – a gorgeous traditional swimming pool, which has recently undergone refurbishment. With stunning views of the hillsides beyond the veranda, it is a perfect way to relax. Booking is recommended, especially in high season.

With other outdoor sports including canoeing, abseiling, and paragliding all on offer, why not embrace your wild side during your visit to the Peaks? Who knows, you may find an adventurous new hobby!

The Simple Life

For anyone looking to escape the stresses of life, the Peak District is a perfect hideaway. Life moves at a slower pace here, so whether you choose to enjoy a coffee in one of the traditional cafes as you watch the world go by or take time out with a good book as you soak up the sun, you can truly unwind.

Take time to enjoy the peace and quiet by breathing in the fresh air and if you want to follow the age-old tradition of collecting spring water, take a visit to St Ann’s Well in Buxton. The Grade II listed thermal spring was built on the site of a well dating back to the Roman era.

A Proud History

There are many caves and caverns in the area, with Castleton being home to some of the best show caverns in the UK. Marvel in the mining history of the Peak District at Blue John or visit Peak cavern – which has the intriguing nickname ‘The Devil’s Arse’. The Speedwell Cavern boat trip will give you memories to last a lifetime. Culminating at the Bottomless Pit – a huge subterranean lake – take in the stalactites and stalagmites on your journey. Not for the claustrophobic!

The quaint village of Eyam became famous following the plague of 1665-1666 when villagers took it upon themselves to isolate from neighbouring villages to stop the spread of the deadly disease. Families agreed to bury their dead on land close to their home rather than in the churchyard because they believed unburied bodies may still be able to infect others – a great sacrifice. A museum dedicated to the unique history of the village is a thought-provoking visit. You can’t fail to be moved by the story of Elizabeth Hancock, who buried her husband and six children over eight days; take the short walk to their final resting place (known as the Riley graves) and reflect on the great act of love carried out by the people of Eyam.

Hathersage Parish Church, where Olympian Jessica Ennis-Hill tied the knot, is home to the grave of Robin Hood’s Little John. The name is ironic as when the grave was excavated in 1784, a 30-inch thigh bone was discovered, which would suggest a body of well over seven feet tall.

Derwent Dam wrote its way into the history books as the training ground for the Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron, who deployed the bouncing bomb on Nazi Germany during WWII. The nickname ‘The Dam Busters’ was used for Michael Anderson’s 1955 film based on the squadron’s remarkable story. As well as a site of historical significance, Derwent is a popular route for runners, walkers, and cyclists.

Chatsworth House, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire, is an imposing stately home set in a 35,000-acre estate. Home to artworks as diverse as Rembrandt’s ‘A Man in Oriental Costume’ and Nick Dutton’s bust of Pride and Prejudice’s Mr Darcy reside at Chatsworth and lovers of literature will also be fascinated by the link between the home and the Mitford sisters. The gardens are wonderful, especially the focal piece, the cascade waterfall. During the summer months, youngsters enjoy paddling in the water, so do bring a towel if you fancy a dip!

Fun For All Ages

There really is something for everyone in the Peak District, which is why it appeals to the whole family. From stately homes like the National Trust’s Haddon Hall to the zoo at Peak Wildlife Park, there is no shortage of day trips for those who like to sightsee. The cable cars to the Heights of Abraham at Matlock Bath will delight all ages, and for children looking for thrills, Gulliver’s Kingdom theme park is sure to hit the spot.

Dogs will also love the freedom the countryside offers. The area around Padley Gorge and the Longshaw Estate is popular with dog walkers or you can follow the Goyt Way along the Peak Valley Canal and River Goyt for a scenic walk taking in the industrial mill heritage of the region on Torrs Riverside Park and Millennium Walkway.

Food and Drink

Foodies are well catered for in the Peaks, with a host of country pubs serving hearty meals for the everyday treat to a number of Michelin listed restaurants within the area if you want to splash out on a celebratory meal.

If you want to blend in with the locals, try delicacies with their roots firmly in the Peak District. You may have heard of a Bakewell tart, but if you’re in the pretty riverside town, a visit to the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop is a must. The sweet treat (which started life as a happy accident two hundred years ago when a cook misunderstood the recipe for a strawberry tart) is made up of puff pastry, strawberry jam, soft custard, and almonds. The Bakewell tart is the pudding’s younger sibling, with the familiar, white-iced coating finished with a glace cherry. Fans of savoury food may prefer the famous Hartington stilton cheese available from Matlock’s Pike Hall Farm, one of only six dairies licensed to make Stilton.

Real ale aficionados will appreciate a visit to the Thornbridge Brewery in Bakewell to sample local favourites such as hoppy IPA Jaipur and the soft-bodied vegan option, Green Mountain. They also brew gluten-free beers.

For an all-age treat, stop off at Bradwell’s ice cream parlour. With over 100 years experience of making quality ice cream, it is no wonder it is popular with tourists and locals alike.

This is just a fraction of what the Peak District has to offer, and half the fun is making your own discoveries. Rent in the Peak District, explore the area, and see what you can find!