Our favourite Peak District pubs

Sitting in a sunny pub garden, or in front of a crackling fire, pint in hand, dinner in tummy, and watching the world go by. After a day exploring, relaxing in the pub has to be one of the best feelings in the world, turning the weariest of travellers back into happy campers.

And where better to do it than the beautiful Peak District national park? Read on for some of our favourite waterholes to unwind in.

We've even made a list of Peak District campsites near pubs for you! 

Old Hall Inn

Old Hall Inn is an impressive combination of a 16th century coach inn attached to an Edwardian manor house. The pub has won a whole host of awards and is a big supporter of local breweries so you are guaranteed a great pint here. Both the beer and the food menus change regularly so you will be treated to a range of tasty delights! If you don’t mind a short drive, then most of the major Peak District attractions are easily reached from here. The nearest sight is the healing springs at Buxton which was popular with the Romans, Queen Mary, and Noel Coward. There are several camping and caravan sites in the vicinity too.

Red Lion

The Red Lion has transformed from a 17th century coach inn into a modern gastro pub with an AA rosette. The interior is a trendy but comfy lounge with a blend of old world features and contemporary furniture. All the food is locally sourced, with the pub providing its own garden salad and herbs. Sandwiches cost £5.95, whilst the two course market menu is £12.95. The pub is located in Stone Edge with the best camping options approximately 10 miles away in Bakewell or Chatsworth, which are also great for day trips.

Rambler Inn

Step inside the imposing exterior to find a warm and homely bar open to all, including dogs! Rambler Inn is the gateway to the Pennine Way and there are some great trails near Kinder Scout with breathtaking views on the Inn’s doorstep. After a hearty day’s hiking, indulge with a quality (but reasonably priced) pub dinner and a pint of hand pulled real ale. Located in the heart of Edale, both the train station and several campsites are within a few minutes’ walk.

The Old Nag’s Head

Another Edale village gem is the Old Nag’s Head which dates back to 1577. To celebrate its extensive history, the pub offers its own brew called the Nags 1577. Like Rambler’s Inn, the pub is perfectly situated for exploring the Pennine Way and Kinder Scout, with camping and caravan sites nearby. As the pub is used to hikers, it is dog friendly, relaxed about muddy boots, and offers great value food. The Old Nag’s Head is regarded as one of Britain’s top 100 pubs.

Cheshire Cheese Inn

Odd name for a pub, isn’t it? Well, in the pubs early days, the Cheshire Cheese Inn was an overnight stop off point on the old salt transportation route. Accommodation was paid for with cheese, hence the name. Unfortunately, cheese is no longer a valid payment method, but you will still experience the same relaxed old world setting, plus a great selection of local ales. The Inn is located on the outskirts of Hope village and is close to Castleton and the Blue John caverns. If you are the adventurous type, the pubs landlord is a mountaineering instructor and runs a range of outdoors courses. There are camping and caravan sites in and around Hope with easy access via road or rail.

Devonshire Arms

Originally three separate cottages, the Devonshire Arms was converted into a coach inn in 1747 and has seen several distinguished visitors pass over its threshold, such as Charles Dickens. It is also rumoured to be the meeting location of King Edward VII and his mistress Alice Keppel. The pub is divided into a traditional lounge with an open fireplace, a bright and colourful brasserie, and the Vault with a giant table for special occasions. Meals are under a tenner, campsites are right on the pubs doorstep, and Chatsworth is only short drive or hike away. Perfect!

Experiencing the best pubs of the Peak District is a way of making your experience of this beautiful national park just a bit more ‘English.’ These Peak District pubs are a haven for brilliant local food and ales. They are also a place to recharge after a day’s exploring, and provide a unique insight into the local history and community life.