Adventure awaits in the Peak District where stunning countryside meets idyllic towns and villages. This glorious expanse of natural beauty stretches across more than 1,400 square kilometres and features steep limestone valleys, dramatic ridges, and meandering rivers. Whether your idea of excitement is a long hike through the hills or something a little more adrenaline-fueled, you’re sure to find something fun to do here.
The Peak District nestles between some of England’s busiest and most vibrant cities, including Manchester and Sheffield, meaning there are lots of attractions and things to do, both within the park and on the outskirts. It’s no surprise then that this hot spot attracts millions of visitors every year. From staycationers to overseas travellers, couples seeking romantic retreats to group getaways and family breaks.
Luxury self-catering Peak District properties are our speciality. That’s why we offer a selection of quaint holiday cottages by the coast, sprawling mansions with hot tubs and games rooms, as well as pet-friendly pads that welcome the whole family (two-legged or four!). Whether you’re planning a family-friendly summer holiday or an autumnal dog-friendly escape, we can help you find the perfect home away from home in the best location, so you can concentrate on how you’re getting to fit all of the fun in!
Leek
High Peak
Ashbourne
Longnor
Longnor
Over Haddon, near Bakewell
Buxton
Hayfield, near High Peak
High Peak
We offer luxury holiday homes and beautiful self-catering cottages of all shapes and sizes across the Peak District. In the heart of charming market towns, in quiet, pretty villages, and out in rural spots with beautiful countryside views.
Best for: Sweet treats
Famed for its delicious tart, Bakewell is a beautiful market town nestled in the heart of the Peak District. The picturesque town stands on the banks of the River Wye and offers lots of pretty spots from its medieval five-arched stone bridge to The Old House Museum.
Best for: History
Matlock is the historic county town of Derbyshire and lies just east of the national park. It’s a popular base for exploring the local landscapes and evolved, in the 19th century, as a fashionable spa market town.
Best for: Football fun
Nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, Ashbourne is a quaint market town with historic buildings, charming eateries and independent shops. It’s known for its annual Royal Shrovetide Football match and is home to more than 200 listed buildings!
Best for: Landscapes
Castleton is a gorgeous village in the White Peak. Here visitors can explore historic castle ruins, scale the peaks or venture underground.
Best for: Water!
Buxton is a thermal spa town well-known for its most famous export: Buxton Water. It’s a hub of culture with music, theatre and festivals, as well as independent shops, bars and eateries.
Getting out and about under your own steam is one of the best ways of exploring the Peak District; and we’ve got routes to suit all abilities.
Location: Bakewell
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: 8 and a half miles
The Monsal Trail is an accessible route that runs along the former Midland Railway Line between Chee Dale and Bakewell, through some of the area’s most spectacular limestone dales.
Location: Matlock Bath
Difficulty: Moderate
Walk length: One mile
The Lovers’ Walk takes you along the River Derwent and through the woodland before climbing the cliffs for wonderful views. For a longer trail, climb up High Tor for a further mile.
Location: Ashbourne
Difficulty: Easy
Walk length: 13 miles
Tissington Trail is a 13 mile-long route connecting Ashbourne and Parsley Hay. The trail, formerly a railway line, welcomes walkers, cyclists and horse riders all year round.
Location: Castleton
Difficulty: Moderate
Walk length: Eight miles
Start in Castleton and follow this route up to Mam Tor - or ‘Shivering Mountain’ - for stunning views across the Peak District.
Location: Buxton
Difficulty: Difficult
Walk length: One mile
Find out more about Buxton’s little-known coal mining past on this interesting Buxton Coal Mining Heritage Trail. Battle through overgrown footpaths to explore pretty stone bridges, trickling streams, and an old coke oven.
From magnificent country houses to stunning natural landscapes, there’s lots to see and visit in the Peak District.
Location: Bakewell
Best for: Art and architecture
Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth House has been in the Cavendish family for 16 generations. The stunning home, grounds and farmyard are open to visitors, and the estate is renowned for its enviable collection of art spanning 4,000 years.
Location: Matlock
Best for: Watersports
Just eight miles south of Matlock, Carsington Water is a large reservoir that offers visitors the chance to cycle, fish or get out on the water. Try your hand at paddleboarding, kayaking or take the whole family out in a rowing boat.
Location: Ashbourne
Best for: Thrill-seekers
Just 10 miles from Ashbourne is one of the UK’s most exhilarating family-friendly attractions, Alton Towers. Set in more than 500 acres it offers three hotels and over 40 world-renowned white-knuckle rides.
Location: Castleton
Best for: Natural beauty
Head underground to explore the stunning rock formations of Treak Cliff Cavern. Part of the Castleton Site of Special Scientific Interest, it’s one of only two sites where ornamental mineral Blue John is still excavated.
Location: Buxton
Best for: Music
Beautiful Edwardian Buxton Opera House first opened in 1903 and hosts around 450 performances every year including comedy, drama, music and opera. It’s home to the prestigious Buxton International Festival and the Pavilion Arts Centre.