What to do in the Peak District: Our top ten

Those holidaying in the Peak District National Park in the Midlands have plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, plus some great places to learn about the history of the area. Here are 10 of the best ideas to help you decide what to do in the Peak District!

Towns and villages

Bakewell

The lovely town of Bakewell is full of independent shops and the town’s pretty courtyards are perfect for an afternoon stroll. Head to the Old Market Hall, upstairs in this 17th century building you can find the Peak District Photography Gallery showcasing photographs of the best local nature and wildlife. Of course, don’t forget that the town is famous for the Bakewell pudding, created by accident at the Rutland Arms, which still stands in the town today!

Find campsites near Bakewell

Find caravan parks near Bakewell

Matlock

Just a 20 minute drive south of Bakewell is Matlock. The town revolves around Crown Square, and was once a famous spa town. By heading further south to the village of Matlock Bath you get a true sense of the Victorian influence on the area. This village retains many of its 19th century features amidst the stunning Derbyshire countryside. Just outside of the town are the Heights of Abraham, also mentioned separately below.

These links will help you find a local campsite to stay at, as well as more things to do in Matlock Bath.

Family Fun

Chestnut Centre Conservation and Wildlife Park

Located in Chapel-en-Le-frith in the High Peak area, the Chestnut Centre Conservation and Wildlife Park is a 50-acre site home to owls, foxes, Scottish Wildcats and deer. Kids will love seeing the rare giant otter family from South America! There are daily keeper talks about the otter and deer. Entry costs £7.75 for adults and £5.50 for children.

Peak Rail

With the Peak Rail you can enjoy some of the country’s best scenery sitting comfortably in a traditional carriage pulled by a steam or diesel engine. Most of the trains can be taken from Rowlsey South station terminus, and all trains have a buffet car so you can chew while aboard the choo choo! Tickets offer unlimited travel on day of purchase, and cost £7.50 for adults, £6 for seniors, all children £4 or less!

Great Outdoors

Kinder Scout

Many holiday-makers take walks along the Peak District routes. A popular walk is the first stage of the Pennine Way National Trail, starting in Edale and making the ascent up Kinder Scout. The route passes through moorland, leading you up high until you have a great view of the rolling landscape.

Don't forget to detour to Kinder Downfall as part of your walk, it's particularly spectacular on windy days.

Heights of Abraham

Speaking of great views, why not rest your feet after that climb and take a cable car from Matlock Bath to the Heights of Abraham Hilltop Park. As well as the scenic journey up, at the top you’ll find woodland walks, cavern tours and fossil experiences! Admission prices are £13.50 an adult, and £9 a child, with under 5s getting in for free.

Tissington Trail

Take a trip down the former railway known as the Tissington Trail. The trail starts at Ashbourne, and goes through the 350 metre-long former railway tunnel toward Tissington, which means there is a firm cycling surface throughout. If you need to you can easily hire bikes from the start of the trail.

Heritage 

Chatsworth

Widely recommended as one of the most spectacular days out in the Peak District, Chatsworth House has passed down through a staggering 16 generations of the Cavendish family. Parents can enjoy a wander round the peaceful rose gardens and the 30 magnificent rooms of the house, while the kids can run round the large maze! The complete Chatsworth estate tickets cost £19 for adults and £13 for children.

Peveril Castle

Take the steep climb up the hill by the village of Castleton to reach Peveril Castle. The ruins of the castle are now an English Heritage property, and remain one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses. An adult ticket costs £4.60, while a child costs £2.80. The castle is open daily between April and November, and weekends only for the remainder of the year.

Standedge Canal Tunnel

Take a guided trip in a glass-topped boat, learning about the fascinating history of the tunnel along the way. At over 3 miles long, Standedge is Britain’s longest canal tunnel and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways! For the half hour tour, tickets cost £4.50 for adults, £3.50 for children. 2½ hour trips through the whole tunnel cost £10 for adults and £8 concessions.

As you can see, there’s a huge variety of things to do in the Peak District. We hope you find our top 10 useful in setting you off on a fantastic journey!