Peak District & Derbyshire

Welcome to the Peak District & Derbyshire and Britain's first national park in the heart of England. Whether this is your first visit to the area or you've already discovered the joys of the breathtaking landscapes, bustling market towns and the area's outstanding cultural and historical heritage, there's always lots to explore!

The stunning and diverse scenery of the Peak District and Derbyshire makes it a paradise for walkers, family cyclists, mountain bikers and adventure sports enthusiasts, as well as for those with a more relaxed approach to nature and the great outdoors!

At the heart of the region is the Peak District National Park, a superb protected landscape of immense variety. The first of Britain's National Parks, it ranges from dramatic high moorland to pastoral green valleys, all rich in wildlife, sprinkled with charming towns and villages. With endless opportunities to relax, explore and discover the great outdoors; here is the chance to take home wonderful memories whilst helping to safeguard this beautiful area for future generations.

The contrasting landscape is never more apparent than in the High Peak to the north, where you’ll find the Derwent Valley’s historic ‘Dam Busters’ dams and the popular show-caverns in picturesque village of Castleton. Lying at the foot of the spectacular gorge of Winnats Pass, the village is dominated by its romantic Norman castle.

Just a few miles away, the elegant spa town of Buxton is fast becoming an unmissable tourist destination, with a growing selection of stylish shops, cafés and restaurants. With world class acts appearing at the stunning Opera House, it is now one of the premier festival venues in England.

Further south the craggy gritstone edges and limestone valleys of the Derbyshire Dales offer endless opportunities for walking and cycling. Here the many charming villages and larger market towns, like Bakewell and Ashbourne, have a traditional ambience steeped in history and with their own unique atmosphere. These are places to wander - quaint side streets, arcades and courtyards are alive with specialist shops offering everything from hand-made chocolates and ceramics to antiques, designer clothing and equipment to tackle the great outdoors.

And of course, there are the bustling farmers’ markets selling a huge range of quality, local produce and much more – enough to give you a real taste of the region! To the west the expansive vistas of the Staffordshire Moorlands include The Roaches, towering gritstone edges beloved of climbers and walkers, overlooking tranquil lakes and reservoirs.

Explore the thriving town of Leek, well known for its antique shops and markets and discover its connections with William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement. But if it’s fun, thrills and spills you’re after, climb aboard a ride at Alton Towers, the UK’s best-known visitor park set amongst the magnificent scenery of the Churnet Valley.

For a more relaxed visit, there’s sailing or fishing, perhaps a nostalgic steam train, or simply pack a picnic and get away from it all among the dales, limestone gorges and quiet tracks of Dovedale and the Manifold valleys.