Jasooralmadinah Travels&Tours: Top 10 Places to Visit in the Peak District

The Peak District spans five counties in the heart of England, offering a contrasting world of natural beauty, historic manors, famous attractions, and quaint market towns. This sublime national park was the first in the United Kingdom, and is the second most visited national park in the world after Japan’s Mount Fuji National Park. The 1,500 square kilometres of land which constitute the national park hold many wonders to be discovered, but here are the top ten places to visit in the Peak District.

10. Matlock

Matlock lies in the southeastern edge of the Peak District and boasts a population of more than 10,000 people. This picturesque town contains many landmark buildings, most of which can found along the inclining Bank Road. It’s easy to get caught up exploring this traditional English village and planning a high allocation of time for a visit is certainly recommended.

Flickr/ [Duncan]

9. Buxton

At the opposite end of the Peak District you will find the spa town of Buxton, which holds the title of ‘highest elevated town in England’. Buxton is often described as the gateway into the Peak District due to its close proximity to municipalities such as Manchester. There are many historic sites to admire in this charming village, with buildings dating back as far as the early 18th century.

Flickr/Frankie Roberto

8. Chatsworth House and Gardens

The glorious Chatsworth House and Gardens are located in the Derbyshire Dales region of the Peak District and has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549. The magnificent 100-acre park, which forms the gardens, is open to the public year-round with many farm animals using the lands for grazing. The house is accessible for a small fee and contains over 30 rooms which are open to the public. Each room contains centuries of history, art, and architecture which is constantly evolving.

Flickr/David Ooms

7. Stanage Edge

Stanage Edge is a breathtaking escarpment, forming the border between the High Peak of Derbyshire and Sheffield in South Yorkshire. The destination is immensely popular with visitors who wish to rock climb, hike, or parasail over the rolling hills. The area is scattered with abandoned millstones from the 19th century, when it was a major centre for the quarrying of these stones.

Flickr/mendhak

6. Haddon Hall

Described as ‘one of the most perfect houses to survive the Middle Ages’, Haddon Hall sits along the banks of the River Wye at Bakewell. The hall dates back to the 11th century with additions visible from periods between the 13th and 17th centuries. Walking through the premises is like taking a step back through time, as visitors can explore architecture progressing throughout the ages. The kitchens and banqueting hall are the oldest parts of the domestic building, dating back to around 1370.

Flickr/alh1

5. Dovedale

Dovedale represents an idyllic countryside setting with steep rolling hills separated by the tranquil River Dove in five kilometres of sublime natural beauty. The valley is now fully owned by the National Trust and is one of the biggest attractions in the Peak District. Within the valley of Dovedale are two caves, which have become known as the Dove Holes. There are several other natural attractions in Dovedale, including Lover’s Leap, Reynard’s Cave, Viator’s Bridge, and Ilam Rock.

Flickr/Lezan

4. Robin Hood’s Stride

Robin Hood’s Stride is a stunning rock formation close to the village of Elton. It is said that Robin Hood strode between the looming stones which are set 15-metres apart. The structure is made of grit stone boulders and is surrounded by Bronze or Iron Age enclosures, the most well-known being a rock shelter known as Hermit’s Cave.

Flickr/Mark Hughes

3. Eyam

The Derbyshire village of Eyam is best-known for its plague story. Known as the ‘plague village’, the residents of Eyam decided to isolate themselves when the plague was discovered in 1665. The villagers would soak coins in vinegar and leave them upon the boundary stone in exchange for goods from nearby towns and villages. There are many places of interest in Eyam with dotted signposts and stories throughout the village.

Flickr/Chris

2. Hardwick Hall

2014 marked the 400th anniversary of this magnificent Elizabethan masterpiece. Hardwick Hall is one of the earliest examples of an English interpretation on the Renaissance style of architecture, and as such, holds much significance. Inside the hall visitors can find a huge collection of embroideries, tapestries, and furniture dating back to the 16th century. The majority of the furniture contained within the house is also incredibly listed in an inventory dating 1601.

Flickr/Tony Hisgett

1. The Tissington Trail

The Tissington Trail has made the number one spot because it encompasses everything the Peak District is about in one 21-kilometre trail. From sublime scenery to ancient architecture, the Tissington Trail is one of the most popular with cyclists and walkers of all ability in England. The trail runs from Parsley Hay in the north of Ashbourne along a former railway line and back around to Mapleton Lane near Ashbourne. Major sites along the way include Tissington Hall, Opus Gallery, the Coldeaton Cutting, the restored Hartington Signal Box, and of course the sweeping views over the sensational dales.